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Hempstead Lake State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,199 Google reviews · Running trail in West Hempstead, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hempstead Lake 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.
Tranquil park with playgrounds, equestrian, biking & hiking trails & an old-school wooden carousel.
What runners say about Hempstead Lake State Park
“The park offers many lake trails, picnic tables, playground, lawn tennis court and clean washrooms in the front office.”
“This park offers a perfect escape into nature with its beautiful landscapes and serene lake views.”
“It’s peaceful and low key, with secluded hiking trails that make it easy to escape the noise and unwind.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Hempstead Lake State Park is a hidden gem on Long Island! This park offers a perfect escape into nature with its beautiful landscapes and serene lake views. The walking and biking trails are well-maintained, making them ideal for all ages.
This is a multi-use path is for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and horses. Leashed dogs are permitted.The clean path is wide for easy passing or walking side by side. The footing is good but can get muddy if it rains a lot. The walk around the lake is 3 miles. Parking in Field 5 is easy.
Since my last visit, the state has done some construction and made the park better. There is a new information and education center, they built some nice stairways to make climbing down to the water’s edge easier. They built a multi level structure adjacent to a boat launch area. We walked 4.
SCENIC VIEWS! We were in Rockville for our son’s appointments. We had a break in between the meetings. We used to come here and have lunch. The place had many walking trails. The park offers many lake trails, picnic tables, playground, lawn tennis court and clean washrooms in the front office.
Trail conditions & character
“The scenery is nice, and there’s plenty of nature to take in… from quiet wooded paths to open views that make the whole experience feel refreshing and calm.”
“It’s peaceful and low key, with secluded hiking trails that make it easy to escape the noise and unwind.”
“The picnic areas are perfect for a family day out, and I appreciated the ample parking and facilities available.”
“55 degrees and no clouds and just me snd my dogs!”
“They have two free level 2 chargers here from charge point, which produces 6 kilowatts.”
Plan your run at Hempstead Lake State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ny.gov
- Phone+1 516-766-1029
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near West Hempstead
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hempstead Bike Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 7 reviews
Northern Ponds Gateway
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Harold Walker Memorial Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 184 reviews
Park featuring a pool, playground, basketball court, and baseball field.
