Blydenburgh County Park

For those of us living in and around the New York metropolitan area, finding a truly expansive and naturally rich escape can sometimes feel like a challenge. Yet, just a short journey out to Suffolk County on Long Island reveals hidden gems that offer a refreshing antidote to city life. Among the most cherished of these is Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown, a sprawling outdoor oasis that has long been a beloved destination for generations of New Yorkers.

Blydenburgh County Park isn't just another patch of green; it's a testament to Long Island's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and historical significance. Spanning hundreds of acres, this park offers a diverse landscape of woodlands, meadows, and what was once a prominent 100-acre lake. While the park experienced a significant change in August 2023 due to a dam breach that drained Stump Pond (also known as New Mill Pond or Weld's Pond), the essence of Blydenburgh as a natural sanctuary remains strong. The Nissequogue River, which feeds what was once the pond, now flows through the park in a more natural state, presenting a new landscape for exploration.

Many long-time visitors reminisce about the days of fishing in Stump Pond, a renowned spot for largemouth bass, bluegill, and perch. While the immediate fishing experience has changed, the park's extensive trail system continues to draw in countless nature enthusiasts. Reviews from visitors highlight the enduring appeal of the park's trails, even post-dam break, noting the serene environment and the delightful surprise of spotting deer and other wildlife. It's a place where you can still feel fully immersed in nature, disconnected from the urban clamor.

This park is a fantastic option for families, individuals, and even our four-legged friends. The ability to bring leashed dogs on the trails is a significant plus for pet owners, making it a truly inclusive outdoor destination. Blydenburgh County Park embodies the very spirit of Long Island's natural charm – accessible, engaging, and consistently beautiful. This guide aims to provide you with all the essential details to plan your visit and experience the enduring appeal of this unique Suffolk County treasure.

Blydenburgh County Park is conveniently located at Veteran's Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788, USA. This strategic address places it squarely within the heart of Smithtown, a picturesque and accessible town in Suffolk County, Long Island. Its location just off a major thoroughfare makes it highly accessible for residents across Long Island, as well as those venturing out from the greater New York City area.

For those traveling by car, Blydenburgh County Park is easily reached via Veteran's Memorial Highway. This highway provides direct access, ensuring a smooth journey to the park entrance. Ample parking is available within the park, making it convenient for visitors to arrive and immediately begin their exploration. While there may be seasonal parking fees, especially on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the park generally offers free entry on weekdays during the off-season. It's always advisable to check the Suffolk County Parks website for the most current fee schedule to plan your visit accordingly.

Public transportation options to Blydenburgh County Park involve a combination of Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and local bus services or ride-sharing. The LIRR Smithtown station provides a connection to many parts of Long Island and NYC. From the station, local transportation can bring you to the park's vicinity. While direct bus stops at the park entrance might be limited, the overall public transit network allows for a feasible journey, albeit requiring some planning.

The park's location also benefits from its integration with the wider Suffolk County park system. Its close proximity to other natural areas and charming Smithtown amenities means visitors can easily combine a park visit with other local attractions, whether it's grabbing a bite to eat or exploring local shops. This blend of natural seclusion and convenient access to local services makes Blydenburgh County Park an ideal choice for a day trip or a regular outdoor escape for New Yorkers.

• Camping Facilities: Blydenburgh County Park offers designated campsites for both tents and RVs, equipped with water, electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station are also available. Camping is typically open from April to October, with reservations required, providing an excellent opportunity for extended stays in nature.

• Boat Rentals (Seasonal): While the dam breach significantly impacted the pond, Suffolk County Parks historically offered rowboat rentals seasonally, usually from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It's recommended to contact the park directly for the most up-to-date information on boat rental availability and conditions given the current state of the pond.

• Picnic Areas and Pavilions: The park features numerous picnic tables scattered throughout, as well as reservable pavilions for larger groups. These pavilions often come with grills, electricity, water, and nearby restrooms, making them ideal for family gatherings, corporate events, or community barbecues.

• Dog Run: Blydenburgh County Park boasts a 1.8-acre fenced dog run, divided into sections for large and small dogs, offering secure off-leash play areas. Water fountains, benches, waste bag dispensers, and trash cans are provided, ensuring a comfortable experience for both pets and owners. Dogs are also permitted on leash on most park trails.

• Historic District and Museum: The park is home to a historic district, including the 1798 New Mill, the 1802 Miller's House, and the 1820 Blydenburgh-Weld house. A museum showcases the history of the Blydenburgh family and the mill, offering educational insights into the area's past.

• Playgrounds and Sports Fields: The park includes playgrounds for children, as well as volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and ball fields, providing diverse options for family fun and recreational sports.

• Park Attendants and Ranger Services: Suffolk County Parks employs park attendants and rangers to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors, maintain facilities, and provide assistance when needed.

• Extensive Multi-Use Trail System: Blydenburgh County Park is renowned for its vast network of trails, including a 13-mile segment of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail. These trails are suitable for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and horseback riding, offering a variety of scenery and difficulty levels through woodlands, meadows, and along the Nissequogue River.

• Dog-Friendly Environment: A major highlight for pet owners, the park allows leashed dogs on most trails and features a dedicated, well-equipped off-leash dog run. This makes it an ideal spot for canine companions to exercise and socialize.

• Abundant Wildlife: Despite the changes to the pond, the park remains a haven for wildlife. Visitors frequently spot deer, chipmunks, and a diverse array of bird species, making it an excellent location for nature observation and photography. The ongoing presence of the Nissequogue River continues to support various aquatic and terrestrial animals.

