Parks and Trails on Long Island

Bayard Cutting Arboretum – Great River, NY

Park name: Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River, NY

Summer Hours: 9 am-5 pm; Tues-Sun; Closed Mondays; $8 parking fee  

Why I chose this park: My first park that I am highlighting in this month’s newsletter is the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. This park holds many special memories for me. I grew up in East Islip and my mother, who never learned how to drive, would walk my two sisters and I here during the summer. We loved seeing the snapping turtle every year and walking along the shady paths.

Once I had my three sons, I would bring them there after dinner. Do you remember the park being opened later than 5pm? My boys loved seeing the same things I did as a child.

Why visit here? The views of the Connetquot River, the collection of trees and wildflowers, opportunities to observe land and aquatic birds, numerous trails, guided house and outdoor tours, Hidden Oak Café for lunch or “Victorian Tea.”