Governor Alfred E. Smith/Sunken Meadow State Park is located in the town of Smithtown, New York on the North Shore of Long Island. The park has a wide range of topography that sustains a variety of flora and fauna. The three miles of beach meets tall, glacier-formed bluffs at the west end of the shoreline. A man-made dam separates the park's brackish creek and marshes from the tidal flats. South of the flats are acres of undeveloped and heavily-wooded rolling hills.
The park's attractions include three miles of beaches on the Long Island Sound, a boardwalk three quarters of a mile long, 27 holes of golf with accompanying practice facilities.
Activities include swimming in Long Island Sound; hiking six miles of trails, including the northern starting point of the Suffolk County Greenbelt Trail; biking, horseback riding, picnicking, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing, a ¾ mile boardwalk and cross-country skiing. In addition, the park has 27 holes of golf, a driving range and putting green.
The park's grounds provide an excellent venue for cross-country running, and host competitions for many cross-country teams from local high schools and runners' clubs. The 5-kilometer course, featuring the aptly-named "Cardiac Hill", is regarded as one of the most difficult cross-country courses in the US. The park is accessible by the Sunken Meadow State Parkway. Location: Forty-six miles from Manhattan on the northern terminus of Sunken Meadow/Sagtikus Parkway. LI Expressway exit 53. Contact Information: PO Box 716 Rte. 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway Kings Park, NY 11754 Phone: (631) 269-4333 Phone: (631) 269-5351 (Golf Information) Seasons/Operating Hours: Open year round, sunrise to sunset. The golf courses are open year round also. Restrictions: In undeveloped areas of the park dogs only are permitted with a 6 foot leash. Not allowed in bathing or picnic areas, in buildings or on walkways. Pets cannot enter through the main entrance. Contact Park Office.
