Hit the Trail- Mill Pond

A few small steps away from the hustle and bustle of Merrick road is Long Island’s beautiful and serene Mill Pond Park in Wantagh. Here you will find a 1.1 mile paved path that winds its way around the pond, offering an excellent opportunity for running or walking. Along your trek you’ll be treated to an ever-changing perspective of the pond that offers excellent sights around every turn, such as swans and ducks, adorable bridges, or the sunlight peeking through the trees. One of the best features of Mill Pond is that it always seems to be the perfect place to go no matter what season it is. In the summer, the ample shade protects you from the scorching sun. The fall offers a vibrant display of foliage that is nothing short of spectacular. In the winter, the trees provide protection from any unwanted breezes. And the spring has a great display of blooming trees and shrubs.

Your course will essentially follow a circle around the lake and you can go in either direction. For a good run, you can circle the path around the pond as many times as your pumping heart desires. If you’re prepping for a 5K, three laps around will suffice with a distance of about 3.3 miles. The pavement itself is somewhat narrow – just enough room for two people to run side-by-side – so be prepared to shout “on your left” when passing unsuspecting walkers (and potentially scare them half to death). Along the way you’ll encounter plenty of benches and even a large gazebo which provide several opportunities to rest or soak in the sights and sounds.

 

To add some variety (and possibly some adventure) to your walk/run, feel free to explore the series of unmarked dirt trails that branch off of the paved path into the woods on the west side of the lake. Dirt trails on  the right (if going clockwise around the lake) will explore some of the peninsulas that jut out into the lake and tend to loop around back to where they started by the paved path. The trail system on the left (if walking clockwise around the lake) is rather vast and disorienting, with several branches, twists, and turns, but can easily add some extra distance and solitude to your lap around the lake if you don’t mind getting a little lost the first few times. These paths actually lead all the way to Sunrise Highway, allowing you to cross over and continue on a short while to Twin Lakes Preserve, which offers even more miles of dirt trails.

Things to consider

• The park closes at dusk and there are no lights, so the path will be pitch black after sundown.
• During the summer months there are usually mosquitoes, so bring bug spray.
• Biking is prohibited, but people will do it anyway, so be alert when running or walking with headphones on.
• The park is never “crowded” so-to-speak, but you will have more of the place to yourself during the week.

To get to the park, take the Wantagh Parkway south to Merrick Road W (exit W6 west). Make a right off the ramp and continue west for about a ½ mile. After the first traffic light you will see the park on your right. Park along the side of Merrick Road. There are no fees or parking restrictions.

Happy trail running!