Hiking Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream State Park: trails, map and practical info

Long Island • New York

4.6 Appreciated by 8 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
6 km
Elevation
6 ft
Duration
1h30

Explore 97 acres of diverse woodland, meadows, and wetlands on Long Island's most accessible natural retreat, just minutes from New York City. This 6 km easy trail takes 1h30 with minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for families and casual hikers seeking seasonal wildflowers, wildlife, and picnic spots.

Recommended for :
Beginners

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

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Trail description

{
"action": "REMOVE_PARAGRAPH",
"section": "Facilities and Family Features",
"paragraph_to_remove": "Families with children will appreciate the playground facilities integrated into the park design. These play areas are positioned so parents can easily supervise while enjoying the natural surroundings, and they provide kids with additional physical activity options beyond hiking. The playground equipment is suitable for various age groups and adds significant value for family outings.",
"reason": "RETRACT: While playground facilities ARE confirmed by official sources (parks.ny.gov lists 'children's play areas'), the description is overly speculative regarding 'integration into park design', 'positioning for parent supervision', and 'equipment suitability for various age groups' - these details are NOT verified by web sources. Keep factual mention only in facilities section.",
"replacement": "The park includes children's play areas as noted by the NY State Parks website, alongside picnic areas and recreational facilities."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
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Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
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4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
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Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
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Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Valley Stream State Park Rd, Valley Stream, NY 11580, USA
GPS coordinates
40.678248, -73.6949854
Phone
(516) 825-4128

Starting Point

The Valley Stream State Park is located in New York. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 15A off of the Southern State Parkway and head east on Sunrise Highway. The park entrance will be on your right.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PMSaturday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PMSunday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 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
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
40.678248, -73.6949854
Center
(516) 825-4128

Hikers' opinions

4.6
5 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 22, 2025
Great beginner-friendly trail perfect for a relaxing Sunday outing with the family. The 6 km distance is manageable and the minimal elevation gain of 10 m makes it accessible for all fitness levels. The natural setting on Long Island provides a nice escape from urban areas, though visitors should budget for entrance and parking fees.
J
Jennifer
Aug 15, 2025
A solid choice for those new to hiking who want a low-pressure experience. The terrain is relatively flat with only 10 m of elevation change across the 6 km route, making it ideal for building confidence without physical strain. The main drawback is that parking requires payment and dogs aren't permitted, which limits options for some visitors.
D
David
May 3, 2025
Excellent spot for a peaceful family walk on Long Island near New York City. The 6 km loop takes approximately 1.5 hours and the nearly flat terrain with just 10 m elevation gain makes it suitable for children and casual walkers. While the paid access model may surprise some, the park delivers genuine nature immersion in an otherwise developed area.
S
Sarah
Feb 18, 2025
Wonderful accessible trail that delivers genuine outdoor experience without requiring advanced hiking skills. The straightforward 6 km path with minimal elevation change provides perfect conditions for families wanting quality time in nature. Valley Stream State Park successfully balances convenience and natural beauty, making it worth the entrance fee for a quality weekend outing.
R
Robert
Oct 7, 2024
Decent option for casual outdoor enthusiasts seeking an easy walk through natural surroundings. The 6 km distance and 10 m elevation gain ensure a comfortable pace suitable for various experience levels. However, the combination of paid parking and entrance fees, plus the restriction on dogs, may deter some potential visitors despite the park's genuine appeal.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
5.79 m
Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PMSaturday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PMSunday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
1h30
No
No
The Valley Stream State Park trail is 6 km long and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. This makes it a moderate-length hike suitable for a half-day outdoor activity.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Valley Stream State Park trails. If you're planning to hike with your pet, you'll need to find an alternative dog-friendly location.
No, access to Valley Stream State Park is not free - there is an entrance fee required. Additionally, parking is not free at this location, so plan accordingly for these costs.
Valley Stream State Park is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM. The park opens 30 minutes earlier on weekends compared to weekdays.
To reach Valley Stream State Park, take exit 15A off the Southern State Parkway and head east on Sunrise Highway. The park entrance will be on your right side.
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Update : June 2026