Okay, my bad here! Grew up in South Huntington and never visited this side of the park before. Had only visited Jayne's Hill from Reservoir Road, or walked the flat fields on the West side. Waking New Year's morning , I went on All Trails for moderate 1st day hike before visiting family in Melville. Noted the Jayne's Hill Trail with the distance I was seeking, about 2.5-3 miles and made my way there. My experience was a serene ans scenic, if somewhat slippery walk as some of the trail was hardpack with an ice glaze. I enjoyed the challenge of finding purchase and having to be mindful of my steps. The terrain was varied, flat, winding, hilly in spots, but I would say easy for anyone. Reaching the summit, no longer ocn and sound views even with the bare trees, but enjoyed the nice memorial to WW. I liked this park enough to return aa few days later to do a longer trail, about 4 miles, which I extended by do some off trail wandering. There is a section that is high above Melville and South Huntington with some lookouts over the neighborhoods surrounding the Whitman Shoppes. Will certainly return as there seem to be additional trails to explore! read more

See all

Definitely one of my favorite hiking trails on Long Island. Not only is it historical being LI's highest point of elevation, but it is also beginner friendly. The trail itself is about 3 miles, and the marked trail made it easy to complete. Although there's not much no see up top, my boyfriend and I did get some photos of deer and horses. read more

See all

Back again! How to come out before it started raining again. People started coming in drives and drives but around 4:30 5:30 it was kind of packed dark and people was starting to hang out together look pretty cool. This park is for large size dogs but I've seen some smaller dogs running around taking over the big dogs. read more

See all

I only ventured around the right side of the park. In this section of the park, there is a decent sized free parking lot near a big dog run. It also has a small kids playground with swings, picnic tables, bathrooms and a variety of trails to walk around. There is also a DDR farm nearby which is a stable full of horses. For me personally, I just came to do some walking/hiking and check out Jayne's Hill (approx 401ft elevation gain). As stated in most reviews, there isn't much of a view up there and only features a big rock featuring Walt Whitman's poem and a blue water tower nearby. Maybe because I briefly skimmed these reviews before, I didn't come in with big expectations and one shouldn't really come with great expectations except just to get some exercise and explore a cool spot with bragging rights to have visited the highest point in Long Island. As a first-timer here trying to find my way to Jayne's Hill, I found myself a bit lost. The reviews/alltrails weren't really helpful in how to get directly to the top (or maybe I couldn't find it?). Truthfully, there are so many different combinations of routes to get there and if you follow google maps, you will eventually get there. But after some trial & error, I found a tried & true direct route to get there. You're welcome in advance :) If you want a direct route to Jayne's Hill, 1) Head to picnic table area #1. The trail starts there when you walk into the woods. As you walk, you will see a sign specifically for Jayne's Hill pretty clearly. 2) Spot the Jayne's Hill sign and walk in. 3) Always look at the tree trunks and you will see a white square (trail marker). Continue following those white trail markers. 4) You will pass some single fences with a sign of a hiking person, but it's definitely not blocking the way and not meant to prevent you from passing. 5) As you get closer to the top, you will see what seems like stairs and it will get a bit steeper (Nothing most dogs/horses/humans can't handle). 6) When you see a big rock, you have reached the top! As for the trail itself, it's quite easy in terms of the hiking aspect. The trees are fairly well marked. Knowing where you need to go is key in saving time. If you don't follow a specific route, you can make a wrong turn and head back in the wrong direction. Occasionally, you will see dung on the floor as horses tred some carriage roads. Most of the time, you are going the right way if you see the droppings. You might also need to walk through narrow trails so always watch your skin/clothes/pets for ticks. Overall, it's a nice park and it's great to feature a hiking trail inside. I spent quite a bit of time lost in the trails, but the journey for the most part was enjoyable. Rather than the end goal, it's the journey that counts! read more

See all

I took about a 45 minute walk there this morning on the Red Dot Trail. The trail is well marked, wide and generally in good shape. Not much to see here in the way of animal life - just a few birds who skittered off before I could see what they were. This strikes me as the sort of park that will come into its own during the autumn months. Just before I turned around, I remember hearing the most amazing sound - utter silcence. A rare treat on this bustling island. When I reached the trail head I realized that I had not seen a single member of the human race on the trail. The road to the east is called "Mount Misery." I'll have to revisit and get a picture of the street sign. read more

