Home › New York › Cold Spring Harbor › Cold Spring Harbor State Park
Cold Spring Harbor State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,815 Google reviews · Running trail in Cold Spring Harbor, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cold Spring Harbor State Park'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.
Hilly 40-acre park with harbor vistas, hardwood forest & mountain laurel plus seasonal songbirds.
What runners say about Cold Spring Harbor State Park
“I'm not in good enough shape to walk the entire trail on the hottest day of the year, but the parts I did were well kept, moderate inclines that open to nice views.”
“Cold Spring Harbor is a charming and peaceful spot on the North shore of Long Island, NY with stunning waterfront views.”
“The thick canopy of trees provides outstanding shade throughout and a variety of birds provide a cacophony of sounds to serenade you during your journey.”
“Cold Spring Harbor is a charming and peaceful spot on the North shore of Long Island, NY with stunning waterfront views.”
“🦋 moderate challenging hike 🦋 dog friendly trail 🦋 parking available 🦋 restrooms available 🦋right next to the library, which is amazing!”
Nice short yet challenging trail. Roundtrip is about 2 miles with sections of steep inclines and declines. At the end of the trail, you can continue the trail across the road or turn back. Highly recommend good footwear, lots of loose rocks and tree roots on the trail.
I discovered that the trail at Cold Spring Harbor State Park is part of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail and seems to go on forever. I hiked about 5 miles and eventually reached the beautiful green circle field known as Stillwell Woods Preserve.
My go to hike spot. Love coming here for a nice workout or relaxing self care walk. Its family and pet friendly. There are some rough climbs but its do-able. There is even the option to take alternative (harder) paths which some people might find confusing but if you stay on the main heavy trailed path you’ll be fine.
Very nice hike. It’s 5 miles. It doesn’t loop. Just be aware. Great views of the harbor, a few surprises along the hike. Different elevations. 🦋 moderate challenging hike 🦋 dog friendly trail 🦋 parking available 🦋 restrooms available 🦋right next to the library, which is amazing! 🦋great view of sunset here
Trail conditions & character
“Cold Spring Harbor is a charming and peaceful spot on the North shore of Long Island, NY with stunning waterfront views.”
“The park is absolutely gorgeous, featuring hilly terrain with impressive oak tree roots and the relaxing sounds of various songbirds.”
“With ups and downs and renovated wooden steps, this is a popular local area for practicing trail running, hiking and regular exercise as well as strolling with dogs.”
“🦋 moderate challenging hike 🦋 dog friendly trail 🦋 parking available 🦋 restrooms available 🦋right next to the library, which is amazing!”
“The thick canopy of trees provides outstanding shade throughout and a variety of birds provide a cacophony of sounds to serenade you during your journey.”
“The park is absolutely gorgeous, featuring hilly terrain with impressive oak tree roots and the relaxing sounds of various songbirds.”
“Cold Spring Harbor is a charming and peaceful spot on the North shore of Long Island, NY with stunning waterfront views.”
“🦋 moderate challenging hike 🦋 dog friendly trail 🦋 parking available 🦋 restrooms available 🦋right next to the library, which is amazing!”
Plan your run at Cold Spring Harbor State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ny.gov
- Phone+1 631-423-1770
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Cold Spring Harbor
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Nassau-Suffolk Trail LIGTC
4.5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Uplands Farm Sanctuary
4.7 ★★★★★ 74 reviews
Once a dairy farm, this 97-acre preserve offers trails through forests & meadows for viewing nature.
Nature Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 86 reviews
Wildlife refuge featuring a hiking trail leading to a beach.
Red Cote Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 18 reviews
West Rogues Wetlands
4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
Heckscher Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,297 reviews
Popular park, home to frequent community events, offering leafy paths, a big playground & a pond.