State Land

Kings Park Unique Area

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Kings Park Unique Area is a 69-acre green space, located at the southwest corner of Meadow and Lawrence Roads in Kings Park. The area is open for hiking, bowhunting, and wildlife viewing. The land, originally part of the Kings Park State Hospital, was transferred to DEC in 1966 to serve as a "greenway" for the surrounding residential developments.

A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is also required for using this property. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.

Users must observe regulations for use of DEC-managed lands in Suffolk County.

Featured Activities

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Hiking is allowed throughout the property. The trails lead hikers through oak brush and early successional habitat. The longest hiking trail is the 1.1-mile blue loop trail. There is also a 0.3-mile accessible yellow trail.

Wildlife Management Unit: 1C

General information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Kings Park Unique Area is open to bowhunting only in accordance with State laws and regulations. Two parking spots (up to two hunters per car) is designated for hunters only during bowhunting seasons. Only two vehicles with up to four people combined may hunt on Kings Park Unique Area at a time. Consult hunting on Long Island for information on hunting opportunities and obtaining hunting permits. See Long Island Public Hunting Areas for specifics on the types of hunting that are allowed on this property.

Follow all hunting safety guidelines and be prepared before going into the woods. For questions related to hunting on this property, call the Stony Brook office at (631) 444-0310.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

One can expect to see white-tailed deer, turkeys, flying squirrels, red squirrels, box turtles, eastern cottontails, red eyed vireos, eastern wood peewees, and hairy woodpeckers.

Accessible Features

From the Meadow Road Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Hiking trail

The Hylan Beavers Memorial Trail with yellow markers is 0.3 mile one way and has a gentle grade (max. slope 5%), wide tread (min. width 3 feet), and firm crushed stone surface.

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities.

Directions

The property is located south of Route 25A and east of the Sunken Meadow Parkway in the Town of Smithtown, just south of Kings Park High School.

  • Meadow Road parking area (40.880173°N, 73.245497°W) Google Map 

One parking spot (for up to two hunters) is designated for hunters only during bowhunting seasons.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Kings Park Unique Area must follow all DEC Suffolk County Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a management plan which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Kings Park and Smithtown.
  • Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Kings Park and Smithtown.
  • Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Kings Park and Smithtown.
  • Lodging can be found in the nearby community of Smithtown.

Discover Long Island can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.

Important Links

Regulations for Use of DEC Managed Lands in Suffolk County
NYSDEC nForm Portal
Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Region 1 - Long Island
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