Heckscher State Park

Heckscher State Park is a nature reserve on Long Island that contains grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, and beaches along Great South Bay. The landscape includes multiple environments that visitors can explore through an extensive network of paths and waterfront areas.

The park was established in 1929 when August Heckscher donated the land to New York for public use. This gift created an outdoor recreation area accessible to the general public.

The park maintains educational programs throughout the year, with naturalists leading walks to teach visitors about local wildlife and environmental conservation.

The park features multiple trails for walking and biking at varying skill levels, along with fishing spots in fresh and salt water. Picnic areas with tables and grills are distributed across the grounds for casual meals.

In winter, the landscape becomes a destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing across its varied terrain. This seasonal transformation shows how the park changes completely depending on the time of year.

Location: Suffolk County

Inception: 1929

Operator: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Phone: +16315812100

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/heckscher/details.aspx

GPS coordinates: 40.70750,-73.16111

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53