Laurel Ridge Setauket Woods Nature Preserve - Setauket- East Setauket, NY
Laurel Ridge Setauket Woods Nature Preserve
If you’re searching for a dog-friendly hiking spot or pet-friendly trails in Setauket- East Setauket, New York, Laurel Ridge Setauket Woods Nature Preserve offers a network of winding and scenic trails. This nature preserve is known for its peaceful woodlands, making it a popular escape for locals looking to enjoy nature with their canine companions. The long trails are great for walking or hiking with your dog, while the area is also loved by mountain bikers of varying skill levels.
While not an official fenced dog park, the preserve provides a natural, tranquil setting well-suited to leashed outings. Bring your own water and supplies, as amenities like water fountains or waste stations are not provided. Please note that there is no designated parking lot; parking is along the roadside. With a mix of shaded woodlands and open spaces, the preserve is perfect for those who want to experience outdoor adventure and bonding time with their pets away from the crowds of urban life.
FAQ
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the preserve features a network of scenic hiking and biking trails.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available along the road, with no dedicated parking lot.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, many portions of the trail offer natural shade from trees.
- Is the park open year-round? The preserve is accessible in Spring, Summer, and Fall; winter accessibility is not specified.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? No, there are no designated enclosures or separate areas for different dog sizes.
Reviews
Good between bigginer and intermidiate mtb trais, 15 miles long with decent downhills.
Tried the hiking trails, was welcomed with a low humming sound of construction equipment nearby. This chased any signs of bird and wildlife away from this side of the park. Spent 90 minutes and only saw 2 crows the entire time. Took 3 trails, one led to someone’s backyard, another led to the middle of nowhere and the third had an abandoned camp site, someone’s sneakers and a cooler just sitting in the middle of the woods. Creepy as heck! Won’t be returning any time soon!
I did check out a biking trail across the street and there were actually birds there! No hum and nice trail. Definitely gets more attention and more action than the hiking trails.
Another side note, parking is on the road, there is no parking lot that I could find.
A great place for beginner and intermediate mountain biking trails! As a beginner myself I really enjoyed what the trails had to offer.
The trails seem to be kept pretty well, other local mountain bikers were very friendly and open to questions about the area too.
It was a little tough being brand new to the area to find the trail head, there are many entrances to the trail along the road, but there were other cars in the area and followed suit.
You can use the map at the trailhead, or I use MTB project to make sure I’m in the right area, on the right trail(the first time I used Google maps, somehow I ended up in a condo development) but my friend has told me there has been a lot of “rezoning” to long Island trails
One of the best Mountain Biking trails on Long Island.
My personal favorite segment is behind the electric towers (north-east section of the preserve; called “the Wall”).
It is a down-hill enduro type section !
Make sure to wear your helmet and get ready to rip’ 💨💨💨🚀
The trails were long and winding. If you’re looking for a place to escape the traffic, the pace of everyday life and just want to be surrounded with nature, then Laurel Ridge is an excellent option. It may not be the most overwhelming place (in a good sense) but, for its location and what the park has to offer, it’s a fantastic option for anytime in Spring, Summer or Fall.
As anyone embarking on a mini adventure would know, bring enough hydration with you to last throughout the hike 😉 Bring a little protein with you (nuts, berries and a little snake for the trek.
It was definitely a fantastic experience and I’m looking forward to returning again once the weather cools down a bit.