If you love to run, there's nothing like discovering a cool new running trail, especially if it has great scenery. Whether you're a beginner or have been going for years, there are plenty of running paths all over Long Island that will cater to your needs, and our REALTORS® have the inside scoop on where all of them are. Here are a few great running paths to use, no matter what your skill level.

• Blydenburgh County Park - Veteran's Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788
  If you want beautiful views of Stump Pond and the Nissequogue River, head to Blydenburgh County Park. The trail is 5.7 miles around the pond, blazed with white and blue arrows to keep you oriented. Located near Smithtown homes for sale, the area is also great for picnics and includes a designated dog run area where your pets can run as well.
  
  
• Hempstead Lake State Park - 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead, NY 11552
  Running is just the beginning of what you can do at Hempstead Lake State Park. There are several trails for running, hiking, and biking, as well as horseback trails. There's also an observation deck to view the lake—or, if you'd rather see it close up, there's canoeing and kayaking. And it's always stocked with plenty of trout for fishing. If you prefer to stay active, there are 18 tennis courts, six pickleball courts, a basketball court, a softball field, and several children's playgrounds. And don't forget to check out the beautiful, wooden carousel. Come for a quick run, and you might just stay all day to see all this park has to offer.
  
  
• Avalon Nature Preserve - 200 Harbor Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790
  The trails at Avalon Nature Preserve encompass all different ecological environments, as well as tons of amazing scenery. The 2.2-mile Coastal Corridor includes ponds and glacial boulders, plus a dog sculpture and more. Hilltop Meadow has both one- and two-mile trail options through grass and wildflowers. And the Forest Sanctuary has three different trails to choose from, ranging from 0.8 miles to 2.2 miles, all running through a wooded area that includes oak, hickory, and beech trees, plus plenty of local flora and fauna. With all of these options near Stony Brook homes for sale, you can come back again and again and find something new to see each time.
  
  
• Sunken Forest - Sailors Haven, Sayville, NY 11782
  A rare ecological phenomenon, the Sunken Forest is a well-kept secret hidden behind the sand dunes on Fire Island near Sailors Haven. There's a variety of beautiful trees there, from oak and black cherry to juneberry and sassafras. If you want to explore the trails for a run, e-mail the National Park Service for a copy of the trail guide, or just show up and ask one of their park ranger guides to help.
  
  
• Trail View State Park - 8101 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797
  There's a trail that runs all the way through the 7.4-mile Trail View State Park so you can run the entire thing from one end to the other. There are several smaller trails as well, great for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and even cross-country skiing! It's also an incredible spot for birdwatching, with a variety of different birds that migrate through the area at different times of year.

Great running trails are just the beginning. There's plenty of great natural beauty to explore near Nassau County homes for sale and Suffolk County homes for sale. Ready to make Long Island your new home? Contact us.