Photos: Massapequa Preserve

Massapequa Preserve is a 423 acre collection of woodlands, lakes, streams, and wetlands the runs from Merrick Road to South Farmingdale.

Running through the Preserve is the Bethpage Bike Path, a paved roadway that spans over seven miles in length, starting at the corner of Ocean Ave and Merrick Road and ending at the Bethpage State Park. The path is open to pedestrians and bicyclists and a popular means for locals to get out and get their blood pumping while reveling in the beauty of nature.

At various points throughout the Bike Path you will encounter lakes filled with ducks, geese, and swans, fishing bridges, and public parks. And if you feel like getting off the beaten path, so to speak, the surrounding woods offer many mysterious natural trails that go off into dense thickets of underbrush. With a bag lunch and a bottle of water, you could have yourself an adventure without ever leaving your hometown.

Most of us are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of modern society. With all the cars, buildings, and houses that take up most of Massapequa real estate, it's easy to forget that a quiet and tranquil escape is just minutes away. The next time you need to get back to the basics and just enjoy a brisk walk while marveling at greenery and woodland creatures, trek on down to the Massapequa Preserve.