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United States
New York
Suffolk County

Brightwaters

The best walks and hikes around Brightwaters

4.7

(11)

140

hikers

19

hikes

Hiking around Brightwaters, New York, offers diverse outdoor experiences centered around lakes, ponds, and wooded preserves. The region features generally flat and well-marked trails, providing accessible routes through natural landscapes. Hikers can explore serene lake loops, extensive preserve trails, and paths alongside ponds and rivers. The terrain is characterized by a mix of wooded areas, open vistas, and tranquil water features.

Best hiking trails around Brightwaters

  • The most popular hiking route is Argyle Lake to Belmont Lake — Belmont Lake…

Last updated: June 29, 2026

4.2

(5)

8

hikers

#1.

Home Trail

7.69km

01:57

10m

10m

The Home Trail offers a delightful and accessible escape into nature, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family outing. This easy 4.8-mile (7.7 km) hiking route features a gentle…

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Easy

2

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If you're looking for a genuinely easy hike with plenty of visual interest, the Heckscher State Park Bike Path delivers. This 3.6-mile (5.8 km) route offers a pleasant journey through…

Easy
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1

hikers

The Belmont Lake State Park Loop offers a wonderfully accessible and scenic hike, perfect for a relaxed outing. This easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) route circles the picturesque Belmont Lake, featuring…

Easy

1.37km

00:21

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0m

If you're seeking a genuinely easy and quick outdoor escape, the Plover Trail delivers a pleasant experience without breaking a sweat. This 0.8-mile (1.4 km) hike features a minimal 2…

Easy

The South Shore Nature Center Trail in East Islip, NY, is a delightful and easy hiking route that immerses you in a rich tapestry of natural habitats. As you walk…

Easy
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Popular around Brightwaters

Road Cycling Routes around Brightwaters

Cycling around Brightwaters

Running Trails around Brightwaters

Tips from the Community

Jamie S.
August 31, 2024, View of the Waterfall at Belmont Lake Outlet

From this spot you get a nice view of a small waterfall flowing out of Belmont Lake into Carl's River. This is a pleasant spot to pause as you ride around Belmont Lake State Park and the surrounding area.

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Alex
January 23, 2024, Belmont Lake State Park

Belmont Lake State Park and the path running through it makes a perfect spot to cycle through off of the road and enjoy the green scenery. With the Carlis River running through it, there is plenty to see along the way.

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Matthew
December 5, 2023, Southards Pond

Southards Pond Park is a popular spot for easy hiking in Babylon, New York. There is a dirt hiking loop that circles the Southards Pond (the centerpiece of the park) and a couple other paths that follow the Carlls River south.

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Paul_C
November 27, 2023, Southards Pond

If you are looking for a scenic and relaxing trail run, you might want to check out Southards Pond Park in Babylon, New York. This park features a 1.4-mile loop trail that circles around a large pond, where you can enjoy the views of the water and the wildlife. The trail is mostly flat and easy, with some dirt footpaths and wooden bridges. You can access the trail from many points around the pond, but the south shoreline offers the easiest access. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Southards Pond Park is a great place to enjoy nature and get some fresh air while running.

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The area where Belmont Lake funnels back into the Carlls River at the southern end of the reservoir is a popular viewing spot of the water. There is a bridge crossing the creek with a head-on view of the small cascade formed by the lake flowing into the tight waterway.

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Matthew
November 21, 2023, Belmont Lake

Belmont Lake is fed by the Carlls River and features a few tiny islands in the middle of the reservoir. There are docks, benches, picnic tables, and a small pier on the east side of the water. The dam on the south side of the lake is another popular hiking destination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hiking trails are there around Brightwaters?

There are over 10 hiking routes available around Brightwaters, offering a variety of experiences from easy strolls to moderate excursions. The komoot community has explored these trails over 100 times, providing an average rating of 4.4 stars.

Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual walkers?

Yes, Brightwaters offers several easy trails. For example, the Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve loop is an easy 3.1-mile path exploring lush greenery. Another accessible option is the Belmont Lake loop from Baywood, which is about 3 miles long and offers pleasant scenery around the lake.

What are some longer hiking options in the Brightwaters area?

For a longer hike, consider the Argyle Lake to Belmont Lake — Belmont Lake State Park route, which spans 7.7 miles and typically takes over 3 hours to complete. This moderate trail winds through wooded landscapes with views of both Argyle Lake and Belmont Lake.

Are there any circular hiking routes in Brightwaters?

Many of the trails around Brightwaters are designed as loops, providing convenient circular walks. The Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve loop and the Southards Pond – Southards Pond loop from Town of Babylon are excellent examples, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see on the trails?

Hiking around Brightwaters is characterized by serene lake loops, extensive preserve trails, and paths alongside ponds and rivers. You can expect to see beautiful views of Southards Pond, the Carl's River, and the tranquil waters of Belmont Lake. The trails often wind through wooded landscapes with occasional open vistas.

Are there any waterfalls or notable viewpoints along the hikes?

Yes, Belmont Lake State Park features a small waterfall flowing from Belmont Lake, which can be viewed along some of its trails. You can find a specific viewpoint for this at View of the waterfall at the Belmont Lake outlet.

What are some family-friendly hiking options in the area?

Trails around Southards Pond are generally flat and well-marked, making them accessible and tranquil for families, especially from April through September. Belmont Lake State Park also offers pleasant scenery and shorter loops suitable for families.

What is the best time of year to hike in Brightwaters?

The trails around Brightwaters are enjoyable throughout much of the year. The foliage is particularly lush from April through September, offering vibrant scenery. However, the generally flat and well-marked nature of the trails makes them accessible in various seasons.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Brightwaters?

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the serene lake and pond views, the well-maintained paths, and the peaceful, wooded environments that offer a refreshing escape into nature.

Are there any historical sites or landmarks to explore near the hiking trails?

While hiking, you can find nearby attractions such as Fire Island Lighthouse, a significant landmark. Additionally, the Main House at Connetquot River State Park Preserve offers a glimpse into local history.

Where can I find parking for the hiking trails?

Many of the state parks and preserves in the Brightwaters area, such as Belmont Lake State Park, Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve, and Heckscher State Park, provide designated parking facilities for visitors accessing their trail systems.

Are there any trails that offer views of the coast or beaches?

Yes, Heckscher State Park provides opportunities for hiking alongside its beaches. You can explore routes like the West Beach – Overlook Beach loop from Heckscher State Park, which offers coastal views and access to Heckscher State Park Beach.

Most popular routes around Brightwaters

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