Blydenburgh County Park
If you are looking for a place to enjoy nature, relax, and have fun with your family and friends, you might want to check out Blydenburgh County Park. This park is one of the largest and most scenic in Suffolk County, and it has a lot to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this blog post, I will tell you more about this amazing park, its history, its attractions, and some tips on how to make the most of your visit.
Creating the Park
Blydenburgh County Park was created in 1967, when the county acquired 627 acres of land from the Blydenburgh family, who had owned it since the 18th century. The park was named after Isaac Blydenburgh, a prominent local politician and businessman who built a grist mill on the property in 1798. The mill, which is still standing today, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for tours.
The park was created to preserve the natural beauty and historical significance of the area, as well as to provide recreational opportunities for the public. The park has been expanded over the years, and now covers 627 acres of diverse terrain, including woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and a 100-acre lake.
The Long Island Greenbelt Trail System
Blydenburgh County Park is part of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail System, a network of hiking trails that spans more than 200 miles across Nassau and Suffolk counties. The park is home to a 13-mile segment of the trail, which connects to other parks and preserves along the way. The trail offers a variety of scenery and difficulty levels, and is ideal for hikers, bikers, runners, and horseback riders.
What can you do there?
There is no shortage of things to do in Blydenburgh County Park. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or education, you will find something that suits your taste. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy in the park:
Boating and fishing
You can rent a rowboat or bring your own non-motorized boat to explore the lake, which is stocked with trout, bass, perch, and other fish. You can also fish from the shore or from the fishing pier. Just make sure you have a valid fishing license and follow the park rules.
Camping
You can pitch a tent or park your RV at one of the 69 campsites available in the park. The campsites are equipped with water, electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. You can also use the restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and dump station. Camping is open from April to October, and reservations are required.
Picnic
You can enjoy a picnic at one of the many tables scattered throughout the park, or reserve a pavilion for larger groups. The pavilions have grills, electricity, water, and restrooms nearby. You can also use the playgrounds, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and ball fields for some fun games.
Hiking
You can hike along the Greenbelt Trail or one of the many other trails in the park. You will see a variety of wildlife and plants along the way, as well as some historical landmarks such as the mill and the New Mill House. The trails are well-marked and maintained, but be sure to wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
Horseback riding
You can bring your own horse or rent one from the nearby stables to ride on the designated bridle paths in the park. You will need a permit to ride in the park, which you can obtain from the park office. You will also need to follow the rules and regulations for horseback riding in the park.
Dog walking
You can bring your leashed dog to walk on most of the trails in the park. However, dogs are not allowed in certain areas such as the beach, the playgrounds, or near wildlife habitats. You will also need to clean up after your dog and dispose of any waste properly.
The Rules
As with any public park, there are some rules that you must follow when visiting Blydenburgh County Park. These rules are meant to ensure your safety and enjoyment, as well as to protect the environment and wildlife. Some of these rules are:
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- Park hours are from sunrise to sunset.
- Admission fees are $4 per vehicle on weekdays and $7 on weekends and holidays.
- Alcohol is not permitted in the park.
- Park hours are from sunrise to sunset.
- Littering is prohibited and trash must be disposed of in receptacles.
- Feeding or disturbing wildlife is prohibited.
- Swimming is not allowed in the lake or any other water body in the park.
- Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails or in the camping area.
Fun with the best friend of man
One of the best things about Blydenburgh County Park is that it is very dog-friendly. You can bring your furry friend to enjoy the park with you, as long as you follow some simple guidelines. Here are some tips on how to have fun with your dog in the park:
- Keep your dog on a leash at all times, unless you are in the designated off-leash area. The off-leash area is located near the entrance of the park, and has a fenced-in section for small dogs and a larger section for big dogs. The area has water, shade, benches, and waste bags for your convenience.
- Respect other park users and their dogs. Not everyone likes dogs, and not all dogs get along. Be courteous and keep your dog under control. If your dog is aggressive or disruptive, remove it from the situation immediately.
