The best walks and hikes around Brentwood
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Hiking around Brentwood offers routes through a landscape of coastal parks, state park preserves, and oak brush plains. The terrain is generally flat with minimal elevation, characterized by sandy paths, pine forests, and trails alongside rivers and the coastline. The area provides a network of accessible trails suitable for various fitness levels, primarily featuring easy and moderate hikes.
Best hiking trails around Brentwood
- The most popular hiking route is Heckscher State Park loop via Long Island Greenbelt Trail, a 9.5 mile (15.3 km) trail that takes around 3 hours 50 minutes to complete. This route combines park paths with sections of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Blue Trail Loop – Connetquot River State Park Preserve, a moderate 8.3 mile (13.3 km) path. The trail follows the Blue Trail through the preserve's woodland environment.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Green & Long Island Greenbelt Trail Loop – Connetquot River State Park Preserve, a 6.3 mile (10.2 km) trail leading through the preserve, often completed in about 2 hours 35 minutes.
- Hiking around Brentwood is defined by woodland preserves, state park trails, and flat coastal plains. The trail network provides options for both short, easy walks and longer, moderate hikes.
- The routes in Brentwood are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.1 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 120 hikers have used komoot to explore Brentwood's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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3.57km
00:55
10m
10m
Explore the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Loop, an easy hiking route that offers picturesque and varied scenery. As you walk, you will wind through diverse botanical collections, including impressive conifers and ancient oak trees. Keep an eye out for distinctive bald cypress trees with their "knees" near the water and watch for birds, ducks, and even osprey nests along the Connetquot River. This pleasant loop covers 2.2 miles (3.6 km) with a gentle 38 feet (12 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 54 minutes to complete.
When planning your visit, you will find that the arboretum provides both paved paths and dirt trails. Many of the paths near the historic Manor House are wheelchair accessible, making it a welcoming destination for many. Parking is generally available, ensuring straightforward access to the area. Be aware that some sections along the Connetquot River can be gravelly or bumpy, and you might encounter puddles after rain.
The Bayard Cutting Arboretum Loop is a great option if you are looking for family-friendly trails within the 691 acres of the arboretum. The trail's natural features make it a notable spot for enjoying the outdoors in the region. It offers a quick escape into nature, allowing you to experience a rich variety of plant life and wildlife along the river.
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11.4km
02:52
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Hike the 7.1-mile Long Island Greenbelt Trail South in Heckscher State Park, a moderate route with varied terrain, river views, and forests.
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4.68km
01:11
10m
10m
Explore the easy 2.9-mile (4.7 km) hiking route at Connetquot River State Park Preserve, featuring woodlands, river views, and historic site
3.11km
00:47
10m
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Easy 1.9-mile loop in Connetquot River State Park Preserve, perfect for a quick hike through woodlands and open fields.
2.73km
00:43
30m
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Hike the easy 1.7-mile Greenbelt Trail in Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, gaining 94 feet in about 43 minutes.
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Tips from the Community
Spanning 1,600 acres on Long Island's south shore, Heckscher State Park is an outdoor haven. Shady picnic groves host family gatherings, while open fields beckon sports enthusiasts for soccer, cricket, and lacrosse. Nature lovers explore 4 miles of trails, spotting deer and birds against the backdrop of the Great South Bay and Fire Island. The bay lures visitors for swimming, boating, and water sports. Newly built waterfront cottages offer cozy accommodations with spectacular views, complete with living areas, kitchens, and screened porches.
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Connetquot River State Park Preserve is a 3,473-acre refuge of sandy pine barrens, wetlands, ponds, and woodlands. Visitors can find over 200 bird species and 300 plant species, along with other mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and moths that once lived all over Long Island. This area was created as New York's first "State Park Preserve," and remains a protected area open to the public today.
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Caleb Smith State Park offers a variety of trails for mountain bikers of all skill levels. There are easy, moderate, and difficult trails, so you can find one that is perfect for you. The most popular trails for mountain biking include the Red Trail, the Blue Trail, and the Green Trail.
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This nearly 3,500-acre refuge of sandy pine barrens, wetlands, ponds and woodlands is nestled in central Long Island along the pristine, spring-fed Connetquot River. A wilderness surrounded by suburbs, the preserve provides excellent opportunities to see more than 200 bird and 300 plant species, as well as several mammal, reptile, amphibian, butterfly and moth species that once flourished throughout Long Island.
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The mill was recently renovated and is open for tours. It sits on the Main Pond and was used to mill local grains, wheat and corn back in the 1700's.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the terrain like on hikes around Brentwood?
The hiking trails around Brentwood are generally flat with very little elevation gain. Expect to walk on sandy paths through pine forests, oak brush plains, and along coastal parklands. Many routes follow rivers or offer views of the coastline.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes near Brentwood?
Yes, there are many options suitable for families. A great choice is the Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve loop. It's a relatively short and flat trail, making it accessible for hikers of all ages and fitness levels.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Brentwood?
The trails are well-regarded by the komoot community, which has given the area an average rating of over 4 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths through the region's scenic state parks and preserves.
How many hiking trails are available in the Brentwood area?
You can explore nearly 30 different hiking routes around Brentwood. These range from short, easy walks to longer, more moderate treks, offering plenty of options for a day outdoors.
Are there any challenging hikes in the Brentwood area?
While the region is mostly flat, you can find some longer, moderately challenging hikes that require more endurance. The Heckscher State Park loop via Long Island Greenbelt Trail is a great example, covering over 9 miles through the park and along the coast.
Can I find good circular hikes near Brentwood?
Yes, many of the best trails in the area are loops. For a substantial circular route through woodland, consider the Blue Trail Loop in Connetquot River State Park Preserve, which is over 8 miles long.
What are the rules for dogs in the state parks near Brentwood?
Dog policies can vary significantly between parks. For example, Connetquot River State Park Preserve generally does not permit dogs on its trails to protect the wildlife habitat. Heckscher State Park may allow leashed dogs in certain areas, but often not on the beach during peak season. Always check the specific park's official website for the most current regulations before you go.
Where can I find hikes with the best views?
For scenic coastal views, trails within Heckscher State Park are an excellent choice as they run alongside the water. For a different kind of scenery, the paths in Connetquot River State Park Preserve offer beautiful perspectives of the river and surrounding woodlands.
Are there any long-distance trails that pass through the area?
Yes, the Long Island Greenbelt Trail runs through this region. You can hike sections of it on routes like the Green & Long Island Greenbelt Trail Loop, which combines park paths with this well-known long-distance trail.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The state parks and preserves around Brentwood are rich in wildlife. Connetquot River State Park Preserve is particularly known as a habitat for various bird species, deer, and other woodland animals. Keep an eye out as you walk the quieter trails.
Are the trails suitable for trail running?
Absolutely. The flat terrain and well-defined paths in places like Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve and along the Long Island Greenbelt Trail make them very popular with local trail runners.
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