Edwin and Gertrude Grace Nature Preserve - Greenlawn, NY
Edwin and Gertrude Grace Nature Preserve: Pet-Friendly Trails in Greenlawn, NY
If you’re seeking a dog-friendly hiking spot in Greenlawn, NY, the Edwin and Gertrude Grace Nature Preserve offers secluded pet-friendly trails perfect for adventurous pups and their owners. Although this hidden gem isn’t a traditional fenced dog park, it welcomes leashed dogs to explore scenic paths nestled in a residential area. The park is known for its challenging, well-marked trails with steep spots, offering both you and your dog a rewarding workout through a natural, peaceful environment.
While there isn’t a separate fenced dog run or off-leash area, many dog lovers appreciate the preserve for its quiet atmosphere and immersion in nature. Note that the entrance and parking area can be tricky to find—look for the paved road between two stone pillars off Arbutus, then follow a gravel road marked “trail parking.” This spot is also kid-friendly, featuring trails suitable for families and a historical cabin currently being restored by the town. Bring bug spray for overgrown areas and enjoy a wonderful leashed hike alongside your four-legged friend.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs must remain on a leash while using the preserve’s trails.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, this park does not have a fenced-in dog run.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? All dogs must be leashed at all times while on the trails.
- Where is the best place to park? The main parking area can be accessed via a paved road between two stone pillars off Arbutus, followed by a left onto a single-lane gravel road marked “trail parking.”
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the preserve features several well-marked hiking trails suitable for dogs on leash.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? No, the entrance is not wheelchair accessible.
- Is this park good for kids? Yes, the hiking trails are kid-friendly and suitable for families.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Some sections of the trail are overgrown, so it’s advised to bring bug spray.
Reviews
Hidden, not easy to find, challenging at times. Enter of Arbutus. Nice little hike that ends on 25a where you can complete the trifecta by walking a quarter mile East and adding Phragmites and Betty Allen before you head back. Greenway signs on trees are a huge help because the trails narrow and are not well traveled. Thankfully not too many obstacles like excessive foliage or downed trees. I definitely recommend this trail, if you can find it off the private road. Enjoy!
Fantastic hike, I would like to do the entire trail next time. Very steep in spots, there is a historical cabin that the town is restoring. I parked off Arbutus, will look for the parking off 25A as well.
A nice short challenging hike. The parking area off Arbutus is hard to find. Take the road with 4 mailboxes that looks like a private road. The road to the parking area is a very narrow road that looks like a driveway. It is on the left and goes behind the tennis courts you’ll see if you miss the turn.
This trail is definitely a hidden gem. Challenging and beautiful trail. It’s located within a housing development which can look deceiving when trying to find parking. Once you enter the development thru the twin stone pillar entrance, they’ll be a one-lane road on the left which leads to a small parking area.
Parking is the paved road between two stone pillars, then the left turn onto single lane gravel road which is marked clearly “trail parking”. Trail is well marked with arrows. It is shown on the map as a loop, but if you take the loop and go to the right it crosses over a section of marked private property. So recommend going to the left in the loop.
Brought my dog on a leash. Sections of trail are overgrown, bring bug spray. It was quiet and peaceful. A tad more challenging than I expected due to some steep parts.