The best walks and hikes in Valley Stream State Park
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Hiking in Valley Stream State Park, located in Nassau County on Long Island, offers accessible routes within a compact day-use park. The terrain is generally flat, with paths winding through woodlands and around several local ponds. These trails are suitable for casual walks and family-friendly excursions, providing a serene escape into nature. The park spans approximately 605 acres, characterized by lush woodlands and a valley setting.
Best hiking trails in Valley Stream State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Hempstead Lake loop from Lakeview, a 4.9 miles (7.8 km) trail that takes about 2 hours to complete. This easy route leads through the neighboring Hempstead Lake State Park.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Hendrickson Park – Valley Stream State Park loop from Village of Valley Stream, an easy 4.3 miles (6.9 km) path. This loop connects two local parks, offering varied scenery.
- Local hikers also love the McDonald Pond loop from Village of Rockville Centre, a 2.9 miles (4.7 km) trail leading around McDonald Pond, often completed in about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Hiking in Valley Stream State Park is defined by easy-to-follow pond-side paths, tranquil woodlands, and accessible trails. The network of trails provides options for different ability levels, primarily focused on easy walks.
- The routes in Valley Stream State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.8 stars from over 4 reviews. More than 50 hikers have used komoot to explore Valley Stream State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
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3.14km
00:48
10m
10m
Embark on an easy hike along the Hempstead Lake State Park North Loop, a route that guides you through pleasant wooded sections and past the tranquil waters of Northeast and Northwest Ponds. This accessible trail spans 2.0 miles (3.1 km), with a minimal elevation gain of just 31 feet (9 metres), making it suitable for a relaxed outing. You can expect to complete this loop in about 48 minutes, enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings. Be sure to pause at the observation deck overlooking Northeast Pond, a perfect spot to take in the views and watch for local wildlife. The path offers a gentle experience, ideal for those seeking a quiet escape into nature.
Planning your visit to Hempstead Lake State Park is straightforward, with convenient parking generally available near the trailhead. The northern section of the park has undergone significant enhancements, including the development of ADA-compliant trails. These improvements, along with a 10-foot-wide stone dust greenway, ensure the route is welcoming for a wide range of mobility levels. You will find the paths easy to navigate, making it a great choice for a spontaneous outdoor activity.
The Hempstead Lake State Park North Loop stands out for its commitment to accessibility, offering a well-maintained greenway that caters to diverse visitors. The trail's primary appeal lies in its serene natural setting, providing a peaceful contrast to urban life. It offers a chance to observe local wildlife and appreciate the park's efforts in preserving its natural beauty. This route is a testament to thoughtful park development, blending natural scenery with user-friendly infrastructure.
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3.3
(3)
13
hikers
7.15km
01:49
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.33km
01:06
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
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6.98km
01:51
70m
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Explore Alley Pond Park Loop, an easy 4.3-mile (7.0 km) hike in Queens, New York City, that takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete. You will gain a minimal 218 feet (66 metres) in elevation, making it suitable for most fitness levels. The trail winds through native hardwood forests and past spring-fed kettle ponds, like Turtle Pond, offering a diverse urban nature experience.
When planning your visit, remember that the trails feature both unpaved and paved sections, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a good idea, especially after rain. Alley Pond Park is easily accessible within New York City, and you can create your own loops by connecting the park's various color-coded trails. The Alley Pond Environmental Center is open seven days a week if you want to learn more about the park.
Alley Pond Park is the second-largest park in Queens, covering over 655 acres, and is known for its ecological diversity. It lies on a glacial moraine, where freshwater from hills mixes with saltwater from Little Neck Bay, creating unique wetlands. Look out for the Alley Pond Giant, a tulip tree estimated to be between 350 and 450 years old, which is possibly the tallest and oldest living organism in New York City.
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Popular around Valley Stream State Park
Tips from the Community
almost exactly a 5K distance around the lake. beautiful, peaceful, and most importantly shaded
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Hempstead Lake is a beautiful lake surrounded by scenic parkland. Covering over 100 acres, it’s a great spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. A nice trail encircles the lake, making it perfect for a run.
