The best walks and hikes in Brookhaven State Park
5.0
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42
hikers
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hikes
Hiking in Brookhaven State Park offers routes through a 1,638-acre portion of the Long Island Pine Barrens. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills and an upland pine-oak forest ecosystem, providing diverse surroundings from dense woodlands to open fields. The park contains approximately 25 miles of multi-use trails, many of which are wide and follow former unpaved roads, with connections to the longer Paumanok Path. This extensive trail network accommodates hikers of various skill levels.
Best hiking trails in Brookhaven State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Tarkill Pond Complex loop from Brookhaven State Park, a 5.1 miles (8.1 km) trail that takes 2 hours 5 minutes to complete. This moderate route leads through the pine-oak forest.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Paumanok Path, a moderate 6.5 miles (10.4 km) path. This trail provides access to a longer recreational route spanning Long Island.
- Local hikers also love the Brookhaven Trail, a 3.9 miles (6.3 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 1 hour 37 minutes.
- Hiking in Brookhaven State Park is defined by its pine barrens, rolling hills, and wide, unpaved paths. The trail network provides options for both shorter walks and longer, more extensive hikes.
- The routes in Brookhaven State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 5 reviews. More than 40 hikers have used komoot to explore Brookhaven State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
3
hikers
8.11km
02:04
30m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
6.33km
01:37
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
hikers
8.15km
02:05
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.50km
00:53
10m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
10.4km
02:39
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Along the Paumanok Path, hikers encounter a charming wooden footbridge that helps in crossing the creek. Despite its modest size, the bridge exudes a rustic charm that complements the natural surroundings.
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The iconic Paumanok Path, a 125-mile recreational trail spanning from Rocky Point to Montauk Point, weaves through the Otis Pike Preserve - West. This segment offers hikers a chance to experience the path's seamless integration with Suffolk County's extensive trail network. As the backbone of the county's hiking system, the Paumanok Path invites adventurers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the preserve while embarking on a journey that connects them to Long Island's diverse landscapes and outdoor wonders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking available at Brookhaven State Park?
Yes, there is a parking area for the park located at the main entrance on William Floyd Parkway. From here, you can directly access the trailheads for the main color-coded loops.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Yes, dogs are generally permitted in Brookhaven State Park but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails beautiful for everyone.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the park?
Absolutely. The park features several shorter, easier trails perfect for families. The Blue Loop is a gentle 1.7-mile (2.7 km) walk that's great for an introduction to the park. For another easy option in the wider area, consider the Wildwood State Park loop from Woodcliff Park, which is about 3.1 miles (5 km) long.
What do the different colored trail loops signify?
The park has several color-coded loop trails starting from the main entrance, each offering a different distance. The Blue Loop is the shortest at 1.7 miles (2.7 km), the Red Loop is a moderate 3.7 miles (6 km), and the Green Loop is the longest at 5.3 miles (8.5 km), taking you deeper into the pine barrens.
What is the terrain like on the trails?
The terrain is typical of the Long Island Pine Barrens, featuring rolling hills formed by the Ronkonkoma Moraine. Most trails are wide, well-maintained, and follow old unpaved roads, making for relatively easy walking with some gentle inclines, especially on the northern end of the park.
What kind of nature and wildlife can I expect to see?
The park is a classic pine barrens ecosystem. You'll hike through forests of pitch pine and various oaks. Depending on the season, you might see flowering dogwood, wild geranium, and various ferns. The area is also a great spot for birdwatching and observing local wildlife.
What is the connection between the Brookhaven Trail and the Paumanok Path?
The yellow-blazed Brookhaven Trail runs north-south through the park and serves as a key connector to the much larger Paumanok Path. This allows you to extend your hike significantly, as the Paumanok Path is a 125-mile trail that traverses the Central Pine Barrens, linking a vast network of protected lands.
Can I go mountain biking in Brookhaven State Park?
Yes, the park features approximately 25 miles of multi-use trails, which are open to mountain bikers as well as hikers. The wide, unpaved roads that make up many of the trails are well-suited for biking.
What is the history of the park's land?
Before becoming a state park, the land had a significant history. It was the site of Camp Upton, a U.S. Army training camp during World War I and II. The area was also formerly owned by the Brookhaven National Laboratory. You can learn more about its past as Camp Upton on the Brookhaven National Laboratory website.
What's a good option for a longer, more immersive hike?
For a longer trek, the 5.3-mile (8.5 km) Green Loop offers a great experience of the park's interior. If you're looking for something in the surrounding area, the Robert Cushman Murphy County Park loop is a moderate 5.2-mile (8.3 km) hike through similar pine barrens terrain.
What do other hikers enjoy about Brookhaven State Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, undeveloped character of the park and the well-maintained, wide trails that make for easy navigation. The classic Long Island Pine Barrens scenery is a frequently mentioned highlight.
Most popular routes in Brookhaven State Park
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