The Ultimate Guide to Muttontown Preserve
During the pandemic, Daniel and I did not have too many options when it came to exploration. However, we did have a chance to make it out to Long Island often to see his family. On one of those stops, we checked out the Muttontown Preserve near Syosset. It’s definitely worth the stop if you can make it there and I rate it right up there with Sands Point Preserve!
Everything you need to know about the Muttontown Preserve
Here’s all you need to know about getting to Muttontown Preserve, where to hike, and more!
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Map of Muttontown Preserve
How to get to Muttontown Preserve from New York City
The best way to get to Muttontown Preserve is to take the Port Jefferson line from Penn Station to Syosset, which will cost you around $10 USD. It will drop you off super close to the preserve, but you will most likely want to take an Uber to get there, which will cost about $5 USD.
How much does it cost to enter Muttontown Preserve?
How much does it cost to enter Muttontown Preserve?The Muttontown Preserve is free to enter and you can check out the Chelsea Mansion on your own for free, as well.
Muttontown Preserve hours
The Muttontown Preserve is open every day from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm.
Things to do at Muttontown Preserve
The best things to do at the preserve explore some of the best in Long Island nature walks. Getting outside is the main goal here!
Hiking trails
With over 500 acres available to explore, there’s a lot to check out when it comes to hiking trails. Do be warned that they aren’t super well marked, so you might want to have a compass available. Fortunately, there tend to be a number of visitors there at one time, so even if you get lost, you’ll have some direct you back.
This is a favorite spot when it comes to hiking trails in Nassau County, and the trails are for the most part well-maintained. They are also rather shady, which makes them perfect for a hike on a hot summer day! Muttontown Preserve is also Nassau County’s largest nature preserve, so there’s plenty to see.
The Ruins
The RuinsAlthough they can be difficult to find, the ruins at the preserve hold a unique story that few nature preserves can compete with. These ruins were once the former mansion of the last king of Albania, King Zog. After fleeing his home country after the Italian Invasion of 1939, King Zog traveled from place to place before purchasing a mansion on Long Island.
However, Zog never did settle in the United States, and even after it was sold, a rumor began to spread that he had hidden some of his riches there. After the mansion was vandalized by opportunistic bandits, it was later demolished.
Chelsea Mansion
When it comes to abandoned Long Island mansions, this one is hard to beat! While it is mostly used for weddings and events now, it serves as an example of a typical Gold Coast-era home. Built by the Moore family in 1924, the large home takes inspiration from Japan and China, as well as 17th- and 18th-century French architecture.
Occasionally you can find tours available, though you can peek in and see the home for yourself too!
Have you ever made it to the Muttontown Preserve? Let me know your favorite part in the comments!
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