Cancel

Open app

Search

Avalon Nature Preserve

4.7 (92 reviews)
Closed 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

Avalon Nature Preserve Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Avalon Nature Preserve

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Elizabeth V.

You absolutely have to visit this place--it's amazing! The lake is beautiful, and I saw so many frogs. The trails, though small, offer a great workout with just a few laps. The "maze" is an actual maze, and I even got lost in it! It's a fantastic spot for families, offering fun and adventure for everyone.

Swan on the lake
Gail B.

Came out here on a weekday afternoon for a post-telework workout. Locals say that the entire trail has been closed since March for construction but should reopen by Summer. So I just stood before the lake and took photos of the two swans who were floating in the water. Word has it that their newborn cygnets have not been seen for three weeks. Locals suspect that the cygnets did not survive the early Spring due to heavy rain and strong winds. Passersby were friendly to me, and that is why I will be back in the Summer to walk the trail.

Michelle L.

Avalon Park is a great spot for an easy hike/walk in the woods. I was thoroughly impressed that there's a great (and free!) park like this hidden on Long Island. The website directed us to park our car on the street, and we luckily found a spot right away. The boardwalk entrance is currently closed for construction so we just followed a line of people walking towards Rhododendron Drive, and eventually found the entrance to the red trail. This did involve a bit of walking on a trafficked road, so just be careful and look out for cars. The section that we walked around was more forest than park. We mostly stayed on the yellow trail, which was doable for my parents who are not the most exercise-inclined people. There were some gentle slopes and stairs here and there, but overall easy enough for me to walk in sandals (which I definitely do not recommend - my feet kicked up a ton of dirt). It was surprisingly quite secluded for most of our hour-long walk, although many of the people we did see were not wearing masks. I'd love to come back here once the boardwalk construction is done, and in the fall for the foliage.

Bee on sunflower
Gabrielle G.

Avalon Park & Preserve is magical! I am visiting the area for 9/11, so stress levels are high. This was the perfect place to go in Stony Brook, New York to rejuvenate and be at one with nature. The thoughtfulness and design of the preserve made me feel so peaceful and happy. Parking is easy and free, and entrance is also no charge, so it is accessible to everyone. The trails are well marked and maintained. There is signage warning of ticks, and we stayed on the main trails where we enjoyed almost 4 miles of hiking including a little extra going to the farm stand at Birdsfoot Farm that is owned by Avalon. The place feels safe as there are cameras and nowhere is so remote that you are completely on your own. There was at least one water fountain there, and it included a bowl for pets. We saw several sweet dogs along the trail, as well as kind humans including some friendly park people who do such a beautiful job making sure the park is safe and well-maintained. It was not at all crowded, and the park is spacious. We also saw a beautiful young deer who seemed to know that we meant no harm, so she just stood there and looked at us as we looked at her. It was a very special moment! Some of my favorite elements of the park were the Cartas al Cielo sphere and the Labyrinth. At the Cartas al Cielo, there are postcards where you can write something to those who have passed. The sign says, "Visitors are encouraged to send messages beyond our earthly realm, mailing them through this poetic vessel." At the Labyrinth, there is a beautiful tribute to Paul Simons, dedicating the park and preserve to his memory, and a spectacular sculpture by Jod Laurie. Every part of the preserve was wonderful. There is a duck pond and a frog pond near the entrance, a hilltop meadow at the top, and lots of cool things in between. There are no restrooms at the preserve, no picnic areas, and no trash cans. Everything is carry in and carry out. Their motto is Protect, Restore, Inspire...and that is absolutely perfect! I highly recommend this lovely sanctuary.

Kaitlyn M.

This spot really was one of my favorites that I visited this summer. It was very quiet for being next to the road and not very crowded at all. Aleah and I had such a nice time painting here right by the water and just enjoying the scenery.

Wendy B.

So I was by myself on a workday in Long Island and a friend of mine recommended this place. My cousin went up taking off from work and she came with me. I loved the labyrinth. It's not what you would typically think of a labyrinth but more of stones on the ground that you have to stare at and follow them because if you don't keep your eyes on them you'll miss a turn but I found it quite soothing. There was a woman who was riding around on a bicycle and I asked her if there was anything that we needed to know or that we needed to see As we have never been there before. She had a map and she showed us where to go for a globe that you could send letters to heaven. The fact that I was in New York for a celebration of life made this a perfect coincidence. There was one area with a bunch of big rocks that someone was getting a massage in that area of the park. It definitely is a great place for meditation. I wish things were marked a little better because we did wind up out on the road and I have Verizon wireless and I had no service and we walked the wrong way on the road for quite a while. Other than that it's a great place to go.

Pond
Julie D.

I visit this park often and never get tired of it. There's always something new to see. There is limited street parking, but you can also park across the street at the shops.

Cartas Al Cielo where you can send a letter to a loved one in Heaven
Andrea F.

Whether you're looking for a place to share with a friend and/or family member, or simply take a walk/hike in solitude, Avalon is THE place to visit. As a lifelong learner and lover of nature and beauty, I have watched Avalon continually transform over the many many years I have frequented this uniquely, special place. With its own ongoing transformation, I have witnessed not only mine, but my family's transformation as well. I have had the absolute pleasure of bringing my loved ones (including my pet dog) here, where the park & preserve has given us so many memories and much joy. With it, we grew too! My now-grown children watched wondered and learned in Avalon with its many diverse trails, the fro pond, the labyrinth, the wild flower field, the Cartas Al Cielo sculpture and so much more. Because of it, we have a greater appreciation & love for nature and it's endless facets of beauty. EVERYONE should experience Avalon!! It should be on everyone's bucket list of places to visit!!!

A map of the grounds.
Josh G.

You can put a fence around a patch of grass and call it a park, but is it really a park? Eh, let's talk about some real parks okay? Like Avalon. Now that is a park. A few weeks ago my girlfriend and I wanted to get a little more in touch with nature and so she took to Yelp to find a spot that wasn't a patch of grass. We wanted some trails, some fields, and perhaps a little water to round out the earthy experience. Avalon looked like a winner (and it was). To start, the parking seemed a little sporadic, but we snagged a spot quickly (plus it's a park so I'm not gonna really factor parking in too much). From there you'll first get the water. A nice lake area with scenic spots to stop and sit. Keep it going and you'll enter through Avalon's gate, like you're in the Secret Garden or something. Not that you can totally count theming in a natural spot, but this kind of plays into that realm. The trails then lead up and all over with plenty of views of the aforementioned water as well as scenic wood areas, flat grassy land, a silver orb that looks like something from The Terminator (check it out, it's anything but) and the labyrinth. That last one sounded cool when I first read it on the park map, though it wasn't as elaborate as you might think...unless we need the ghost of David Bowie to make things work. Overall, Avalon Park is a real, true park that gives you just about everything you want. There are some deep trails that my girlfriend and I want to check out in the future (a bit cold that day and a bathroom was semi-needed) so we'll be back. And with said next trip it might solidify that final star, but for now just know it's a spot way better than any fenced in grass, that's for sure.

Pond
Lisa A.

Very pretty. I couldn't find the trails or a sign to where they are. But got a lot of great pics of the mill pond.

Beautiful flower field
Summær H.

Favorite park on the island! Always a great trip. Very clean & well kept! They have friendly security walking around as well as a number to call if you need help. I usually see some turtles, fish, chipmunks and deer every trip. Worth the trip!

Doug W.

In Celtic lore, "Avalon" is known to be a bit of a paradise. Well, the same goes for Stonybrook's Avalon park. If you happen to be driving by, you may see the pond and not realize there's actually quite the sanctuary amidst the woods. This place is perfect when you want to go for a quick walk with the pup, a longer hike through a couple miles of trails, or just a magical little jaunt through this awesome wildlife preserve. A few entrances will lead you in, starting your journey to various spots such as the field of milkweed which always attracts some butterflies, or try to find the labyrinth; no matter what you do you'll find something interesting. You've gotta check it out. Great during the spring and fall! Best of all, it's free to explore.

Trails
Jay C.

This is a BEAUTIFUL park. Unfortunately due to storm damage we were only able to enjoy one side of the park. Will DEFINITELY return for the full experience. Had a GREAT time with the family hiking and walking the trails.

See all

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kai S.
39
91
4

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Gail B.
262
514
2978

6 years ago

Helpful 11
Thanks 0
Love this 8
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 1

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0
Photo of Josh G.
468
990
12312

9 years ago

Helpful 13
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

I really like this park. It has nice walking trails and lots of wildlife to see. It was recently remodeled as well.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Doug W.
1571
1313
7553

10 years ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 0
Love this 7
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Fun for people and dogs! Surprisingly few bugs. Everyone seems to be appropriately social distancing and such.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jay C.
0
16
39

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Claudia B.
1250
1724
9404

11 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

It's a pretty well kept park great for pictures. Enjoy the visit and go back again as the seasons change.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Very nice park. Great for a nice stroll, it's a large enough path that really helps increase your steps for the day. Always lots of activity

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of M E.
14
28
11

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Laurie L.
26
40
17

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

This is a great place to breath and take in the fresh air. So many wonderful trails and natural beauty and animals.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of James P.
138
35
57

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 15
Thanks 0
Love this 14
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 3

Avalon Nature Preserve Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Avalon Nature Preserve

Review Highlights - Avalon Nature Preserve

There are lots of ducks to feed, bring your babies, bring your family but come to Avalon Park and explore the area.

Mentioned in 13 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Parks 2,313 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Miller's Pond County Park

Miller's Pond County Park

3.3(3 reviews)
5.4 mi

Millers Pond is one of those hidden gems in Smithtown that you don't really appreciate until you…read morespend some time there. It's a small county park tucked into a residential neighborhood, perfect for a small walk or just to clear your head! The pond itself is about 21 acres with just over a mile of shoreline. There's a short trail (under a mile) that loops around and connects with the Long Island Greenbelt Trail, so if you're in the mood for a longer walk, you can definitely extend your time. It's not the place for a strenuous hike, but perfect for a peaceful stroll, birdwatching, or just sitting quietly by the water. Many people come here to fish. I catches with a local, and he mentioned they catch bass, sunfish, perch, and bullhead! It's strictly a shoreline activity, so there's no boats in the pond. I also like that it's dog friendly, as long as pups are leashed! Parking is small (maybe 5 cars tops off Maple Ave), but across the street is a park if you have any issues finding a spot to park. It's simple, it's quiet, and my niece and nephew love to come here to feed the ducks! Definitely worth checking out if you like discovering new parks and are looking for a relaxing time.

Stopped by this which I have passed hundreds of times over the years. Not much of a parking lot and…read morelayer of scum on the pond. Figured I could pull over here and eat lunch but no place to sit. I guess the big attraction is saved open space that might have been developed if this wasn't here.

Photos
Miller's Pond County Park
Miller's Pond County Park
Miller's Pond County Park

See all

Smithtown Recreation

Smithtown Recreation

3.0(1 review)
4.8 mi

Smithtown Recreation organizes a canoe trip once a year. Starts by the small park by the "Bull"…read moreand ends in Kings Park. It's about 6 miles and 21/2 hours of canoeing. I give it 3 stars because: I am brand new to canoeing. They give you 30 seconds of instruction. The head guy doesn't seem to want to be bothered to elaborate on the instructions. He says, "Oh, it's all common sense." (It's not common sense if you've never done it before.) I capsized my canoe, I went all underwater. These cheerleader type 20yr. something girls came by to help and laughed it off. It's not a laughing matter if the canoe falls over you and you go over your head underwater. The organization should have professional canoe people rowing near the group to check on you. The organization just sends you off on your own. Also, the life jacket they gave me , the belt was broken. The jacket was useless. Coming back, unloading, I told one of the canoe guys that I capsized, he laughed it off. The 12 year old rich, bored blond boy from the canoe company laughed it off and looked at me like I was a bug. They said, "that will be a story to tell." (again, not a laughing matter!) If you go, just take sunblock and car keys in your canoe. Do not stretch to the other person, or move a whole lot. The boat is very sensitive to balance. I also saw and smelled a canoe that had 2 young 20yr. something guys smoking something funny, and I can clearly see him drinking a beer. There are no formal rest stops. To park your canoe on a narrow stretch of muddy sand and trees is too much of a pain. Nobody helps you. But, once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad. Don't forget to sunblock your legs, face, and arms!

Smithtown Bull Monument - Merry Christmas -Bull

Smithtown Bull Monument

4.4(30 reviews)
5.1 mi

I have no idea why I'm reviewing an iron (or whatever) bull; then again, this isn't just a bull,…read moreit's an oasis. For some reason when we were younger and all we did was drive around in the good il' days, listening to music, hitting record shops, finding cheap food, this. I'll represented our independence. This bull was always a strong reminder of feeling a little freedom. I've taken plenty of photos with this bull, from drunken escapades to somber and sober reminiscence... they will never be public Ah the Smithtown bull; now let's go to the famous duck!

Statue The Smithtown…read moreBull- everyone knows this landmark, conveniently located across from the worst strip club around; but I digress... This bull represents the bull that Captain John Smith rode in the Kentucky derby only to lose to Sea Biscuit, because Pocahontas was too heavy... Or, alternatively, this represents the bull that Richard Smith rode as far as he could in one day in order to gain as much land as he could from the chief of the Wyandanch Indians, in said ride. I like the 2nd version personally but no matter how much you suck at American History, you can rest assured that if you use this magnificent beast as a landmark, everyone will find their way to your house. Anatomically correct? You betcha - bronze junk and all.

Photos
Smithtown Bull Monument - Today..4.29.16

Today..4.29.16

Smithtown Bull Monument - 9.9.16.. STEAMY HOT September..NO BULL

9.9.16.. STEAMY HOT September..NO BULL

Smithtown Bull Monument - Very difficult to check in here must do so at the light

See all

Very difficult to check in here must do so at the light

Avalon Nature Preserve - parks - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...