- Be aware of the weather and the terrain. The park can get very hot or cold depending on the season, and some areas can be rough or muddy. Make sure your dog is comfortable and hydrated, and check its paws for any injuries or debris.
- Have fun! Blydenburgh County Park is a great place to bond with your dog and enjoy nature. You can play fetch, run, explore, or just relax with your best friend. You will both have a wonderful time!
Interesting Facts
Blydenburgh County Park is not only a beautiful and fun place to visit, but also a rich source of history and culture. Here are some interesting facts about the park that you might not know:
- The park is part of the Long Island Pine Barrens, a rare ecosystem that supports many endangered species and plants.
- The park hosts several events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, workshops, and guided tours.
- The park has a museum that showcases the history of the Blydenburgh family and the mill. The museum is open on weekends from May to October, and by appointment.
- The park has a haunted reputation, as some people claim to have seen or heard ghosts in the mill or in the woods. Some of the alleged spirits are Isaac Blydenburgh himself, his wife Sarah, and their daughter Mary.
- The park has been featured in several movies and TV shows, such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Law & Order: SVU, and The Sopranos.
Driving travel through Smithtown, NY-Meeting the town from Blydenburgh County Park to Coco Bistro
Blydenburgh County Park
Veteran’s Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788
- Head southwest toward H. Lee Dennison Bldg Dr (Restricted usage road) for 1 sec (30 ft)
- Follow NY-347 E, Hauppauge Rd and NY-25A E/N Country Rd to Gate Rd in Head of the Harbor for 15 min (6.9 mi)
a. Turn left onto NY-347/NY-454 E and continue for 0.6 mi
b. Keep left to continue on NY-347 E, follow signs for Port Jefferson (Pass by Carvel on the right) for 0.8 mi
c. Slight right toward Hauppauge Rd for 115 ft
d. Continue straight for 210 ft
e. Turn left onto Hauppauge Rd and continue for 2.0 mi
f. Continue onto NY-25A E/N Country Rd for 3.4 mi
- Take Bacon Rd to Harbor Rd for 3 min (1.3 mi)
- Turn left onto Gate Rd and continue for 125 ft
a. Continue straight onto Hitherbrook Rd for 0.3 mi
b. Slight right onto Bacon Rd and continue for 0.6 mi
c. Turn right onto Harbor Rd (Destination will be on the left) for 0.3 mi
Harmony Vineyards
169 Harbor Rd, St James, NY 11780
- Head south on Harbor Rd toward Brackenwoods Path for 57 sec (0.3 mi)
- Turn left onto Bacon Rd and continue for 2 min (0.6 mi)
- Follow NY-25A W/N Country Rd and Edgewood Ave to NY-25 W in Smithtown for 12 min (5.5 mi)
a. Slight left onto Hitherbrook Rd and continue for 0.3 mi
b. Merge onto Gate Rd and continue for 125 ft
c. Turn right onto NY-25A W/N Country Rd and continue for 1.8 mi
d. Turn right onto Edgewood Ave and continue for 2.2 mi
e. Turn right onto NY-25 W/NY-25A W/W Main St and continue for 0.4 mi
f. Keep left to continue on NY-25 W (Destination will be on the right) for 0.9 mi
Caleb Smith State Park
581 W Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
- Head southwest on NY-25 W/W Jericho Turnpike (Pass by Jiffy Lube on the left in 2.8 mi) for 3.0 mi
- Turn right onto Indian Head Rd (Destination will be on the right) for 0.2 mi
The Smithtown Library - Commack Building
3 Indian Head Rd, Commack, NY 11725
- Head north on Indian Head Rd toward Cowie Rd for 0.5 mi
- Turn right onto Somerset Dr and continue for 0.5 mi
- Turn right onto Wenmore Rd and continue for 361 ft
- Turn right onto Kings Park Rd and continue for 0.6 mi
- Turn left onto Jericho Turnpike and continue for 1.1 mi
- Turn right (Destination will be on the right) for 161 ft
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