Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
581 West Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
- Phone: (631) 265-1054
Fall Nature Programs
Fall 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 Empire Pass -- whether a card for $80 or a vehicle-affixed decal for $65 -- is 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. Apply 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.
Saturday, December 16, 2017 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Using a wide array of fresh greenery, create a lovely wreath for your door or to give as a gift when visiting for the holidays. Add a decoration or two from home to make it extra special! There is an additional $5 per person for materials. (no charge if you bring your own wreath) Limit 18 people per class. We cannot go over this limit! We apologize for any inconvenience.
Saturday, December 16, 2017 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Using a wide array of fresh greenery, create a lovely wreath for your door or to give as a gift when visiting for the holidays. Add a decoration or two from home to make it extra special! There is an additional $5 per person for materials. (no charge if you bring your own wreath) Limit 18 people per class. We cannot go over this limit! We apologize for any inconvenience.
Sunday, December 17, 2017 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
Take a pleasant walk into our beautiful woodlands to discover how nature changes when winter approaches. We will stretch our legs and get some much needed fresh air as we explore the trails.
Thursday, December 28, 2017 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. Held on Thursdays: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Friday, December 29, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
There are some mighty odd plants and animals that live in the preserve and around the world. Join us as we explore the lives of these fun, weird and interesting wildlife oddities.
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