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Sweetbriar Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 491 Google reviews · Running trail in Smithtown, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sweetbriar Nature Center'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.
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center with animals, plus a butterfly house and trails.
What runners say about Sweetbriar Nature Center
“Such a beautiful place that takes care of wildlife in need on Long Island.”
One of my favorite places to go on Long Island. It's immaculately maintained but still feels wild. You could tell the animals feel very safe there, even the wild animals that run around like the groundhog, the deer, the chipmunks all the birds. It's a safe place for the animals. Beautiful woods, picnic benches.
Went for walk in the icy, cold of the day. Not many visitors. But the birds they had were available, visible. Probably better to visit when it's more moderate. Still we enjoyed it. Nice helpful people, good way to spend some time & take some photos. 1/30/25
Came here to see the animals and walk the bit of trails, however, the trail map and the trail markings are difficult to understand and I didn't get far due to confusion on the trails. The place is great for their wildlife rehabilitation and education. They have great enclosures for the animals.
It's a beautifully maintained park for hiking & also tons of wildlife & sanctuary animals for viewing. Very informative plaques and information everywhere. We loved our first time here & will be coming back in the future!
Trail conditions & character
“Parking in the main lot was limited by the number of spots and snow.”
Plan your run at Sweetbriar Nature Center
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.
- Websitesweetbriarnc.org
- Phone(631) 979-6344
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
Running trails near Smithtown
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sweetbriar Park
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