Hiking Hempstead Lake State Park - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Hempstead Lake State Park: trails, map and practical info

Long Island • New York

4.5 Appreciated by 18 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2013 • Updated 26/05/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
6 km
Elevation
20 ft
Duration
1h30
Max altitude
30 ft

This 6 km loop through Nassau County's historic waterworks takes 2 to 3 hours on Long Island. Three stocked fishing ponds and remnants of Brooklyn's old aqueduct system make this a unique blend of nature and industrial heritage.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Hempstead Lake State Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

Hempstead Lake State Park is a 737-acre (2.98 km2) state park located in Nassau County, New York in the United States. The park is located in West Hempstead and is one of three state parks within the Town of Hempstead. There is a quick-access entrance at exit 18 from the Southern State Parkway. The park offers picnic tables with pavilions, tennis courts, a playground, playing fields, recreation programs, hiking, biking, a bridle path, fishing, ice fishing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and a boat launch. The park contains three ponds for fishing that are stocked with several varieties of fish. Wooded picnic areas provide shade. At one time, its water resources were tapped to supply water to Brooklyn Waterworks. The Southern State Parkway was built over the aqueduct that moved the water to Brooklyn.

Hempstead Lake State Park is a beautiful park located in New York. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including fishing, hiking, biking, and swimming. There are also several picnic areas and pavilions available for use, as well as a playground and a nature center. The park is home to Hempstead Lake, which offers opportunities for boating and fishing.

Hempstead Lake State Park is a beautiful park located in New York. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including fishing, hiking, biking, and swimming. There are also several picnic areas and pavilions available for use, as well as a playground and a nature center. The park is home to Hempstead Lake, which offers opportunities for boating and fishing.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Eagle Ave, West Hempstead, NY 11552, USA
GPS coordinates
40.683058, -73.6431062
Phone
(516) 766-1029

Starting Point

The Hempstead Lake State Park is located in New York. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 18 off of the Long Island Expressway and go north on Franklin Avenue. The park entrance will be on the right.

The Hempstead Lake State Park is located in New York. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 18 off of the Long Island Expressway and go north on Franklin Avenue. The park entrance will be on the right.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
  • Hiking shoes Essential
  • Layered clothing Essential
  • Rain jacket Essential
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
40.683058, -73.6431062
Center
(516) 766-1029

Hikers' opinions

4.5
3 Reviews
JK
Jennifer K.
Mar 22, 2024
Love this peaceful trail! Perfect for morning walks with beautiful lake views throughout the 6km route. The minimal elevation makes it relaxing rather than challenging. Takes about 2.5 hours at a comfortable pace with photo stops. Easy to find from the Long Island Expressway. Definitely recommend for anyone seeking nature close to the city.
MR
Mike R.
Feb 8, 2024
Decent trail for a quick outdoor escape on Long Island. The flat terrain makes for an easy walk, though it can get crowded on weekends. The 6km distance is manageable for beginners. Access from Franklin Avenue off LIE exit 18 is straightforward. Worth noting the entrance fee and no-pet policy before you go.
SM
Sarah M.
Jan 15, 2024
Great family-friendly trail at Hempstead Lake State Park! The 6km loop is perfect for a leisurely 2-3 hour walk around the lake. With minimal elevation gain of just 20m, it's accessible for most fitness levels. The scenery is beautiful, especially in fall. Just note that parking isn't free and dogs aren't allowed on the trails.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
20.00
30.00
Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
1h30
No
No
The Hempstead Lake State Park trail is 6 km long and takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. The trail features minimal elevation gain of 20 m, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Hempstead Lake State Park trail. Please plan accordingly if you were hoping to bring your pet along for the hike.
No, access to Hempstead Lake State Park is not free. Additionally, parking is not free at the park, so be prepared for associated costs when planning your visit.
Hempstead Lake State Park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week. It's recommended to verify current hours before your visit as they may change seasonally.
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Update : June 2026