Park Details

Situated at the headwaters of the Nissequogue River, this 627 acre park offers visitors panoramic views of Stump Pond, miles of trails, and a wide array of cultural & recreational activities.

Stump Pond was created in 1798 when Isaac Blydenburgh, along with his cousins Joshua Smith II and Caleb Smith II, dammed the headwaters of the Nissequogue River in order to construct a grist mill. The dam flooded the river’s original banks to form a pond. Tree stumps on the former banks protruded through the water which is how Stump Pond got its name.

Since the construction of a boardwalk through swampland in the southwest region of the park, hikers are able to walk a 5.7 mile loop trail around the entire pond. The trail is blazed with either white or blue arrows. Guided hikes are periodically offered by the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference whose headquarters are located inside the park. Guided tours of the Blydenburgh Farm and New Mill Historic District , the 19th century settlement established by the Blydenburgh family, are also offered at 1:00 PM on Saturdays. For more information about hikes and tours call (631) 360-0753 or visit http://www.ligreenbelt.org/.

Other activities at the park include, camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, horseback riding, picnicking, and use of the dog run and playground.

• RV and tent sites are available for campers from April 1 to November 11. Information about camping in Suffolk County or reservations for camping can be found on our website.
• Freshwater fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset along the shoreline or from a rowboat, kayak or canoe. NYS DEC freshwater fishing laws apply. For more information visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24154.html.
• Rowboat rentals are generally available from mid-May to Labor Day.
• Personal kayaks and canoes may also be launched from the rowboat rental area or by the Historic District.
• Horseback riders may ride or trailer their mounts to utilize an extensive bridle path system and practice ring. Trailer parking is available via the north entrance. A Suffolk County Horseback Riding Permit is required and must be visibly displayed by all riders.
• Picnicking is allowed in designated areas; a permit is required for all groups of ten or more persons.
• Dog owners can make use of the dog run or take a hike with their four-legged friend.

A map of the park can be downloaded using the link on this page. For his Eagle Scout project, Jacob Gaio from Troop 888 Smithtown created this map, replaced trail blazes, and installed numbered trail marker posts with QR Codes that enable anyone with a smartphone to download the map and find their location. The map is also available for free download in the Avenza Maps app.