Heckscher State Park is known locally as the "home of the white-tailed deer." Each year visitors by the thousands come to this state park, midway along Long Island's South Shore, to see one of the island's largest populations of these graceful and beautiful animals. Red foxes and cottontail rabbits can be seen late in the day or early in the morning. Osprey often construct their nests within sight of the bike path, and harriers hunt in the salt marsh. During the winter, brant and small geese are sometimes seen along the roadside.
This Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation site has accessible features that include a boat launch, fishing, camping, beach and recreation programs. A full list of DEC's accessible recreation destinations is available on the DEC website.
1,679 acres
East Islip
Go to Google Maps, and enter your address for step-by-step directions to Heckscher State Park. (leaves DEC website)
Telephone: 631-581-2100
Address: Heckscher Parkway Field 1, East Islip, NY 11730
Website: Heckscher State Park (leaves DEC website)
Photo credits: Sue Shafer, John Williams, Dan Century