With a population of more than 8 million, Long Island is a combination bedroom community for New York City and, to its east, the famed Hamptons beach and resort area. The island stretches for 118 miles from just west of Queens, east to Montauk, and for 23 miles north-south from Long Island Sound to the Atlantic Ocean. Our guide to running on Long Island captures a cross-section of variety and the most scenic spots, including some great beaches, multi-use trails, numerous state parks, and some bucolic residential neighborhoods. The Overview Map shows our recommended running spots organized from west to east. See also our separate running guide for the Hamptons.
Some of the best places to run on Long Island, organized by theme (not including the Hamptons):
Beaches & Boardwalks: Jones Beach, Long Beach
Paved Multi-Use Trails: Bethpage Bikeway, Ocean Parkway, Jones Beach Bikeway, Kings Park Bike & Hike Trail
Gentle Trail Running: Massapequa Preserve, Heckscher State Park, Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Blydenburgh Park, Hempstead Lake State Park.
Large Parks With Fitness Facilities & Jogging Paths: Eisenhower Park, Sunken Meadow State Park.
Best Residential Neighborhoods for Running: Roslyn, Manhasset/Plandome, Smithtown, Sands Point, Greenport.
Long Island is well-served by train from New York City, with the rail lines cutting down the middle of the island and a couple of spurs. Once on Long Island, there is some bus service, but a car is generally needed.
