Brookhaven State Park in New York, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-30. Check linked official notices before travel.

Brookhaven State Park is a trail destination in the Long Island Pine Barrens near Ridge, New York. Oak-pine woodland, wetlands and coastal plain ponds shape the landscape. Plan a walk within the posted daytime hours and check hunting notices before choosing a route.

A Pine Barrens walk with a longer trail connection

Brookhaven Trail connects southward to the white-blazed Paumanok Path. That connection gives a longer-distance walker more choices, but it also makes a route map and a clear turnaround point useful.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Prepare for ticks and seasonal hunting

Stay near the center of trails to reduce contact with vegetation. Use repellent according to its instructions and check clothing and skin after the walk. The region’s tick guidance covers prevention. Before a winter outing, check hunting signs and ask the park about the route.

Keep dogs leashed on the trails

Dogs are permitted on Brookhaven’s trails with a leash no longer than six feet. Keep the dog under your control and remove its waste. Stay on established routes rather than making shortcuts through wetland edges.

Arrange group use through the regional office

Submit group-use inquiries to the Long Island Regional Office’s Permit Department at 631-669-1000. Discuss the size and type of activity before making arrangements.

Find the William Floyd Parkway entrance

Navigate to 2500 William Floyd Parkway, Ridge, NY 11961. Download the trail map linked from the official Brookhaven page. Check the distinction between park trails, adjacent lands and restricted areas before extending a walk.

Two parks farther along Long Island’s north side

Wildwood State Park is at 790 Hulse Landing Road in Wading River. Hallock State Park Preserve is at 6062 Sound Avenue in Riverhead. Use their own entrances and check current hours before adding a second visit.

Choose the route before entering the woodland

• Walk Brookhaven Trail with a mapped turnaround point.
• Watch the transition between oak-pine habitat and wetland vegetation from established paths.
• Use permitted trails for cycling or horseback riding after checking the route and current signs.

Prepare for a visit built around trails

The park’s listed amenities focus on trails and hunting access. Bring water, a map and layers for the full outing. Confirm any particular service your group needs before leaving home.

About the protected Pine Barrens landscape

This 1,638-acre state park forms part of the central Pine Barrens. Its oak-pine habitats sit alongside wetlands and coastal plain ponds.

Former Camp Upton and laboratory property

The land formed part of the military installation called Camp Upton and later belonged to Brookhaven National Laboratory. Its present state-park role centers on outdoor recreation in the Pine Barrens.

Watch habitat without leaving the path

Ponds, wetlands and woodland provide different settings for quiet observation. Keep your distance from animals and avoid feeding or following them. The state’s visitor guidance explains why established paths and undisturbed habitat matter.

Contact

Park information: 631-929-4314. Group-use permit inquiries: 631-669-1000.