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From Huntington take West Neck Road North out of town through Llyod Harbor, cross the causeway and you are almost there. Park entrance is on the left.
General Description: Caumsett State Historic Park, is situated on a secluded, scenic Penninsula which extends into the Long Island Sound. This scenic park is one of the few remaining undeveloped coastal wetland ecosystems located on the North shore of Long Island. The protected bay, mud flats, and salt marsh areas provide a diversity of fish and wildlife habitats. Many wetland bird species, including waterfowl, herons, egrets, gulls, terns, sandpipers and the endangered piping plovers depend on these feeding areas throughout the year Eastern Prickly Pear cacti (yes, Prickly Pear!) grow in the sand along the shore and sprout beautiful yellow flowers in the spring. Caumsett State Park features about 6 miles of bridle paths, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing (winter) and nature trails that are a pleasure to ride and travel over acres of woodland, meadows, rock shoreline, bluffs and salt marsh.
Caumsett State Park Trails: Caumsett State Park is a hidden gem and one of our favorite places in New York City to mountain bike, especially on a beautiful spring or summer day when we just want to get in a good workout or go biking with our 10 year old nephew, Max (helmets mandatory). He just loves it here. Over fifteen miles of wide hard-packed well maintained woods roads and bridle paths and a system of paved roads which serve as bike paths (no cars) create a varied network of trails and paths that are a pleasure to ride and ideal for a fun day of family biking. There is enough variety for the beginner mountain biker to learn basic skills and the more experienced rider to work up a decent sweat on some of the single and double track side trails. While cycling, be prepared for unexpected suprises. Last time we were here, oblivious to our presence, a rabbit sat happily munching by the side of the trail. A bit further along, a red fox crossed our path to get a look at us. Wildlife experiences make every ride memorable. Several trails lead down to a rocky, narrow sand beach which curves along the Long Island Sound. This is the perfect place to rest and catch some rays and let the kids explore. Bring the sunscreen, Gatorade for the kids and yourself and some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The beach is surrounded by high bluffs overlooking the sound. Some of the park trails lead to the edge of the bluffs on the North Shore, providing beautiful views of the Long Island Sound.
Park Features: Guided nature tours, such as birding, biking, beachcombing and botany and other activities focusing on varied aspects of the Caumsett natural environment and Long Island are led throughout the park. The former Marshall Field III Main House first floor is now open to the general public on weekends. The Volunteers for Wildlife Hospital and Education Center is located in the "Calf Barn" of the park's Dairy Complex, and the historic Henry Lloyd Manor house built in 1711 is leased to the Lloyd Harbor Historical Society. The polo pony barn now serves as part of the Willow Tree Farm Equestrian Center. The summer cottage houses the Nassau BOCES Outdoor and Environmental Education Progam.
Note: Nesting bird species inhabiting undeveloped sand beaches and marshes of Long Island are highly vulnerable to disturbance by humans from mid-April through July. It is the responsibility of all park users to protect this fragile ecosystem and wildlife by staying on the trails and avoid trampling the vegetation or wildlife.
Historical Note: In 1921 Marshall Field III, grandson of the famous department store pioneer purchased 1750 acres of Lloyd Neck and formed it into one large estate. He gave it the Matinecock Indian name of Caumsett which means "sharp rock". Field developed facilities for every sport except golf and established a heard of prize cattle and a complete dairy farm. Today Caumsett is administered by The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Nearby Attractions: Cold Spring Harbor: After our day of biking at Caumsett State Historic Park, we love to stop at the charming village of Cold Spring Harbor, a former whaling port, to stroll along the main street lined with Victorian era houses and browse among the boutiques and antique shops. Our first stop is the icecream parlor for a well-deserved treat.
For more information: Caumsett State Park: Phone: (631) 423-1770
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