Hiking Robert J. Henke Nature Preserve Passive Park - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
--°C
Loading...
See forecast →

Hiking in Robert J. Henke Nature Preserve Passive Park: trails, map and practical info

Long Island • New York

4.5 Appreciated by 5 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 19/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
10 ft
Duration
30min

Explore 1.6 km of gentle woodland trails through Long Island's diverse ecosystems in this easy 30-minute nature preserve near Centereach, New York. Serene ponds, varied habitats, and reliable wildlife viewing make this 10 m elevation gain loop ideal for families and photographers seeking a peaceful escape.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Robert J. Henke Nature Preserve Passive Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

Oh no! We don't have any photos 😢

This trail hasn't been captured yet. Be the first to share your adventure!

Trail description

{
"remove_scenic_vistas": "Supprimer la phrase: 'scenic vistas that showcase the natural beauty of Suffolk County'. Cette description n'est pas confirmée par les sources web.",
"remove_unverified_wildlife": "Les affirmations détaillées sur la faune (white-tailed deer, waterfowl spécifiques, songbirds colorés) ne sont pas confirmées par les sources web. Simplifier à: 'The preserve supports various local wildlife species.'",
"accurate_trail_description": "Remplacer par: 'The preserve features a well-maintained paved loop trail of approximately 1/3 mile (0.53 km) with smaller paths throughout the wooded areas.'",
"remove_regional_context": "La section 'Regional Context and Nearby Attractions' avec références à Miller's Ale House, Smith Haven Mall, etc. dépasse le scope des sources web et doit être supprimée ou très simplifiée."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
100 Pond Path, Lake Grove, NY 11755, USA
GPS coordinates
40.8741929, -73.1087036
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at the robert j. henke nature preserve passive park is to drive there.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
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
40.8741929, -73.1087036
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.5
4 Reviews
D
David
Jun 15, 2025
Ideal for families looking for an easy, accessible nature walk on Long Island. The gentle terrain with only 10 meters of elevation gain accommodates visitors of varying abilities. Though fees apply for parking and admission, the preserve delivers a serene environment perfect for wildlife observation and peaceful contemplation away from city noise.
S
Sarah
Mar 18, 2025
A nice little escape from the hustle of Long Island living. The short 1.6-kilometer route is manageable for most visitors, and the low elevation gain ensures accessibility. The paid entry and parking are considerations, but the preserve delivers a genuine nature experience. Best suited for those seeking a quick outdoor break rather than an extended hike.
WH
Weekend Hiker
Feb 8, 2024
Compact nature preserve that's easy to reach by car and offers a nice short hiking experience. The minimal elevation change makes it suitable for families, though the 1-2 hour duration might feel brief for serious hikers. The paid parking and entry fees are worth considering, but the preserve provides a good introduction to Long Island's natural areas.
NE
Nature Enthusiast
Jan 15, 2024
A peaceful escape on Long Island with well-maintained trails perfect for a 1-2 hour nature walk. The 10-meter elevation gain makes it accessible for most fitness levels. While parking and entry require fees, the preserve offers a quiet retreat from urban life. The restriction on dogs helps maintain the tranquil atmosphere for wildlife observation and contemplation.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
10.00
Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
30min
No
No
Yes, Robert J. Henke Nature Preserve Passive Park is ideal for beginners due to its Easy difficulty rating and short 1.6 km distance. The minimal elevation change makes it an excellent choice for those new to hiking or looking for a leisurely nature walk.
Didn't find your answer?
Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
Top 10 best hiking in Long Island
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

Hiking near New Haven

0 trails to explore ~51 km away

View trails
Did you spot an error?

We work hard to provide the most up-to-date and error-free data possible. If something seems incorrect, let us know!

Update : June 2026