Top 9 Lakes around Elmont

The lakes around Elmont, particularly within state parks like Hempstead Lake State Park and Valley Stream State Park, offer a variety of activities. You can enjoy fishing, boating (with a permit for car-top boats and electric trolling motors on Hempstead Lake), hiking, biking, and picnicking. Hempstead Lake State Park also features tennis courts, pickleball courts, playgrounds, and bridle trails for horseback riding. For specific routes, you can explore options like the running trails around Elmont or hiking routes around Elmont.

Yes, several spots are great for families. Eisenhower Park is a large, family-friendly park with a lake, playgrounds, and various sports facilities. Joe Michaels Mile offers a pleasant cycle way along a lake, suitable for family bike rides. Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park and View of Throgs Neck Bridge and Little Bay are also noted as family-friendly.

Hempstead Lake State Park is an excellent choice for hiking and walking. It features a scenic trail encircling Hempstead Lake, which is approximately a 5K distance and offers shaded paths. Valley Stream State Park also has hiking trails. For more detailed options, check out the hiking guide for Elmont, which includes routes like the Hempstead Lake State Park North Loop.

The lakes and surrounding parklands are home to various wildlife. At Valley Stream State Park, you might spot deer, rabbits, squirrels, and a variety of birds. Hempstead Lake is known for its diverse fish species, including black crappie, yellow perch, bluegill sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, and common carp. The lake also attracts many waterfowl.

Yes, both Hempstead Lake State Park and Valley Stream State Park offer parking facilities for visitors. Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park is also noted to have parking available.

Absolutely. Fishing is a popular activity, especially at Hempstead Lake. It has been restocked with various species like black crappie, yellow perch, bluegill sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, chain pickerel, and largemouth bass. Common carp are also present and tend to be larger. McDonald Pond and South Pond within Hempstead Lake State Park are stocked with trout in the fall.

The lakes offer activities year-round. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking and enjoying the natural scenery. Summer is great for boating, picnicking, and using the park facilities. In winter, Hempstead Lake State Park even offers ice skating, making it a versatile destination throughout the seasons.

Yes, Hempstead Lake features a beautiful, shaded walking trail that circles the lake, offering an easy and enjoyable approximately 5K route. Valley Stream State Park also provides accessible trails for leisurely walks. You can find more easy options in the easy hikes guide for Elmont.

Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Many enjoy the scenic views, especially from spots like the View of Throgs Neck Bridge and Little Bay. The peaceful atmosphere of places like Hempstead Lake, with its shaded trails, is also highly valued. The variety of activities, from cycling on the Joe Michaels Mile to exploring the extensive facilities at Eisenhower Park, contributes to a positive experience.

Yes, boating is permitted on Hempstead Lake within Hempstead Lake State Park. Canoes, car-top boats, and boats with electric trolling motors are allowed, but a permit from the park is required. These boats must be hand-launched, as trailers are not permitted.

While the main lakes are within popular state parks, visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays can offer a more tranquil experience. Valley Stream State Park, though well-known, can sometimes feel less crowded than larger parks, offering a peaceful retreat with its pond and trails.