Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
581 West Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
- Phone: (631) 265-1054
Spring Nature Programs
Spring Nature Program Descriptions
Nestled in the heart of Smithtown, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is one of only two state nature preserves on Long Island. Within its 543 acres are a variety of habitats offering guests picturesque views that change with the seasons. Caleb Smith is a passive use park. This not only helps protect the local plant and wildlife populations but also allows visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the quiet serenity that can only be found in nature.
- The Nature Museum has been recently renovated and showcases natural history exhibits including a Great Blue Heron, Red Fox, Flying Squirrel and a River Otter.
- Take a gander as you meander along the hiking trails for some of our rare plants like Pink Lady Slipper, Trailing Arbutus, and Indian Pipe.
- Nature programs are offered, for all ages, year round. Tiny Tot programs are geared for 3-5 year olds and occur on a bi-weekly basis. Programs for children are suited for those ages 5 and up. Family programs are designed for ages 5 and up but younger siblings are always welcome. Adult programs are offered to those who are 18 and older. Reservations are required for all programs.
- Bird watchers will delight in the variety of feathered friends found in the preserve, such as Prothonotary Warblers, Virginia Rails and Osprey to name a few.
- During winter months the snowy landscape is crisscrossed not only with animal tracks but also with cross country ski and snowshoe tracks.
- Fly fishing on the Nissequogue River is available from April 1st to October 15th (NYS freshwater fishing license and reservations required).
- Children, 15 and under, are invited to fish on Willow Pond from April 1st to October 31st.
- Meeting space available for environmental use at reasonable rate, call for details.
Find more about park permit information
For information on educational opportunities & programs in Long Island State Parks, please visit Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center.
Please Note: Pets, Bikes and Picnics are not permitted.
No Pets Allowed
P.O. Box 963Smithtown, NY 11787
Hours of Operation
Nature museum hours of operation: 8am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday; year round
Park hours of operation: 8am- 4pm, Wednesday through Sunday; year round except holidays.
- Cross Country Skiing: Winter, as weather permits.
- Environmental Interpretive Programs and Self Guided Trails, open all year.
Envrion. Programs conducted Wednesday - Sunday only. - Fly Fishing: 4/1 - 10/31.
Wed-Sunday 7-11am and 11:30-3:30pm
Permit issued & fishing fee collected at beginning of the session.For reservations, call 631-265-1054.
- Junior Angling: 4/1 - 10/31.
Fees & Rates
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
- Environmental Interpretive Programs
- Adults 18 & Over: $4
Children 3-17: $4
Children 2 & under: Free - Fly Fishing
- $20 per 4 hour session (Vehicle entry included)
- Vehicle Entrance Fee
- Cars $8
Non-Profit Buses (By permit only) $35
Commercial Buses $75
Collected 4/1 - 10/31, 8 AM - 4 PM. Collected via automated pay station.
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Thursday, April 19, 2018 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
This is a special time for both parent and child to discover the wonders of their natural world together. Each program's theme will use nature explorations and hands-on activities as a springboard for learning. Children ages 3-5.
Saturday, April 21, 2018 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Discover just how large some of the fish are that live around Long Island. We will compare these big fish with those that live in the ponds at the park. Through hands-on activities, you will learn what they eat, how they live and other fun facts. Ages 5 and up.
Sunday, April 29, 2018 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Would you like to join us on a hunt for Caleb's hidden treasure? We will follow clues and puzzles as we go. Each child will go home with a piece of treasure!
Thursday, May 3, 2018 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
This is a special time for both parent and child to discover the wonders of their natural world together. Each program's theme will use nature explorations and hands-on activities as a springboard for learning. Children ages 3-5.
Saturday, May 5, 2018 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Register: https://ptny.wufoo.com/forms/zumi7km0s89kjp/
Project 1: Outdoor Historic Display- This project will include moving soil, woodchips or rocks, construction of a wood frame or border, and lots of digging. Appropriate for 13 and up. Please bring garden gloves, water, and snack.
Project 2:Forest Restoration- We would like to plant baby trees to replenish the forest. This work will include lots of digging of the trail. Appropriate for 13 and up. Please bring garden gloves, water, and snack.
Project 3: Mullen Chuckin'- This project involves the removal of a highly invasive plant species called mullen. We will dig up the plants before they get to big and see who can chuck them the greatest distance. All ages welcome. Please bring garden gloves, water, and snack.
Project 4: Wetland Restoration- This adult only project will take the volunteers into some of the delicate wetland areas to pick up trash and clean out a small stream. Ages 18 and over only please.
Project 5: Trail Restoration- We will be adding woodchips or stone dust to some of the most popular trails here at the preserve. This project is for ages 13 and up. Volunteers can bring water, gloves and a snack if they wish.
For questions about this event:
Call: 631-265-1054
Email: kathleen.roth@parks.ny.gov
Amenities, Activities & Information
- Amenities
- Gift Shop (Accessible)
- Museum/Visitors Center (Accessible)
- Nature Trails
- Activities
- Fishing * Freshwater
- Fly Fishing * Nissequogue River Fly Fishing School
- Fly Fishing
- Hiking
- Recreation Programs * Environmental Education
- Snowshoeing Trails
- X-Country Skiing