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Avalon Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,541 Google reviews · Running trail in St James, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Avalon Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Natural conservation area with 5 diverse habitats, abundant native flora & fauna & walking trails.
What runners say about Avalon Nature Preserve
“You can tell they really keep up on the maintenance, the path is well maintained and some good steps and walk ways throughout.”
“The preserve was beautiful and we hiked the trails and took in all the beauty and wildlife.”
“A cute little park in the Stony Brook with boardwalk, ponds interesting sculptures and a well marked trails.”
“The walk through the area is really serene and impressive.”
“The track runs just by the lake - very easy walk upwards.”
Avalon Nature Preserve is a beautiful little hike with stunning beauty. Lots to see for bird lovers. I even spotted a deer sitting down for a couple of minutes. Lots of wildlife. Great place to take a hike with the kids.
Wonderful experience. We have drove by a couple of times and wasn't sure why there were so many people there at what I assumed was just a pond, but after our trip to the LI Museum we stopped by and glad we did. The preserve was beautiful and we hiked the trails and took in all the beauty and wildlife.
Beautiful park. When my "baby dog" was alive he LOVED this place, you never saw a dog more excited to take a stroll through the woods as this little guy was. The sights and sounds area tranquil. It's a quiet park even on the weekends. Most people stay by the duck pond feeding the ducks so the trails are very quiet.
Excellent place to visit. No entry fee and lots of parking space by the road. Nice lake with a very clean shore where you can sit back and watch the swimming birds. The track runs just by the lake - very easy walk upwards. Stop by the frog pond and enjoy the calm.
Trail conditions & character
“The preserve was beautiful and we hiked the trails and took in all the beauty and wildlife.”
“Upon arriving, my husband and I parked in the Forest parking lot, which had ample parking spaces and a map, laying out available trail options.”
“When my "baby dog" was alive he LOVED this place, you never saw a dog more excited to take a stroll through the woods as this little guy was.”
“There are no bathrooms around , the only con, but I get it.”
“The walk through the area is really serene and impressive.”
“A cute little park in the Stony Brook with boardwalk, ponds interesting sculptures and a well marked trails.”
“Easy terrain with mostly level ground shaded by the trees.”
“A cute little park in the Stony Brook with boardwalk, ponds interesting sculptures and a well marked trails.”
“The park has two parts – a smaller section near the Stony brook down town is essentially a regular garden with paved trails, flower beds, sculptures, cascades and ponds.”
“The terrain may be difficult for some, due to the tree roots and the uphill climbs, but other than that, it was manageable.”
Plan your run at Avalon Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteavalonnaturepreserve.org
- Phone+1 631-689-0619
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
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