HECKSCHER STATE PARK

HECKSCHER STATE PARK
East Islip

One million a year

That is the number of adoring visitors the Heckscher State Park of Long Island receives every year. It is a breath-giving encounter with the great outdoors that bestows new life on people bound by brick, mortar, steel and concrete in the course of their modern vocations and pursuits. There is no substitute on earth for experiencing life in a tent. The open air in an ozone-rich environment makes for great refreshment. The Heckscher State Park management is liberal enough to even allow Pavilions on occasion, though nights in a regular and small tent can be more fun. Campers have a choice of 69 locations where they can pitch their tents-small wonder that the Heckscher State Park has made it to the chart of the top Camping Grounds in the United States. New Yorkers have an obvious advantage, but the Heckscher State Park also attracts quite a few people who reside rather far from Long Island.

The swimming pool is a concession to individual quirks and a belief that the customer is always right. Why would you want a giant tub with the Atlantic at your feet? The beach of the Heckscher State Park is broad, clean and inviting. A boat ramp makes it easy to take in a pelagic ride for a striking contrast to quality time inland. The Great South Bay is just right for every kind of marine recreation, and the Heckscher State Park makes full use of its panoramic ocean front. Sports-fisher people recommend the Park and the calm Bay waters alongside for enjoyable and fortunate encounters with rods and tackle.

Hiking should be a major feature of every vacation at the Heckscher State Park. There are scores of trails to suit all levels of fitness, and paths for bicycles, horses and cross-country skiing. Delectable scenery is common to every route that people may choose within the Park. It is relatively safe to move in small groups or even alone as all paths and trails are clearly set out amidst the natural vegetation. The latter is genetically diverse and makes for deep study by nature enthusiasts.

The Hecksher State Park matches other locations in Long Island in terms of spacious areas and infrastructure for picnics. There are playgrounds for children and courts for sports and games. Dogs have restricted access, so families that care to observe the rules, can bring them along. People are welcome throughout the day and during all 12 months. This haven is no more than 50 miles from Manhattan and the highway leading to it, conveniently bears the Park's name.

Special events dot the Park calendar with reassuring frequency. The New York Philharmonic Orchestra performs here and there are lessons in winter to teach the interested how to ski. Summer witnesses Run Series. These events keep a steady stream of visitors eager for quality recreation, coming in the direction of the Heckscher State Park . The lay out is such that one rarely gets an impression of being crowded or hemmed in by people, though very large numbers may be present at peak times.

Directions: Take the Heckscher Parkway to the south end.

Entrance $5 per car May 25-Sept., weekends/holidays Sept. 7-Oct. 14. On Great South Bay, this 1,657-acre park draws boaters as well as landlubbers to its beaches.

Season: Year-round, sunrise-sunset.

Facilities: 2 beach areas, pool (fee) open June 22-Sept. 2; 9 softball fields; 5 horseshoe pits (equipment available); biking/walking paths (2.2 miles); boat ramp (no fee), day berthing; snack bars, bathhouse, camping, picnic areas; Greenbelt Trail (1.5 miles); cross-country skiing in winter; basketball court; fishing in Great South Bay (sunrise-sunset); nature programs.

Events: New York Philharmonic concert July 27; Summer Run Series; cross country ski clinic (dates not set).

Information: (631) 581-2100.