See all

This review is for the big dog park. The park is huge and there are lots of places to run and sniff. It is well maintained, and there is a water pump with bowls as well as chairs and benches. On the weekdays, the owners are typically fantastic and watch their dogs like hawks. They intervene when necessary and make sure no dog is overwhelmed. On the weekends, it's the wild wild west. I've seen multiple dog fights here. There are two many dogs and too many irresponsible owners. If your dog is nipping and being aggressive, it's time to leave the park. In the last week, I've seen two very aggressive dogs go after other dogs in the park. The owners in both cases were slow to respond when it was clear their pet was out of line, and they refused to leave even after the attacks. I typically just leash my dog up and go if I see an aggressive one in the park that isn't being properly managed. Only come to this park on off hours. During the weekday or early in the morning on the weekend before things get too wild. Be prepared to leave if someone irresponsible comes in and watch your dog carefully. Its a shame, because this park could be great if people were more attentive. Even great dogs can occasionally have bad days, but if yours is causing trouble its time to go. read more

This review is specifically for the big dog park - don't do it! This used to be my go-to dog park for the convenience, but at this point, I'll drive ten minutes further to a park with better dogs and better owners. If you come during the day and not on the weekends, you'll be fine. There are a few dogs, but the owners watch their dogs and make sure they aren't causing trouble. Come on a weekend or after work and it's a totally different experience. After having my pup catch kennel cough and get bit twice here, I've had it. Irresponsible owners bring their dogs out knowing they have a highly contagious sickness and don't claim their dog when they're attacking others. The fact that I needed to drag a dog off of mine is a problem and it wasn't until I walked out did the owner whisper "that's my dog." Be responsible, take care of your dog and be respectful to others. I highly recommend going to another dog park as it isn't worth the risk here. read more

Nice to get that fresh air and scenery. Its open and i can say a decent hike. 3 different ways to go So it doesn't become redundant Beautiful views read more

Review is for the dog park... Great dog park for all sizes. Huge!!!!!!! Park goes on forever!!!! Make sure to bring your own poop bags and please clean up after your dog as there was some poop on the ground from other dogs. Brought my own water bowl and water but there is a water fountain to fill up water. Has dirt and grass and tons of space to run around. Went early afternoon on a Saturday and by 2:30pm it started to get a bit more crowded so I left as my two dogs get overwhelmed by too many dogs. Owners and dogs are friendly. People seem to watch their pets unlike a lot of other parks. If your dog isn't great at recall, you may want to keep an eye on them as they can wander really far back and you can lose track of them but the entire thing is fenced in and they cannot escape. read more

I consider this park my sanctuary. Not only does my dog get so be social, happy, and moving--but so do I. I take my dog on hikes, through the trail, we play in the big field, and in the enclose part of the park as well. Pro's: noise level seating water fountains poopy bags are provided and garbages are regularly emptied nice people nice dogs good times con's: there should be an accessible restroom for people. the water fountains should not stop working during the winter people need to pick up after their dogs people need to take responsibility for their dogs sometimes gets creepers could use a little more aesthetic appeal read more

See all

The larger dog run field is located along Sweet Hollow Road. To get there from the LIE, is to drive South on Rt. 110, then make a right onto Old Country Road, and then another right onto Sweet Hollow Road. Drive for a mile or two, and on your right-hand side will be the entrance to West Hills County Park & Dog Run. If you come in between approximately May through September (for 2013, it is May 25 through September 2), there is a vehicle fee: - $13 Non-Green Key Holders (non-residents of Suffolk County) - $6 with Valid Green Key (reduced rate for Suffolk Country residents who purchase in advance), includes group picnic S.C. SR. Cit./Handicap/Vol./Vet./Aux. Pol/Cert Wkends & Hol. Only. - Disabled Veterans and Active Military are free The field for the larger dog run (25+ lbs.) is located just to the right. Lots of nice people bring their dogs here to run around and socialize, which makes for a great environment. If your dog is of the smaller breed (under 25 lbs.), the small dog run is located off Highhold Road near the park office. read more

Descent size dog run for larger dogs. Things it has going for it: - Plenty of parking (100 or so feet from run) - Has a spigot for dogs but have to bring water during late fall, winter and early spring since parkshuts water off - Bathrooms available for dog owners at other end of parking lot - Plenty of room for dogs to really run - Seating for dog owners - Fountain for dog owners - Hiking trails near run Things it has against it: - Area is so large that some owners don't see or feel like walking over to clean up their dogs mess - Ground cover is only dirt and grass so it can get muddy after a good rain - Some inattentive owners Run is rather large compared to others in area (guessing 2 acres or more). This run is designated for larger dogs. There is another run designated for smaller dogs about a mile away in the park. Hiking trails in park are nice but there have been reports of incidents with local horse riders who also use trail, so use caution. This run would score higher if some owners would clean up after their dogs.There are plenty of piles along fence line and at other end of run. Dog runs/parks I have been to so far: http://www.yelp.com/list/nyc-area-dog-parks-runs-bayside-3 read more

