Caleb Smith State Park
Smithtown, Suffolk County
Visitors to Caleb Smith State Park have the opportunity to explore many different habitats in this large, undeveloped preserve along the Nissequogue River, including freshwater wetlands, several large ponds, fields and woods. Its diverse habitats support a variety of trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns that make the preserve a true refuge for wildlife.
Caleb Smith is a major area for fall and spring migrations of songbirds including warblers, many of which nest in the preserve. Any walk around the ponds during the spring and summer will yield sightings of painted turtles and snapping turtles, green frogs and bull frogs. During the late spring, sunfish can be seen building nests on the bottom of the pond.
Wildlife to Watch
- Painted turtles and snapping turtles
- Eastern chipmunks
- Bob-white quail
- Songbirds (including warblers)
- Common and Snowy Egrets
- Wood frog, green frog and bull frog
Where to Watch
- Woodland trails
- Shoreline
- Bird-feeding station
- Nature museum
- Lookouts
- Visitors Center
Recreational Opportunities
- Hiking
- Fishing (including fly fishing)
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Nature programs
Accessible Features
This Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation site has accessible features that include a museum and visitors center. A full list of DEC's accessible recreation destinations is available on the DEC website.
Size
543 acres
Closest Town
Smithtown
Directions
Go to Google Maps, and enter your address for step-by-step directions to Caleb Smith State Park Preserve. (This link will open a page outside the DEC website. Hold the "Shift" key down, and click on the link to open it in a new window.)
Contact Information
Telephone: 631-265-1054
Address: 581 West Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
Website: Caleb Smith State Park Preserve (This link leaves the DEC website)
Photo credits: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, John Williams, Jim Clayton