The best road cycling routes around Coram

Long Island is known as the cradle of aviation and is the scene of many aviation premieres. Many aircraft manufacturers such as Grumman, Republic and Brewster had their headquarters on the island.

The Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail, or Setauket Greenway, is a 3-mile paved path on Long Island’s north shore. It connects scenic old-growth forests, farmland, meadows, business districts, Stony Brook University, and county parks. The trail features a mix of wooded sections and occasional sunny spots, with several road crossings, and some short sections that pass through utility corridors and sand pits.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Recreational Trail is a 9.5-mile trail that is mostly paved and, in some places, hard-packed dirt. It is mostly flat and takes bikers on long stretches around the Calverton Executive Airpark.

These wetlands are designated as a state conservation area due to their important habitat for coastal fish and wildlife. Keep an eye out for abundant birds, including endangered species like the short-eared owl and pie-billed grebe. Although you're less likely to see them, the mudflats, channels, and wetlands also provide vital habitat for fish and marine invertebrates.

Spring Lake is on the eastern edge of the Spring Lake Golf Course, and this area is open weekdays from 6:30 a.m.– 6 p.m. and weekends from 5:30 a.m.– 6 p.m. Just north of Spring Lake is the public Bartlett Pond Park, another enjoyable part of this green space.

The Wardenclyffe Tower, also known as the Tesla Tower, was an early experimental wireless transmission station designed and built by Nikola Tesla from 1901 to 1902.

Avalon Nature Preserve, in Head of the Harbor, captivates with its diverse ecosystems. Spanning 216 acres, it features woodlands, wetlands, and serene trails, providing a peaceful haven for nature enthusiasts.

Grumman Memorial Park is right next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Recreational Trail. The park is open every day from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and features two retired military planes. There are benches and informational plaques to read. It was a cool opportunity to see these aircraft up close and personal in this intimate park.