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

Long Island • New York

4.5 Appreciated by 10 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 29/05/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
13 km
Elevation
10 ft
Duration
3h15

Explore 13 km of flat trails through Long Island's historic Southaven County Park, famous for its alleged 1992 UFO crash site. This 2-3 hour adventure near Brookhaven offers nature trails along the Carmans River.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Southaven County Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

southaven county park is located in Brookhaven and South Haven, New York in central Long Island. It is located between Sunrise Highway (Route 27) just west of William Floyd Parkway, off of Victory Avenue (Suffolk CR 56/North Sunrise Service Road), and crossed by the Carmans River. In the 1960s, it became one of Suffolk County’s first parks opened to the public. The territory of the parkland reaches as far north as East Main Street and Yaphank Avenue in Yaphank, which contains the historic Homan-Gerard House and Mills as well as the Mary Louise Booth Girlhood Home. Segments of the Long Island Expressway and the Main Line of the Long Island Rail Road runs through the park, though it is accessible from neither the LIE nor the railroad. The park has become famous for being the crash site of an alleged UFO in 1992. southaven county park is a beautiful park located in the town of DeWitt, New York. The park is situated on the banks of the Onondaga Creek and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. There are several miles of hiking trails that wind through the forested areas of the park, and there is also a large playground for children. The park is also home to a nature center, which offers educational programs for visitors of all ages. As a Long Island icon, southaven county park stands out among other Suffolk County parks due to its rich history and diverse recreational offerings. Visitors can explore this expansive green space while enjoying its serene natural beauty. Located near Shirley, this park provides an ideal escape from urban life. Managed by Google LLC's mapping services, finding your way around southaven county park has never been easier. Whether you're planning a family picnic or an adventurous day out exploring nature trails, this park southaven promises an unforgettable experience.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
761 Victory Ave, Yaphank, NY 11980, USA
GPS coordinates
40.8025194, -72.8928458
Phone
(631) 854-1414

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at the southaven county park in New York is to take the New York State Thruway to exit 16. From there, take Route 17 north to exit 105 and then take Route 206 east. The park entrance will be on your left.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PMTuesday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PMWednesday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PMThursday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PMFriday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PMSaturday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PMSunday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 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
40.8025194, -72.8928458
Center
(631) 854-1414

Hikers' opinions

4.5
3 Reviews
R3
Review 3
Mar 2, 2024
Excellent trail network spanning 13 kilometers through diverse Long Island terrain. The minimal 10-meter elevation gain makes this accessible for hikers of all fitness levels. Spent a relaxing 3 hours exploring the various paths. While there are fees for both parking and park access, the well-maintained trails and peaceful environment make it worthwhile.
R2
Review 2
Feb 8, 2024
Decent hiking experience though be aware that dogs aren't allowed on the trails which was disappointing for us. The 13km route takes about 2-3 hours to complete with very gentle terrain. Access via Route 17 to exit 105 then Route 206 east is straightforward, but factor in the parking and entrance fees when planning your visit.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Great trail system at Southaven County Park covering 13km with minimal elevation gain of just 10 meters, making it perfect for a leisurely 2-3 hour hike. The flat terrain through Long Island's landscape offers beautiful scenery without being too challenging. Note that there are entrance fees and parking isn't free, so plan accordingly.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
10.00
Monday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PMTuesday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PMWednesday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PMThursday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PMFriday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PMSaturday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PMSunday: 8:45 AM – 9:30 PM
3h15
No
No
The Southaven County Park trail is 13 km long and takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. The trail features minimal elevation gain of only 10 m, making it a relatively flat hiking experience.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Southaven County Park trail. Please plan accordingly and make alternative arrangements for your pets before visiting.
No, parking is not free at Southaven County Park. There are parking fees required, so be sure to bring payment for parking when you visit.
Take the New York State Thruway to exit 16, then Route 17 north to exit 105, and finally Route 206 east. The park entrance will be on your left.
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Update : June 2026