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Hope Goddard Iselin Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Running trail in Oyster Bay, New York · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Hope Goddard Iselin 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.
Park, preserve, and tourist attraction known for its trails through woods, some with pine trees and meadows.
What runners say about Hope Goddard Iselin Preserve
“That being said, the loop trails within this park are all well maintained and the trails are amply signed.”
“Picturesque preserve with two distinct sections that hold beauty on their own merits.”
“They offer a peaceful escape from the city with an abundance of trees and serene paths to soothe your mind and soul.”
“Great small preserve where you can take your dogs for a walk in the woods, but it also connects to planting fields arboretum so you can get a great 4.”
Hiking Adventures await you in this Peaceful Preserve with loops going through a Pine Forest and a Meadow. Beautiful Views & Trails. Dogs are allowed. Enjoy . Hike more 🐶✌️🇺🇸🥾🪵
Very nice quick trail! I managed to spend 2 hours there by wandering and looping twice, but you could finish the main loop in 30 minutes - an hour. The main trail/loop is under a mile (about 3/4). The maps aren’t terribly detailed but so long as you don’t stray from the path, you should be fine.
Picturesque preserve with two distinct sections that hold beauty on their own merits. White pine plantation remnants are magnificent (there is a piney aroma with sweet and earthy undertones).
The parking lot at the entrance to this park is quite small, with space for around 5-6 cars maximum, so turn up early. That being said, the loop trails within this park are all well maintained and the trails are amply signed.
Trail conditions & character
“My preference is to access preserve from Planting Fields Arboretum trails to improve combined hiking mileage (plus preserve’s parking is free but relatively small).”
“They offer a peaceful escape from the city with an abundance of trees and serene paths to soothe your mind and soul.”
“Another favorite is the meadow loop area (remnants of Youngs family farm), it looks gorgeous in spring or fall (photos attached).”
“Great small preserve where you can take your dogs for a walk in the woods, but it also connects to planting fields arboretum so you can get a great 4.”
“Picturesque preserve with two distinct sections that hold beauty on their own merits.”
“Main loop is flat for the most part - the tree roots make it lumpy in some parts, but there’s no real hills or anything.”
Plan your run at Hope Goddard Iselin Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitenorthshorelandalliance.org
- Phone(516) 626-0908
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Oyster Bay
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,844 reviews
Greenhouses, gardens & summer concerts on a 409-acre estate with an original Tudor Revival mansion.
Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,885 reviews
Bayside park with athletic fields & courts, playgrounds, boat ramps & a beach on Oyster Bay Harbor.
Bailey Arboretum County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 151 reviews
Wooded and manicured grounds, including a children's garden, picnic tables and an event space.