The best walks and hikes around Greenlawn

The Makamah Loop Trail in Fort Salonga offers a delightful and easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) hike through a surprisingly varied landscape. You'll wander through undulating woodlands, past marshy areas, and alongside a valley with a main stream, all while enjoying views of the Jerome A. Ambro Memorial Wetlands Preserve. Expect a gentle 133 feet (41 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 1 hour, making it a perfect outing for a relaxed pace.

For your visit, parking is available at designated lots on Salonga Road or Makamah Road, but be aware that spaces can be limited, especially on busy days. Dogs are welcome to join you on the trail, provided they are kept on a leash. This well-marked route is suitable for most abilities and is a great option for a quick nature fix.

This preserve is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds, with 94 species recorded in the area, including owls and woodpeckers. The trail's diverse habitats, from dry woods to marshland, contribute to its ecological richness and make it a notable spot for nature observation within Suffolk County.

The Huntington Greenway Trail offers a delightful, easy escape into nature, winding through wooded paths that provide a pleasant journey for hikers and trail runners. You'll find the terrain mostly firm underfoot, though expect some narrow and winding sections with gentle hills, and you might even spot horses or homes peeking through the trees. This 3.5-mile (5.7 km) hike, with a modest 115 feet (35 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is well-maintained by the Town of Huntington, and dogs are welcome year-round on a leash. While mostly clearly marked, pay attention at the intersection with the Meadow Lark Park (MLP) Trail to stay on course. Proper footwear is always a good idea, especially when leaves cover the paths in cooler months.

This trail is part of a broader initiative to connect existing trails and natural areas, aiming to minimize impact on natural resources. The system is promoted through an annually updated "Huntington Trails Guide" and features a distinctive logo representing its multi-use nature, depicting various outdoor activities. It's a testament to community effort, with trail direction posts installed by an Eagle Scout, ensuring a well-guided experience.

The Betty Allen Pond Trail offers a serene and easy loop around a picturesque pond, perfect for a quick nature fix. You'll enjoy continuous views of the water, often spotting swans, ducks, and other waterfowl, as you traverse flat, well-maintained dirt paths and wooden planks. This 0.5-mile (0.8 km) hike has a minimal 8 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain and takes just about 12 minutes, making it an ideal family-friendly outing.

Planning your visit is simple, with convenient parking available across the street at Phragmites Park. The trail is best experienced between March and October, when the natural surroundings are at their most vibrant. It's a popular route for those seeking a tranquil escape without a significant time commitment, and its easy difficulty makes it suitable for all ages.

Beyond its scenic beauty, the preserve holds ecological significance, honoring environmental activist Betty Allen. The pond, historically used by Native Americans, features a dam and a fish ladder installed in 2011 to support alewife fish spawning, enriching the ecosystem. It's also a favored spot for bird watching and offers opportunities to fish for species like bluegill and largemouth bass.

The Walt Whitman Trail offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through a diverse forest landscape that feels both ancient and inviting. You'll walk through sections of soft, sandy earth and mossy patches, surrounded by towering oak, maple, and beech trees. The route gently climbs and descends across the hilly Ronkonkonoma Moraine, leading you to Jayne's Hill, where you can enjoy expansive views over Broad Hollow and beyond.

This easy 2.7-mile (4.4 km) hike, with its modest 172 feet (52 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. The trail starts conveniently at Walt Whitman's birthplace, offering ample parking at West Hills County Park. It's a family-friendly and dog-friendly option, though you should be aware that some sections are shared with horses, which can mean uneven ground. Visiting in the cooler seasons often provides the clearest scenic views.

What truly sets this trail apart is its deep connection to American poet Walt Whitman, who drew inspiration from these very landscapes. At the summit of Jayne's Hill, Long Island's highest point, you'll find a boulder inscribed with a quote from his "Leaves of Grass." This trail is a fantastic way to experience a piece of literary history while enjoying a pleasant outdoor adventure, with options to connect to the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail for longer loop options.