This could be such a great hiking spot but all of the horse droppings spoiled it a bit! The trails are poorly marked but finding your way is half the fun. I both ran and hiked this train -the trail is beginners level for hiking and more challenging to run. Overall it's a great beginners hike just watch out for the horse piles :) read more

See all

This park certainly can use a face lift. The grounds are poorly maintained and access to the main hiking trails are either blocked off by fences or difficult to find. This is also a dog park and there are those certain a--hole dog owners who don't pick up after their four legged friends so you'll need to watch out or you'll step in dog poop. Other than that, the hiking trails are why I come here to this park located on the infamously spooky, full of urban legend Sweet Hollow Rd in West Hills. I like to come during the fall to hike up to the top of Jane's Hill aka Mount Misery. The trails are a tad challenging since they're rocky so be careful because I've tripped several times. Other than that, it's a nice, if somewhat challenging hike best enjoyed when the weather is cool and the leaves have changed. If you're coming here to hike, it's a great park, if coming to picnic or walk your dog, it's a bit shoddy. read more

See all

West Hills Park encompasses the white-blazed Walt Whitman trail as well as Jayne's Hill, the highest point on Long Island. It's just west of the birthplace and scuzzy, broken-down, heavily trafficked route 110. Some of the trails are bordered with envy-worth houses as well as stables with charming horses. A pair of deer have been spotted here as well as a beautiful, large red fox. Sadly, it's quite hard to find details but an interesting bit of information from 1980 describes how environmentalists and residents physically blocked county bulldozers from building a police radio tower smack-dab on top of Jayne's Hill. Although the folks valiantly staved off the plan, there's clearly a radio tower there at the summit now (see photos) as well as a water tower which was erected in 1998. This in combination with trees overtaking the grasslands once present on the hill, prevent the views Whitman enjoyed and wrote about. read more

See all

We hiked the Walt Whitman Trail and I was angry when we got to the highest point on Long Island and all we saw was a damn water tower. I was lured in by Walt's talk of leaves of grass and all that. I was lied to. I didn't even take a picture. We hiked to the top and all I saw was a big ol' blue water tank {much like the ones that are all over every damn hamlet and village here that don't require a hike to get to} and I just kept walking. I mean hiking. It was the most disappointing hike I'd ever been on. Plus, we wandered around on the horse trails, not heading in the right direction, until we came across two women explaining to their toddlers how to follow trail markers and that "the white spots of paint on the trees let us know which way to go." Ooooooh. That being said, we really did have a great time hiking! The trail is fun, I just expected something more exciting at the top than a water tank. Maybe a view of....something....I also loved that we were able to bring our dog since there is a huge shortage of dog friendly areas. read more

Beautiful park but couldn't purchase a Green Key as "technical issues" with the computer. We all pay so much money in taxes , one would think the credit/debit machine was operable read more

Great idea....until we ventured into the wooded area of trails.... Cool, secluded, vast, serene with one caveat.... .........after leaving the excursion and driving home I spied my dog, and he was covered in ticks, I assume from the piles of horse manure along the trail..... Must have been 20, 30 of them scampering over his fur.... Raced home and gave him a bath and nothing attached themselves to him, but scary nonetheless..... Like mom always said, "Stay out of the woods!"........ read more

It was a nice walk for myself, the kids, and our puppy. The park area was gated off and unkept. Biggest downfall was the ticks. We found 4 between all of us once we were home. Definitely wouldn't return, especially with the kids and puppy. read more

Great for small dogs, fairly unique spot in the area. Beautiful (like, really beautiful) park grounds outside of the dog park. Walk in bliss during the spring and summer months. read more

This is one of the best state parks on LI, particularly for its location. Surrounded by malls & busy roads, like a jewel in junk. But since it's by the NSP, expressway, Rte. 110 & Jericho Tpke., easy access to all. I've been riding horses there for over 35 years, which its ideal for, but also wonderful for walking in, which I try to do weekly. All together there's over 800 acres to explore, and there's campsites offered as well, and it's used by the Boy Scouts regularly. You can also rent horses at a stable for great riding trails. A wonderful park that is usually very quiet...I've often ridden or walked for over an hour without seeing another person, like it's all mine - lovely! read more

This dog park is HUUUUGGGGGE. Seriously it's the biggest I've ever seen. At least the large dog park is (haven't gone to the small dog park so can't comment). There's a dog water fountain with a stainless bowl (although I would probably use our own) and plenty of room for your four legged friend to run around and have fun. read more

