Peter J. Schmitt Massapequa Preserve

Location: Massapequa, NY 

Size: 423 acres 

Date of hike: Aug. 7, 2015

The Peter J. Schmitt Massapequa Preserve is a narrow tract of land with biking and hiking trails along the course of the Massapequa Creek.  I decided to hike there following a doctor's appointment where I'd come across a captivating photo of the preserve in Long Island Pulse magazine.  Most of my recent hikes had been in Suffolk County, so I was eager to explore somewhere in Nassau County.  Well, I couldn't have selected a better spot.

Prior to hiking, I familiarized myself with the history and habitats of Massapequa Preserve.  Apparently, the parcel comprises the county's largest single acquisition of New York City watershed property and is split into three sections that are bordered by major roadways, according to Nassau County's website.  The preserve's southern section stretches from Merrick Road to Sunrise Highway, its center section stretches from Sunrise Highway to Clark Avenue, and its northern (and longest) section stretches from Clark Avenue to the Southern State Parkway.  "The southern section from Merrick Road to Sunrise Highway contains the most diverse and ecologically valuable lands," the county's website stated.  With regard to ecosystems, the property ranges from marshes to streams to freshwater swamps and provides habitats for several rare plants including orchids, bladderworts and carnivorous sundews.  "It is considered one of the most beautiful areas in Nassau County, and also one of the most hidden," added the preserve's fan site MassapequaPreserve.com.  "It's in the middle of Massapequa, but being inside feels like you're in the middle of a forest." 

To access the preserve, I used an entrance along the property's east side on Walker Street.  A potholed patch of dirt provided parking to preserve visitors and to those using an adjacent ballfield at Mansfield Park.  After arriving, I strolled over to a detailed trail map that depicted all of the parcel's footpaths and dirt roads as well as its sections of the 13.2-mile Bethpage Bikeway and the 19.8-mile Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail, both of which run parallel to the Massapequa Creek for about 4.5 miles.  The bikeway runs along the creek's eastern edge, and the greenbelt trail runs along the creek's western edge.  I chose to experience both by hiking the greenbelt trail south down to its trailhead at the intersection of Merrick Road and Ocean Avenue and then hiking the bikeway back up to my car.  For those who aren't aware, the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail stretches from the Massapequa Preserve to Cold Spring Harbor State Park, while the Bethpage Bikeway stretches from Massapequa to Woodbury. 

The hike's highlights for me were probably the preserve's two lakes: North Massapequa Lake, which is a stone's throw north of Sunrise Highway, and Massapequa Lake, which is a stone's throw north of Merrick Road.  North Massapequa Lake has a pretty bridge on its north side and a small dam on its south side, while Massapequa Lake was filled with lily pads and dozens of ducks.  Ice skating was off-limits at both bodies of water, according to signs.  Other highlights included an occasional graffiti-filled building in the wilderness and a few wood boardwalks to help hikers through the marshy and muddy areas.  Also, keep an eye out for the Kiwanis Fishing Bridge, which sits just north of Clark Street.  "You're guaranteed to find somebody fishing off the bridge whenever you come," said MassapequaPreserve.com.

For those who like to fish, freshwater fishing is available in several of the lakes and streams, but a license is required.  The fish you'll find include largemouth bass, brown bullheads and white perch.  As for other wildlife, the birds can range from cardinals to eagles to ospreys.  "The osprey, or fish hawk, was once a dying breed in Nassau County, but in recent years has made a comeback," one sign said.  Another sign asked people to notify the Nassau County Soil & Water Conservation District if they see any southern pine beetles or their "S"-shaped marks on bark.  "They most closely resemble a chocolate sprinkle," it said.

I should also note there have been multiple bodies recovered in the preserve in recent years due to MS-13 gang violence.  The most recent one was found "badly decomposed" and in a shallow grave in 2019, according to Newsday.  It was only about 150 feet from where another was discovered in 2017.  Speaking of the deceased, my hiking music was Threshold's 2004 album Subsurface, which features late vocalist Andrew McDermott.  Rest in peace, "Mac."
 
All in all, I'd say the Massapequa Preserve is a worthwhile hike for all local lovers of nature.  While I'm not a fan of trails that require me to cross highways, it was worth it in this case.  Of course, you can always hike just part of the preserve.  But it's hard to stop.  Trust me.

(Updated: Feb. 2, 2020) 

Map: Peter J. Schmitt Massapequa Preserve (Google Maps image)
Parking: 40°41'59.8"N 73°27'07.1"W
Video: Peter J. Schmitt Massapequa Preserve (360-degree view)  
    

 

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