Muttontown Preserve

The main entrance to Muttontown Preserve is located off Muttontown Lane near East Norwich in Nassau County. From the parking area, a network of gently rolling trails winds through over 500 acres of second-growth hardwood forest, open meadows, and glacial knolls. Hikers can choose among several interconnected routes—most forming short to moderate loops. Navigation can be confusing at times due to limited signage, so bringing a map or GPS is recommended. Popular points of interest include the Knollwood Estate ruins, where moss-covered stone walls and staircases hint at a vanished 60-room mansion, and the preserved grounds around the Chelsea Mansion, both accessible via spur trails. Trail conditions vary with weather; low-lying sections may become muddy after rain, especially near vernal pools and wetlands. While elevation changes are minor, tick exposure is common during warm months, and dogs may or may not be allowed depending on the trail. This day-use preserve is open year-round from sunrise to sunset and offers a quiet, forested escape within reach of Long Island suburbs.