• Historic Landmarks: The park’s rich history is evident in its preserved structures, including the 1798 New Mill and historic houses. These landmarks provide a fascinating glimpse into Long Island's past and offer unique educational opportunities.

• Natural Beauty and Serenity: Even with the absence of the fully formed Stump Pond, the park's diverse terrain, shady paths, and the natural flow of the Nissequogue River create a tranquil and picturesque environment. It’s a perfect place for a peaceful walk, a challenging hike, or simply to immerse oneself in nature.

• Horseback Riding: Designated bridle paths allow horseback riders to enjoy the park's scenic beauty. Visitors can bring their own horses (with a permit) or utilize nearby stables that offer rentals and access to the park's trails.

• Birdwatching Opportunities: The varied ecosystems within the park, from woodlands to riverine areas, attract numerous bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The changes in the landscape following the dam breach may even encourage new bird populations.

As a Suffolk County Park, Blydenburgh County Park operates as a public recreational facility, and therefore, does not typically offer traditional commercial promotions or discount codes. Its primary "offer" is the provision of accessible and well-maintained natural space for the public's enjoyment.

However, there are a few important points regarding access and potential savings for regular visitors:

• Green Key Card: Suffolk County residents can purchase a Green Key Card, which provides discounted rates or waivers for parking and access fees at many Suffolk County Parks, including Blydenburgh, especially during peak seasons (Memorial Day to Labor Day). This annual or multi-year pass can be a significant cost-saver for frequent park-goers.

• Weekday Off-Season Access: As noted by several visitors, there is typically no fee to enter Blydenburgh County Park on weekdays during the off-season (from shortly after Labor Day until Memorial Day). This offers a fantastic opportunity for free access to the park's extensive trails and amenities.

• Suffolk County Parks Events: The Suffolk County Parks Department frequently hosts a variety of community events, educational programs, and guided tours throughout the year at its various parks. While these are not "promotions" in the commercial sense, they offer enhanced experiences, often at no or low cost, and can be considered a special offering to the community. These events might include nature walks, historical tours, or seasonal festivals. It is highly recommended to check the official Suffolk County Parks website for a calendar of upcoming events.

• Group Camping Rates: While specific details would need to be confirmed with the park office, larger groups or organizations may sometimes be eligible for specific rates or arrangements for camping or pavilion rentals, particularly during off-peak times. It's always worth inquiring directly.

To stay informed about any changes to fees, upcoming events, or special access periods, New Yorkers are encouraged to regularly visit the official Suffolk County Parks website or contact the park office directly.

For direct inquiries regarding Blydenburgh County Park, including current conditions, camping reservations, or specific park policies, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Veteran's Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788, USA

Phone: (631) 854-3712

Mobile Phone: +1 631-854-3712

For general information about Suffolk County Parks and recreation, or to inquire about Green Key Cards and other county-wide park services, you can visit the official Suffolk County Government Parks website.

Blydenburgh County Park holds a special place in the hearts of many Long Island residents, and for good reason. For New Yorkers seeking a genuine connection with nature, recreational opportunities, and a break from the urban pace, this park is exceptionally suitable and truly indispensable.

One of its most compelling aspects for locals is its sheer versatility. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen trail runner, a mountain biking enthusiast, or a horseback rider, the extensive network of trails offers something for everyone. The fact that these trails remain "wonderful" and "don't really take any skills to navigate," as noted by visitors, speaks to their accessibility for all levels of outdoor experience. This means you can easily integrate a refreshing dose of nature into your routine, whether it's a quick walk with your dog after work or a longer weekend adventure.

The park's dog-friendly policy is a significant draw for pet owners. Being able to bring your leashed canine companion on the trails, and having a dedicated off-leash dog run, makes Blydenburgh a truly inclusive destination for the entire family. This fosters a stronger bond between pets and their owners and provides vital exercise and socialization for our furry friends.

While the landscape around Stump Pond has certainly transformed due to the dam breach, the park's core appeal – its natural beauty and abundant wildlife – endures. The opportunity to spot deer, chipmunks, and a variety of birds within such a large natural setting so close to home is a remarkable privilege. This connection to nature offers immense benefits for mental well-being, providing a peaceful retreat where one can de-stress and reconnect with the natural world.

The presence of historic landmarks within the park also adds an educational and cultural dimension, allowing visitors to learn about Long Island's past while enjoying its present-day beauty. This blend of recreation, nature, and history makes Blydenburgh a multi-faceted resource for locals.

Furthermore, the practical advantages of Blydenburgh County Park for New Yorkers are clear: its convenient location off Veteran's Memorial Highway, the availability of amenities like camping and picnic areas, and the dedicated efforts of Suffolk County Parks to maintain the property. While seasonal fees may apply, the option of free weekday access during the off-season, and the cost-effectiveness of a Green Key Card for frequent visitors, make it an affordable and highly valuable public resource.

In conclusion, Blydenburgh County Park isn't just a park; it's a vital community asset that enriches the lives of countless New Yorkers. It offers a much-needed sanctuary for outdoor activity, a peaceful escape into nature, and a tangible link to local history, all within easy reach. For anyone living on Long Island, or those looking to explore the natural beauty beyond the city, Blydenburgh County Park remains an absolute must-visit.

Blydenburgh County Park

Veteran's Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788, USA