Here are the best scenic drives on Long Island.
Fall Foliage Road Trip: The Most Picturesque Routes on Long Island
As summer fades away and the crisp autumn air sets in, Long Island transforms into a breathtaking canvas of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. What better way to embrace this stunning display of nature than by embarking on a fall foliage road trip?
From charming coastal towns to serene parks and gardens, Long Island offers an abundance of picturesque routes that will leave you awestruck.
Get ready to grab your camera and hit the road as we explore the most scenic drives for leaf-peeping enthusiasts on Long Island!
Introduction to Fall Foliage Road Trip on Long Island
Fall is the perfect season to hit the road and explore the stunning landscapes of Long Island, New York. With vibrant foliage, crisp air, and a sense of tranquility in nature, there’s no better way to experience it than through scenic drives.
From charming beach towns to peaceful state parks, Long Island offers countless routes that showcase its natural beauty.
So buckle up and join us on a journey as we take you through our top 5 picks for breathtaking scenery on Long Island!
Where to Go and What to See: Top 5 Routes on Long Island
Long Island is a beautiful place to explore, especially during fall when the foliage turns into shades of red, yellow, and orange. If you’re planning a scenic drive on Long Island, here are the top 5 routes that you should consider:
Route 1: Orient Beach State Park
Starting from Riverhead, take Route 25 east towards Greenport and stop by Orient Beach State Park for stunning views of the Long Island Sound. The park features miles of beaches, walking trails, and picnic areas.
Route 2: Montauk Point Lighthouse
Travel further east on Route 27 until you reach Montauk Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound. While there, make sure to walk around the nature reserve surrounding it, which will provide an amazing view.
Route 3: Nissequogue River State Park
Head west on Route 25A towards Kings Park and explore Nissequogue River State Park for its breathtaking scenery and hiking trails through woods featuring oak trees over two centuries old.
Route 4: Sunken Meadow State Park
Located in Smithtown townships at about half an hour’s driving distance from Nissequogue River state park, this area has some great ocean views perfect for beach lovers!
Route 5: Wildwood State Park
Further up north near Wading River, this location features both forested landscapes as well as access to pristine sandy beaches perfect for family outings or romantic getaways
These five routes offer spectacular scenes that would leave anyone breathless while exploring what Long Island has to offer!
Download this courtesy guide to optimize your travels and experience in Long Island.
Download the Free Guide Today
Route 1: Orient Beach State Park
If you’re looking for a scenic drive that will take your breath away, Route 1 through Orient Beach State Park is an excellent choice.
This park boasts over 45,000 feet of pristine beachfront and offers stunning views of Gardiners Bay. The drive to the park is also picturesque, with winding roads that lead past farmland and vineyards.
Once you arrive at the state park, be sure to take some time to explore on foot. Several nature trails wind through the dunes and along the shorelines, offering plenty of opportunities for bird watching or spotting deer in their natural habitat.
One must-see spot within the park is Turtle Cove, which features a small beach nestled between two bluffs. It’s a perfect spot for swimming or sunbathing and provides breathtaking views out into the bay.
Another highlight of this route is stopping by Orient Point County Park, where you can get up close and personal with Long Island Sound. You can stroll along miles of sandy beaches while admiring panoramic views of Connecticut across the way.
Route 1 through Orient Beach State Park promises to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and peaceful surroundings.
Route 2: Montauk Point Lighthouse
One of the most picturesque destinations on Long Island is Montauk Point Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse has guided ships safely into port since 1796 and is a testament to the area’s rich maritime history.
The drive to Montauk Point takes you through quaint seaside towns and stunning ocean views. Once you arrive, take some time to explore the grounds around the lighthouse, which include beautiful gardens and a museum dedicated to its history.
For those looking for an adventure, climb up the winding stairs inside the lighthouse itself for breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding landscape. On clear days, visitors can even see all the way to Connecticut!
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a scenic spot to take in some amazing views, Montauk Point Lighthouse is definitely worth adding to your list of must-see spots on Long Island.
Route 3: Nissequogue River State Park
This offers a scenic drive through the beautiful landscapes of Long Island. The park is located in Kings Park, NY, and covers about 521 acres of land.
The main attraction of this route is the stunning view of the Nissequogue River that runs parallel to the road. The river flows into Long Island Sound, providing an excellent spot for fishing, kayaking, or canoeing.
