Arthur Kunz County Park

Location: Smithtown, NY 

Size: 93 acres 

Date of hike: March 22, 2014

Arthur Kunz County Park is a hilly hiking spot located near the estuarine mouth of the 8.3-mile Nissequogue River.  It also gets right down to business.  It has no office.  No parking lot.  No special entrance with a map.  It just suddenly appears at a bend along Landing Avenue, with hikers parked on a little dirt road adjacent to the turn.  That dirt road goes to the park.  And as soon as you enter, the beauty begins.  Like I said, this park doesn't mess around.

Before exploring, I learned more about the history and habitats of Arthur Kunz County Park, which is situated on the western banks of the aforementioned Nissequogue.  "Arthur Kunz County Park features tidal creeks, a lush, mixed deciduous forest, rolling hills and valleys, and quaint hidden ponds all of which provide important habitat for wildlife," said the Suffolk County Parks Department's website.  The park's trail system also serves as a scenic link along a portion of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail, which is a 32-mile path running north to south (or south to north) from East Islip to Kings Park.  For those wondering, Kunz was a man who began his career with the Nassau County Planning Department in 1958 and then started working at the Suffolk County Planning Department in 1966.  He was mostly known for his efforts to balance development and environmental protection, as well as for having an "encyclopedic knowledge" of Long Island, according to the county.  He passed away in 1993.

The park's entrance is on Landing Avenue just east of St. Johnland Road, with enough room for about half a dozen cars along the side of the road.  As I said earlier, the entrance is very discreet.  Unlike some other parks, there is no packed playground or paved pathway before the heart of the park.  On the contrary, a sea of trees towered over me within minutes and I immediately felt at peace in the wilderness.  It was like leaping into the deep end of a pool.  Upon entering, you'll glimpse the Greenbelt Trail's white blazes and have a choice of going north or south along the river's beautiful banks.  I started south by taking a trail to the right, hiking for a few tranquil miles until I hit the Smithtown Landing Golf Course.  "Although it is not easy to find, [the park] is definitely worth the search," said the website LongIsland.com. 

The hike's highlights for me were the river views, an abandoned car, and a big boulder with a spray-painted image of an American flag – the latter two of which you'll find on the right path.  I couldn't discern the car's make, but it was old and rusty.  And I don't know how it got there.  I doubt it fit between the trees.  Shortly thereafter, I came upon the boulder, which provided a magnificent view of the river.  I couldn't help but hoist myself atop the rock and grab a snack.  Other interesting sights included stone walls all covered in weeds, making me wonder what might've been there back in the day, and a teepee-like thing in the park's southern section.

My music of choice included songs from my three all-time favorite albums: Queensrÿche's Promised Land, Dream Theater's Awake, and Fates Warning's A Pleasant Shade of Gray.  The introspective albums have become such a part of me that listening to them is like a meditative experience.  If you love emotional piano ballads, I recommend Queensrÿche's "Someone Else?" and Dream Theater's "Space-Dye Vest."  They'll give you instant chills.

I'm summary, Arthur Kunz County Park is the perfect place if you want a no-nonsense park that is all about the trails and has some spectacular views.  It also offers instant seclusion.  And, for me, this park's top-notch combination of views and seclusion are among the best.

(Updated: Feb. 4, 2018)

Map: Arthur Kunz County Park (Google Maps image)

Parking: 40°53'27.8"N 73°12'58.0"W
Video: Arthur Kunz County Park (360-degree view)

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