Nassau- Suffolk Greenbelt
The Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail is a dog-friendly hiking trail that begins in Woodbury and heads south through towns and protected wooded wilderness to the Bethpage State Park. The trail is shielded most of the way from the houses and highways it lies near, by trees and low shrubs, which attracts many birds and small mammals like chipmunks. Your fur-buddy will be very interested in the scurrying in the bushes and activity in the trees as you walk along! In some areas, the trail passes through swampy, marshy terrain and it can be wet and muddy here, but the worst spots are crossed using wooden footbridges.
Near Woodbury, you'll pass a lake with its resident waterfowl and amphibians like frogs. The surface of the trail is mainly dirt, with a few short segments walking along pavement, and occasionally you'll find yourself walking through a deserted farm field with its overgrown grasses.
The Trail View State Park lies near the northern trailhead, and its several intersecting trails and walkways make for great side-hikes if you and Fido are interested in mixing up your experience on the Nassau-Suffolk. The park features a flyway for many species of migratory birds, and is a good place to stop for a rest and maybe a timely snack. It's also in the northern section that you'll spy gorgeous blooming mountain laurel in June.
The trail is well-maintained and marked with white blazes, and although it twists and turns here and there, the blazes and signage will guide you as you make your way. An occasional oddity may cross your path, such as the gutted old car that seems to appear out of nowhere and leaves you scratching your head as to how it could possibly have gotten there! Occasional rocks and roots pop up too, so keep an eye to the ground!
This is a fine trail to hike in parts, with cross streets and parking lots scattered along its path. If you and your furry bestie are looking for a do-able and handy walking trail, this one's for you!