I used to take my dogs here. It was a little confusing to find the small dog park. The park has areas of grass and rocks. There are seats for owners to just lounge around and hang out. The fenced in area is a good size for the small dogs. The owners are usually very pleasant and ands on if they notice a dog is shy or slightly on guard. read more

Great for large dogs not small. The sign says 25 lbs and up dogs and it's true. My dog could easily scoot under both gates. Nice size area though. Faucet with large bowl for hot days although I would bring my own bowl. read more

Beware of the army of bugs!!! Took my nephew on an adventure hike and we could not enjoy a moment of this parks beauty because the entire time we were engulfed by thousands of flies and insects! We swatted until our arms couldn't move anymore and then we bailed out on the trail and walked the side streets back to the park. Luckily we did not have any bug bites maybe due to the pre-hike bath we both took in insect repellent! read more

This is a review of the small dog park off High Hold Drive. This park can be pleasant but it can also be dangerous. People bring large dogs in that play aggressively, chasing, jumping on and biting the smaller dogs. A larger beagle repeatedly tried to grab my dachshund by his neck. When I asked the woman to take her dog out, she got quite nasty and said it was just playing. Well in my book, that's not appropriate or acceptable play. There is no park oversight. I have called the parks department a number of times and have never received any answers. If you value your dog, don't go there. read more

The small dog run was great except when an ill-behaved White 8 month Old dog Cosmo came and attacked both of my dogs, a puppy & an 11 yr old. Owners who don't have control over their dogs should not bring them. Beware of Cosmo read more

Great place to take your dog to tire him out! Ours loves to go to the big dog park and run and play with the other dogs. Place is very clean, and there are benches for the owners to relax (although most of are them walk around keeping a responsible eye on their dog). Fresh clean water for the dogs as well. Most dogs are well behaved, there are a few who play rough, but they're only playing. Beware of the greyhound with the red cold-weather coat - he was very aggressive and bit 3 dogs today while we were there (including mine, drawing blood). His owner didn't seem to care and did nothing to control, leash or remove his dog. Shame that some owners ignore the fact that their dog is traumatizing others... this dog was NOT there to play. Most people and their dogs are very friendly however :) read more

Amazing dog park! It is by far the best I've been to on the island. The people here are great and I have yet to have any problems with other dogs or other owners. I love that I do not have to pay to get in to take my dog! I've been here for several hours at a time without any problems. read more

Important to note, on the west side of the park at least the trails are not really marked at all. I was able to find my way around with the occasional paint on a tree trunk and my phone's GPS. All the paths are on Google Maps, so that was fortunate. Nice secluded wooded area. I saw several butterflies and a garter snake on the trail. read more

Update on the dog parks as I've been going for close to a year now. The large dog park on Sweet Hollow Road by the riding stable has been reopened after being closed for several months. There was construction debris dumping in that area and they feared asbestos contamination, but the park has been declared safe. It would NOT have reopened if it were dangerous as Roberto Clemente Park in brentwood has been closed for several years after illegal dumping there. The county takes this seriously. So, the huge park for large dogs is reopened. It's a great place, but is very large so your dog can get pretty far away from you. The small dog park on the Round Swamp Road side of the West Hills County Park had a divider for several months so both the small and large dogs could use it. That has been removed so small dogs have the run of the park now. People occasionally bring larger dogs, but they are generally gentle dogs and people will leave with their larger dog if you ask. I think the few that will bring a larger dog do so because the dog is docile or old and the owner feels unsafe bringing him or her to the big dog park or coindre hall. Anyway, the small dog park is one of the kindest places I know on earth, with wonderful dogs and kind people. It's like taking an SSRI for may of us. LOL! And we miss it when we don't go. So go. Bring your little dog. Talk to people. It's a great place. Put 50 HIghhold Drive, Huntington, into your GPS and it will take you there. Best to enter the park from the Round Swamp Road side as the entrance from 110 and Jericho is full of turns and is confusing. The roads in the park are narrow with trees right along the roadside so be careful. It's easy to hit a tree on your right or a car on your left. Drive slowly. And watch for dogs and horses. There will be dogs where the road meets the parking lots and there will be horses where the horse trails cross the roads. A horse and rider can appear from the woods on the roadside suddenly. The small dog park is one of the highest points on long island at 367 feet above sea level. It's not far from Jayne's Hill, which at 400 feet is the highest point on the island. If you are riding a bike, you'll be braking constantly when you leave the park. Steep. read more