From your Bariatric Nutrition Team

After a long winter we Long Islanders cannot wait to take advantage of the warmer months on our beautiful island. There is no better way to do this and help meet your health goals than to visit some local hiking trails! Hiking and trail walking has so many great benefits for our bodies. It can improve our cardiovascular fitness, decrease stress and improve mental health.

Physical activity is recommended to improve, and prevent many health conditions. Walking on a trail may be even more beneficial than walking around your neighborhood or on a treadmill. When we walk on uneven surfaces it helps to engage different muscles in the body that may not be utilized with traditional walking. This also forces you to engage your core to help with balance.

Along with your physical health, it is important to check in with your mental health and stress levels. Stress affects our mental health and can also negatively affect our physical health. Physical activity increases the production of neurotransmitters call endorphins that make us feel good. Also, the distraction and meditation-like activity can simply help us to keep our minds off things that may be negatively impacting how we feel.

Here are some important things to remember before hitting the trails:

  1. Bring a map. Most parks will provide maps at the park entry to help you navigate.
  2. Wear proper clothing. Sneakers are always the best option when exploring the great outdoors. This will prevent injuries or dirty feet. Long pants are also preferred if possible to avoid any bug bites or scratches.
  3. Be prepared. Bring a backpack with essentials like water, healthy snacks or a picnic if you will be out for an extended period of time.
  4. Take breaks. There is no shame in listening what your body is telling you. If you are feeling exhausted or out of breath, take a break and start back up slowly.
  5. Relax! One of the best parts about hiking is the calmness and serenity of nature. Be sure to take time to appreciate this and let your stressors drift away.

Consider visiting some, or all, of our favorite trails this season!

Park Name Location Family Friendly Dog Friendly Bike Friendly Size Cost
Avalon Park and Preserve Stony Brook YES YES YES 8 acres FREE
Quogue Wildlife Refuge Quogue YES NO NO 300 acres FREE
Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park Great River YES NO NO 691 acres $8 per vehicle (April- Nov)
Bailey Arboretum Lattingtown YES YES NO 42 acres FREE
Belmont Lake State Park North Babylon YES YES YES 463 acres $8 per vehicle (April- October)
Camp Hero Sate Park Montauk YES YES YES 415 acres $8 fee per car (May- Nov)
Cold Spring Harbor State Park Cold Spring Harbor YES YES NO 47 acre FREE
Massapequa Preserve North Massapequa YES YES YES 432 acres FREE
Sands Point Preserve Sands Point YES YES NO 216 acres $10 per car or $4 per person to walk in
Eisenhower Park East Meadow YES Dog run areas only Road Biking 930 acres $9 for Leisure Pass holders, $14 non- pass holders, $6 children
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Oyster Bay YES YES NO 83 acres FREE, $10 to enter historical buildings

 

**Please check individual park details to confirm pricing and to find designated on-leash dog permitted trails & areas