Caleb Smith State Park Preserve - A Beautiful Way To Spend A Day Any Time Of Year

By Dana Klosner

(click on photos to enlarge)

Bob White Quail release at Caleb Smith Park PreserveCaleb Smith State Park Preserve, located in Smithtown is one of two state nature preserves on Long Island, the other being Connetquot River State Park Preserve.

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve boasts 543 acres and has been in existence for 41 years. The state took over the land from the Wyandanch Rod and Gun Club formerly known as the Brooklyn Rod and Gun Club, according to Park Manager Clarence Ware.

Guests can watch the seasons change as they enjoy the park’s many amenities. During the winter months many people partake in cross country skiing and snow shoeing.

Throughout the rest of the year guests can enjoy 2 ¼ miles of hiking trails, with a half mile all access trail that is a stone dust trail, good for people with baby carriages or disabilities.

You can also enjoy the park’s many conservation programs for tiny tots all the way through adults. If fishing is more your thing adults can enjoy fly fishing along the Nissequogue River from April 1^st through October 15^th while those age 15 and under can enjoy the Junior Angler fishing program. The river and ponds are stocked with Rainbow and Brook Trout. You can also catch Bass, Bluegills, Pumpkin Seeds and Catfish. Fly fishing is in four hour sessions, from 7am – 11am and 11:30-3:30. There is a $20 fee for a four hour session and you must have a New York Sate freshwater fishing license.  You must call the park at 631-265-1054 from Wednesday to Sunday to reserve a sight. 

If you’re a birdwatcher, this park is the right place to be. You can see Osprey, Mockingbirds, Red Tail Hawks, Egrets, Swans and Geese and even Otters occasionally. 

“There is a pair of Otters in the park right now,” Ware said.

Along the hiking trails there are lots of rare plants, like the Pink Lady Slipper, the Trailing Arbutus and Indian Pipe.

The nature museum has recently been renovated. In it you’ll find information on the grounds, displays on insects, a meeting room, a junior naturalist play area and four display rooms: The Ponds Room, The River Room, The Wetlands Room and The Forest Room. Each of these rooms exhibit categories of wildlife that live in these areas.

Classes for tiny tots, ages three to five, include “Natural Discovery” which takes place once a week. Junior programs include “Mice are Nice” and “Busy Bee.” Adults can enjoy “Scouting Trails Less Traveled,” and “Custom Walking Sticks,” where you bring your own stick and you are taught how to develop it into a walking stick.

“We offer a natural environment where we teach people with all natural programs,” Ware said.

There is an $8 parking charge from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This is covered by your Empire Passport. Seniors are admitted free of charge Monday-Friday, but on weekends must pay the parking fee.

There is a $4 fee for environmental programs for those ages five and up and a $3 fee for children aged three to five. 

For more information go to www.nysparks.com -

Contact Information - 581 West Jericho Turnpike

Smithtown, NY 11787  (631) 265-1054