Along with enjoying the beauty of nature, visitors can also participate in outdoor activities like hiking and biking on various trails within the park. For those who love birdwatching, there are plenty of bird species to observe here as well.
One unique feature of this state park is its historic district which includes various buildings from different time periods, including a gristmill built in 1791. Visitors can explore these historic sites while enjoying their scenic drive.
Route 3: Nissequogue River State Park offers a perfect combination of natural beauty and historical significance, making it one exciting destination for tourists visiting Long Island.
Route 4: Sunken Meadow State Park
This is a must-visit destination on Long Island, especially during autumn when the foliage is at its peak. This scenic drive offers stunning views of the Long Island Sound and dense forests that will take your breath away.
Once you arrive at the park, be sure to take advantage of all it has to offer. The boardwalk spanning over a mile along the beachfront provides an incredible sea view and an ideal spot for birdwatching. It’s worth noting that swimming in this area can be dangerous due to strong waves, so please exercise caution.
For hikers, there are several trails available varying in difficulty and length. The Greenbelt Trail runs through Sunken Meadow State Park and extends up to Heckscher State Park if you want a challenge.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy recreational activities such as fishing or playing golf with friends on one of two nearby golf courses within close proximity to each other: Crab Meadow Golf Course and Indian Head Golf Course.
Route 4: Sunken Meadow State Park is perfect for anyone who wants an adventure-filled day among nature’s beauty. Don’t forget your camera; you’ll want pictures of these captivating landscapes forever!
Route 5: Wildwood State Park
This is located in Wading River and offers a scenic drive through the lush greenery and along the beautiful Peconic River. This park boasts over 600 acres of woodlands, rolling fields, and picturesque vistas, making it an ideal location for nature lovers.
The winding roads throughout the park take visitors on a journey through serene forests, past tranquil ponds, and stunning river views. There are plenty of spots to pull off and enjoy a picnic or hike on one of the many trails that weave throughout the area.
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate spotting deer grazing in open fields or catching glimpses of birds perched on tree branches. The fall foliage provides a breathtaking backdrop as leaves change color to vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and brown hues.
For those who want to extend their stay at Wildwood State Park beyond just a scenic drive, campsites are available with access to amenities such as fire pits, grilling areas, restrooms & showers.
Overall this state park is definitely worth checking out when exploring Long Island’s scenic drives!
Conclusion
Taking a fall foliage road trip is the perfect way to explore Long Island and all of its beauty. Whether you’re looking for an easy day trip or a multi-day exploration, plenty of options and locations offer great views of the changing leaves.
From Orient Beach State Park to Wildwood State Park, these routes offer breathtaking views in every direction – something you don’t want to miss this season!
So grab your camera and hit the road – it’s time to enjoy some gorgeous fall foliage on Long Island.
FAQs
When is the best time to go on a fall foliage road trip on Long Island?
The peak season for fall foliage usually occurs from late September through mid-November. However, checking local weather reports and foliage trackers for the most accurate information is always best.
Do I need any special equipment or vehicle for these scenic drives?
No, you don’t need any special equipment or vehicle for these routes. All of them are accessible by regular cars and have plenty of parking available.
Can I bring my pets along on these scenic drives?
Yes, you can bring your pets along as long as they are always leashed and under your control. Some parks may have specific rules regarding pets, so be sure to check before you go.
Are there any admission fees for the state parks mentioned in this article?
Yes, some state parks mentioned in this article charge an admission fee during peak season (usually from Memorial Day to Labor Day). However, fees vary depending on the park and time of year, so be sure to check their website beforehand.
How long does it take to complete each route?
The length of each route varies depending on traffic conditions, stops made along the way, and how much time you spend at each location. On average, though, most routes can be completed within 2-3 hours if driven straight through without stopping.
George from We Like Long Island
We Like Long Island is a vibrant online community dedicated to celebrating the beauty, culture, and charm of Long Island, New York. Our passionate team of writers and contributors are deeply rooted in the local scene, providing readers with insightful articles, event updates, and hidden gems across the island. From stunning beaches and lush parks to mouthwatering culinary experiences and thriving arts scenes, We Like Long Island aims to showcase the very best of this unique region. Join us as we explore and share the stories that make Long Island a truly exceptional place to live and visit.Download this courtesy guide to optimize your travels and experience in Long Island.
Download the Free Guide Today
