The best running trails around Levittown

The LI Motor Parkway Trail offers a unique jogging experience, blending a smooth paved surface with historical scenery. You'll pass through pleasant wooded areas and alongside backyards, encountering remnants of the original concrete and asphalt surfaces. The highlight for many is the vibrant display of autumn trees in Eisenhower Park, making it a particularly scenic route during fall. It's an easy path, perfect for a relaxed run with a touch of local history.

This 2.7-mile (4.4 km) jogging route, with only 31 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and can be completed in about 27 minutes. While largely flat, be prepared for a few sharp turns and short, steep climbs onto crossover bridges that add a little variety. It's a great option for a quick, accessible run any time of day, especially if you appreciate historical context during your workout.

This trail is a segment of America's first highway built exclusively for automobiles, the Long Island Motor Parkway, pioneered by William K. Vanderbilt II. It was groundbreaking for its use of overpasses and bridges, and even earned the nickname "Rumrunner's Road" during Prohibition. Today, portions of the trail are recognized on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places, offering a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century transportation history while you jog.

The Eisenhower Park loop from Nassau offers a long, consistent jogging experience across 10.2 miles (16.4 km) of mostly flat, paved terrain. You'll find yourself immersed in expansive green spaces, with a particularly serene stretch around the park's lake where ducks and geese often gather. Despite the minimal 97 feet (30 metres) of elevation gain, the sheer distance makes this a difficult route, perfect for those seeking a sustained workout on Eisenhower Park jogging trails.

Planning your visit to this popular trail in Eisenhower Park, Nassau, is straightforward. The park is easily accessible, and its well-maintained paved paths mean you can focus on your run. With some sections lit and good foot traffic, it's a safe option even for evening runs. Allow about 1 hour and 41 minutes to complete the full loop, and you'll find plenty of parking available within the park.

Eisenhower Park stands out as a significant recreational hub, even larger than Central Park, offering more than just running routes. Beyond the jogging paths, you'll find extensive amenities like athletic fields, tennis courts, and an aquatic center, making it a truly family-friendly destination. The park also features a dedicated 2-mile Fitness Trail with exercise stations, providing varied options for your workout.

The Bethpage Bikeway loop from Farmingdale offers a varied jogging experience on a mostly paved asphalt path. You'll pass through the wooded areas and golf courses of Bethpage State Park before reaching the tranquil Massapequa Preserve, which features shaded sections, lakes, ponds, and marshland. Keep an eye out for wildlife like ducks and swans in the preserve. While generally flat, the route includes some undulating hills and short, steep inclines near Bethpage State Park, providing a moderate challenge.

This 8.5 miles (13.6 km) jogging route, with 208 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hours and 28 minutes. It's accessible year-round, but be prepared for potential snow or ice in winter as the trail isn't maintained then. The path is multi-use, so you'll share it with cyclists and walkers, especially on weekends. Starting early can help you avoid crowds.

Beyond the main paved path, the Bethpage Bikeway connects to extensive networks of dirt trails within Bethpage State Park and Trail View State Park. This allows you to easily switch between paved and unpaved surfaces for varied training. The bikeway also passes remnants of the historic Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, adding a touch of history to your run.