East Islip, Suffolk County
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.
Wildlife to Watch
- White-tailed deer
- Osprey
- Gulls
- Rabbits
- Pipefish
- Blue-claw crabs
- Rufous-sided towhees
- Red fox
Where to Watch
- Accessible Trails
- Lookouts
- Paved bike path
- Shore of beaches, ponds or marshes
Recreational Opportunities
- Hiking and bicycling
- Fishing
- Camping
- Boating
- Swimming
Size
1,679 acres
Closest Town
East Islip
Directions
Go to Google Maps, and enter your address for step-by-step directions to Heckscher State Park.
Contact Information
Telephone: 631-581-2100
Address: Heckscher Parkway Field 1, East Islip, NY 11730
Website: Heckscher State Park
Photo credits: Sue Shafer, John Williams, Dan Century