Belmont Lake State Park

Jinx Thinks:

I am so comfortable in this park! I love the walk around the lake, I get to see tons of people and dogs. There are also LOTS of bicycles and runners, good to know before you go in case you don’t like them! I have to stay on a 6’ leash here, so I get lots of bonding time with mom and dad in (except that one time my leash broke and I got loose and jumped in the river. Whoops.) 

Our Thoughts: 

We have taken Jinx for tons of walks/hikes in this park, we absolutely love it. There’s a variety of things to do with your dog and different walks to go on. The walk around the lake is nice and  easy, the trails are all well kept and wide. From the parking lot, you can walk right past the bathrooms and start the loop around the lake, or directly across the parking lot, the trail will take you behind the ball fields and pavilions, and eventually connects with the trail around the lake. There are several offshoots if you want to lengthen your time there. This park is SUPER dog friendly, I don’t think we’ve ever been there and not seen another dog. 

Fun Facts & Sights to See:

• If you’re into bird watching, we have seen tons of different types of birds in this park, some that are there all year, and others that visit throughout different seasons, including: Double Crested Cormorants, Mute Swans, Mallard Ducks, tons of songbirds, and even a Bald Eagle!
• Historical fact: Robert Moses chose this park to be the regional headquarters for all state parks on Long Island in 1935
• Historical Fact: This property was owned by August Belmont, and was once the site of his Thoroughbred breeding operation. His son took over after he passed away, and is credited with reviving horse racing on the east coast. His most famous foal bred at his farm was Man O’ War.
• (Historical)Sights to See: On your walk, you’ll pass the Parks’ Department HQ, and a pair of cannons! The cannons belonged to an English warship the US captured during the war of 1812. They were resurrected from a junk yard and placed here by Belmont’s niece as a way to honor him. They remain there today and are a very cool sight to see!