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This spot offers a privileged view of Hempstead Lake, perfect for a quick break and some birdwatching. It’s located near the bridge but remains a nice place to enjoy nature.
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Hendrickson Park is a lovely village park with a cycling / walking path running around Valley Stream Pond. With picnic benches it makes a lovely spot to take a mid ride break. Please be courteous of other path users.
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Hempstead Lake State Park is a multi-use facility that has children's playgrounds, basketball courts, and paths for horseback riding, biking and hiking. There are also picnic areas and an observation deck overlooking Hempstead Lake.
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Hempstead Lake is a tranquil freshwater lake surrounded by scenic parkland. Spanning over 100 acres, the lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The lake is surrounded by a nice walking trail, that serves as the perfect location for a stroll.
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Valley Stream State Park is a wonderful park that has picnic areas, nature trails and a paved walking path. Running the nature paths is a great way to discover the various habitats within the park.
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Hendrickson Park is a beautiful neighborhood park in Valley Stream. There are several walking and running paths that encircle Valley Stream Pond. The park also has some picnic tables, basketball courts and restrooms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Valley Stream State Park?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome in Valley Stream State Park, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please be aware that dogs are not permitted in playground areas, buildings, or on the designated nature trails.
Are there any family-friendly hikes in the park?
Absolutely. The park is well-suited for families with children. The main nature trails, the Squirrel Nut and Hickory Nut trails, are specifically designed to be easy and accessible for all ages. The terrain throughout the park is generally flat, making for relaxed and enjoyable walks.
How long are the hiking trails in Valley Stream State Park?
The trails are mostly short and easy, perfect for a casual day out. For example, the Valley Stream Pond loop from Village of Valley Stream is just under 2 miles (2.9 km) and takes about 45 minutes. Most routes in the area are designed for shorter walks rather than long-distance treks.
What is the best time of year to visit for hiking?
You can enjoy hiking in Valley Stream State Park year-round. Spring offers pleasant weather and blooming nature, while summer is popular for picnics and walks. Autumn is particularly beautiful when the park's woodlands display vibrant fall foliage, creating a picturesque setting for a hike.
Can I get to Valley Stream State Park by public transport?
Yes, the park is accessible via public transportation. The Valley Stream station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the closest train station. From there, it's a short taxi ride or a longer walk to the park entrance. Several Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus routes also service the surrounding area.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Valley Stream State Park?
The routes in this area are well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 3.8 stars. Hikers often appreciate the easy, flat paths that are suitable for a quick escape into nature without requiring strenuous effort.
Are there any longer or more challenging hikes available?
While most trails within the park itself are short, you can find longer routes nearby. The Turtle Pond loop from Glen Oaks is a moderate 5.7-mile (9.2 km) hike that offers a bit more distance while still maintaining a relatively flat profile.
Is the park good for birdwatching?
Yes, Valley Stream State Park is a noteworthy location for birdwatching. The mix of woodlands and open areas attracts a variety of common species. Keep an eye out for Northern Cardinals, Song Sparrows, and different types of finches as you walk the trails.
What other activities are available besides hiking?
The park is a hub for many recreational activities. It features facilities for basketball, volleyball, and softball, as well as courts for bocce ball and pits for horseshoes. There are also numerous picnic areas with tables and grills, making it a popular spot for family gatherings.
How do the trails here compare to Hempstead Lake State Park?
Valley Stream State Park offers shorter, more compact trails ideal for casual family walks. Nearby Hempstead Lake State Park provides options for longer hikes, such as the Hempstead Lake loop from Lakeview, which is nearly 5 miles (7.8 km) long and explores a larger natural area.
Is there a place to park my car?
Yes, there is a vehicle use fee to enter the park, and parking is available within the designated lots. The park is a day-use facility, so overnight parking is not permitted.
What is the exercise course in the park?
The park features a unique half-mile walking course that includes 15 different stations. Each station is equipped for specific stretching and strengthening exercises, allowing you to combine a nature walk with a full-body workout.
Most popular routes in Valley Stream State Park
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