hempstead lake state park

As part of my FREE: things to do in NYC, ($8.00 parking) I visited a great state park not too far into Long Island yesterday. Hempstead Lake State Park is just a about an hour away from the city and engulfs a huge lake, picnic area and bike trails and that span for miles. I stumbled upon a small hideaway on a trail that you have to see for yourself:




I only explored the park for two hours and so I know there's more to see. I do intend to update this with a Part 2 but for more info check out the website. There's a lake (perhaps what the park is named after?) that is as clear as can be. Really, I mean you can see your feet! But you can't swim here.. :( Though there was a man fishing and we all took our shoes off and walked in about knee deep. I don't think anyone would go in here with a suit -so don't pack the bikini- but a pair of flip flops would do good. Some of the scenes were breathtaking and there are a lot of cozy corners for reading and thinking too. Here's a video of the lake:



and some great photos: