Avalon Hiking Trails - Stony Brook, NY
Avalon Hiking Trails – A Dog-Friendly Hiking Experience in Stony Brook, New York
Discover the beauty of Avalon Hiking Trails, a pet-friendly park nestled in Stony Brook, New York. This peaceful destination offers scenic walking and hiking paths perfect for dog owners looking to enjoy nature with their pups. Surrounded by beautiful homes and a serene atmosphere, it’s a welcoming spot for a quiet stroll or a longer adventure. Visitors love the tranquility, as the park is often uncrowded and free to enter, making it an accessible retreat for anyone traveling through Long Island.
While Avalon Hiking Trails boasts a relaxing environment and unique local features—like the cartas al cielo letter-writing activity and an observatory for clear nights—there are a few things to know for your visit. Bring your own water and waste bags for your pet, as there are no fountains or designated pet amenities. Parking is available near several trail sections and is generally easy to find, although signage can sometimes be unclear. Be cautious after storms, as some trails may become muddy or obstructed. Overall, Avalon Hiking Trails is a natural escape ideal for dog-friendly hiking near Stony Brook.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Avalon Hiking Trails features multiple scenic walking and hiking paths suitable for dogs on leash.
- Are restrooms available for owners? No, there are no public restrooms available at Avalon Hiking Trails.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking can be found in various sections along Harbor Road by the trail entrances. Signs may be unclear, so pay careful attention.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Parts of the trails may become muddy or wet after rain or snow, so plan footwear accordingly.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? There are very few benches or seating options throughout the park.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? No, there are no water fountains, so visitors should bring their own water for themselves and their pets.
Reviews
It was a very nice hike, I would gladly like to come back here again in the future. We definitely came here at the wrong time since most of the trails were wet, Muddy and still covered in snow but it was still a good time. Next time we come we need to write a letter to put in the cartas al cielo. But there is also an observatory that is open on clear nights. I will most definitely be back in the future.
Just pay attention and you will find parking they seperated by section through the road and by trail. They have easy to follow signs through the trails.
Free, not crowded and zero noise. This is a heaven for a dog walk even it’s about 1.5 hr drive out. Long island can be long and big.
We came here for a walk before visiting family and the town is so quiet. Surround by beautiful and expensive homes, we took a walk here with our new pup.
If you have a car, come here. The trail is short and easy. You get to see squirrels haha. And some other animals along the way. Make sure to pick up poop and bring some water. There is NO bathroom for human and pet.
Parking is easy. We spent about 2 hours here easily.
The new section, accessed via an underpass under Harbor Road, is even better than the older sections – except the gravel paths there are less enjoyable than the grassy tracks – too noisy underfoot. It’s also sometimes closed off. The lack of good park benches is a drawback for us older folks. But overall a tremendous asset.
Confusing and Potentially Unsafe – Proceed with Caution
Avalon Park has some potential, but it’s currently marred by a lack of clear signage and what felt like unsafe conditions. Getting into the park was a guessing game; there are no signs to direct you to the entrance, and once you finally stumble upon it, parking signs are completely absent, leaving you to wonder if you’re even in the right place.
Once inside, the confusion continues. The signs within the park are poorly placed and difficult to interpret, making navigation a challenge. Adding to the discomfort, there are no public toilets available, which is a significant oversight for any park hoping to attract visitors.
The most concerning aspect, however, was the condition of some of the trails. We encountered several trees that looked precariously close to falling, especially after a recent storm. This creates a genuine safety hazard, and honestly, it felt like a bit of a “trap” given the lack of clear warnings or apparent maintenance. While the natural setting has its charm, these issues make Avalon Park a frustrating and potentially risky experience. Be careful if you choose to visit.