Cold Spring Harbor State Park

Introduction of Cold Spring Harbor State Park

The park’s 40 acres of mountainous terrain provide picturesque views of Cold Spring Harbor. It has thickets of wild mountain laurel and a mixed hardwood forest with remarkable huge oak specimens that are three feet in diameter.

Fantastic horned owls and red-tailed hawks live in the region, making it a great place to see their spring and fall migrations. As the northern trailhead for the Nassau Suffolk Greenbelt Trail, which eventually leads to Bethpage State Park and the south shore of Nassau County, the park serves as a starting point for this route.

Cold Spring Harbor State Park Activities

Hiking

The northern trailhead of the Nassau Suffolk Greenbelt Trail, which spans the length of Long Island from Massapequa Preserve on the South Shore to Cold Spring Harbor on the North Shore, is situated within the Cold Spring Harbor State Park. In contrast to the densely populated places it passes through, the route provides a pleasant variety. The path is in excellent condition, often not too busy, and offers a fantastic opportunity to experience a diversity of terrain. It also has a diverse plant and animal environment.

All year long, parking, strolling, jogging, bird viewing, and photography are permitted.

Water Sports

During the winter, there are routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Cold Spring Harbor State Park History 

The area where Cold Spring Harbor State Park now stands was part of a Robert Moses-inspired bridge to Connecticut that New York State bought in the 1960s. The site was mostly neglected when the bridge was never built, even though the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation was still in charge of it. A librarian looking for room for a new library in Cold Spring Harbor finally brought the vacant lot to the notice of state officials, and it was formally established as a state park in 2000.

Directions

Driving

In the heart of Cold Spring Harbor’s historic village, near to the waterfront, shopping, and restaurants, with a parking lot on Main Street.

To get to Jericho Turnpike from Nassau County (West), use the Northern State Parkway or LIE (495) east to the Seafood Oysterbay Expressway (135) north. Make a left at Woodbury Road after taking Jericho Tpke (north). Turn left at Route 108 and continue to the end of Lawrence Hill Road. Make a left at the finish, then a quick right onto Route 25A. (east). After a half-mile, turn right to reach the parking area and trailhead.

Northern State Parkway or LIE (495) west to Route 110 north from eastern Suffolk County Route 110 to Route 25A, then turn left (west). To reach the parking lot, turn left after entering Cold Spring Harbor’s hamlet on 25A.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.