Once again we set out no plan in mind. We only had a direction and Google maps. Work these two tools, we began our journey.
The first stop, Bethpage State Park.
We had never been to Bethpage State Park before despite having passed it an innumerable amount of times. So we set out with it as our way point and no idea what to expect. So many times we have had high expectations and excitement for a new park adventure, only to be let down by lack of walkable trails and/or lack of required maintenance. Anywho, that wouldn’t stop us and so we entered; the parking fee is $8.
Bethpage State Park has several marked trails and as we found out, many more completely random unmarked trails that were so narrow they look like they could have been game trails. We started at the trailhead at the upper right most corner of the parking lot when entering. We intended to take the outermost trail with the longest distance. However, when we got in there we got a bit lost and took whichever trail was the widest and let that be our guide. Part of that reasoning was there is a decent presence of poison ivy and ticks like most other parks so be aware. We recommend using a repellent and staying in the trails in addition to avoiding leaves of three.
While walking those random trails were fun, it is a bit unnerving. There are trail maps that can be downloaded, but the ones we saw were around three dollars and so decided just to use the phone’s maps. You may have better luck if using the specific paid for maps.
Either way, we did make our way through the trails to the paved bike path. This path runs throughout the park and makes for easy walking or riding has a lot of traffic so just follow the others. One section begins at the entrance to the parking lot so is very easy to find. It was easier to walk than the dirt and sand paths covered with rocks and sticks but was not flat and slightly hilly so still gives a bit of a challenge to the walk.
Lastly, we stopped for a quick walk at
Planting Fields Arboretum. It was nearby and would allow us to extend our day and our daily step count.
There is a huge Manor house to walk around as well as extensive grounds. One can find different buildings of the time that were on the estate that was built by William Robertson Coe and his second wife Mai Rogers Coe.
There are fountains and greenhouses and horse stables and more. The manor offers your tours but most of the rest of the 409 acres of land is explorable except for employee only designated areas.
We decided to take a quick walk through the greenhouse. Perfect timing as it began to rain. It’s a modest greenhouse but interesting nonetheless. It has a mix of flowers and trees from various parts of the world. All are quite interesting but our favorites have to be the room with all different cacti and the one with the orchids.
Other than our favorites, there are aloe plants for those with sunburn as well as an orange tree and cacao tree if you forget lunch :).
Just outside one of the greenhouse exits is a small walkway covered with low shrubs that you can walk under. It brings out the five year old child version of yourself while also making a great setting for a few pictures.
In summer, the open grounds are a wonderful atmosphere to not only enjoy flowers, but people lay in the sun and bring picnic baskets and mediate and more. Regardless of the time of year, all of those acres make for plenty of room to walk and get in those steps.
-Chris & Ola