West Hills County Park (Jayne's Hill) - Image 1
1 / 3

West Hills County Park Jayne's Hill

3.9
·19 reviews·West Hills, United States

Hike to Jayne's Hill, Long Island's highest point, for a historical and serene nature escape. Enjoy marked trails and wildlife sightings.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Loading map...
West Hills County Park (Jayne's Hill) - Image 1

West Hills County Park Jayne's Hill

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hike to Jayne's Hill, Long Island's highest point, for a historical and serene nature escape. Enjoy marked trails and wildlife sightings.

3.9
(19 reviews)

"A great relaxing hike to get away when you're sick of the typical LI traffic and noise."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear sturdy, old shoes

Trails can get muddy, so wear footwear you don't mind getting dirty.

🗺️ Find the hidden trailhead

Trailhead is north of picnic grounds, behind horse trailers.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jayne's Hill Summit

Jayne's Hill Summit

Highest point on Long Island

Reach the peak of Long Island for a sense of accomplishment and historical significance.

Instagram
Scenic Hiking Trails

Scenic Hiking Trails

Throughout West Hills County Park

Explore miles of marked trails, offering a peaceful retreat from city noise.

TikTokReddit
Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife Sightings

Various park locations

Keep an eye out for deer and horses during your hike.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Jayne's Hill

Jayne's Hill, the highest point on Long Island, offers a serene escape. While generally beginner-friendly, be prepared for potential mud, especially after rain. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making for a more peaceful hike. Reddit

Navigating West Hills County Park

West Hills County Park is expansive, and finding the trailhead for Jayne's Hill can be a bit tricky. Look for it on the north side of the picnic grounds, often hidden behind horse trailers. Reddit Comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended, as trails can get muddy. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, peaceful
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Quick hike in Melville at West Hills county park while Gabe was at a birthday party. This is the first real hike for Chewy since injuring his ACL back in April. And honestly I really wasn't thinking that the hike to Jayne's Hill - the highest point on Long Island - might not be the best thing for an older woof in a leg brace. 1.5 miles up hill on rough terrain, is not the same as 1.5 miles in t...
meleio
15 likes • 1.1K views

👟 Wear sturdy, old shoes

Trails can get muddy, so wear footwear you don't mind getting dirty. Reddit

🗺️ Find the hidden trailhead

Trailhead is north of picnic grounds, behind horse trailers. Reddit

🥾100 📏4.0 miles 📍West Hills County Park For my 100th hike of the year I decided to go to the highest point on the island. Just over 400ft Jayne's Hill is yhe highest point. It was frequently visited by Walt Whitman. The area was buggy at the beginning and end as usual. When you get away from the horse stables it gets really nice. It was nice workout up the backside of the hill. I walked down Ja...
rsonee
2 likes • 74 views
Here's to our handsome adventure buddy! 🐾 We love exploring the West Hills Park. It's so huge there's always a new area with something to see. You can also hike to Jayne's Hill, the highest point of Long Island here! 📍: West Hills County Park, West Hills, NY #TheTailGuide #HikingWithDogs #HesA10 #GoodBoy #LongIsland #DogsOfLongIsland #DogMom #DogDad
thetailguide
26 likes • 293 views

🐶 Dog-friendly exploration

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. TikTok+1

🌳 Enjoy the serenity

Walk far enough in for a truly undisturbed, green escape. Reddit

reddit.com

Hiking Spots?

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear sturdy, old shoes

Trails can get muddy, so wear footwear you don't mind getting dirty. Reddit

🗺️ Find the hidden trailhead

Trailhead is north of picnic grounds, behind horse trailers. Reddit

🐶 Dog-friendly exploration

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. TikTok+1

🌳 Enjoy the serenity

Walk far enough in for a truly undisturbed, green escape. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(19 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise West Hills County Park for its historical significance as Long Island's highest point and its beginner-friendly trails. Many enjoy the peaceful, green escape and the chance to see wildlife. However, some find the summit lacks views and wish the trails were better maintained, noting that stairs can be an obstacle.

"Definitely one of my favorite hiking trails on Long Island. Not only is it historical being LI's highest point of elevation, but it is also beginner friendly. The trail itself is about 3 miles, and the marked trail made it easy to complete. Although there's not much no see up top, my boyfriend and I did get some photos of deer and horses."

Danielle Adames

"Nice hike up. Marked trail. New benches. Wear ratty footwear; can be quite muddy."

L Br NY

"Trailhead a little bit hard to fine. Its on the north side of the picnic ground hiden behind a horse trailer."

Todd Graham

What People Like

Historical significance
Peaceful nature escape
Dog-friendly trails

What People Dislike

Limited summit views
Trail maintenance
Stairs as obstacles

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trailhead for Jayne's Hill can be a bit elusive. Look for it on the north side of the picnic grounds, often tucked away behind horse trailers. Reddit It's a good idea to use a GPS or map app to navigate to the park's main picnic area first. TikTok

Public transport options to West Hills County Park are limited. It's generally recommended to drive to the park. Parking is available near the picnic areas. TikTok

West Hills County Park is located in Melville, NY. Use your preferred navigation app to find the park entrance. The address is typically listed as 810 Old Country Rd, Huntington, NY 11743, though the specific trailhead might be further within. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

West Hills County Park is generally free to enter. There are no admission fees required for hiking or visiting the park. TikTok

Park hours can vary seasonally, but it's typically open from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official Suffolk County Parks website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. TikTok

No, you do not need to book tickets in advance for Jayne's Hill or West Hills County Park. It's a public park, and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The marked trail to Jayne's Hill is approximately 3 miles roundtrip. Reddit Some visitors have noted it can be a bit challenging with an older dog, so gauge your pace accordingly. TikTok

Jayne's Hill is the highest point on Long Island, reaching just over 400 feet in elevation. Instagram While it's the highest point, the climb is generally considered beginner-friendly. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available in the picnic areas of West Hills County Park. It's advisable to use them before starting your hike, as they may be limited along the trails. TikTok

The trails are mostly marked but can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Reddit Some sections have stairs that might feel like extra obstacles rather than aids. Reddit Sturdy, old footwear is highly recommended. Reddit

While there isn't a specific lookout point at the very top surrounded by trees, the trails offer opportunities for nature photography. You might spot deer and horses. Reddit The surrounding greenery and the sense of accomplishment can make for great shots. TikTok

🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly within West Hills County Park. However, the surrounding areas of Melville and Huntington offer a variety of restaurants, cafes, and delis. TikTok

Yes, West Hills County Park has designated picnic areas. It's a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch before or after your hike. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

While the summit itself is surrounded by trees, the journey offers chances to photograph the natural landscape, wildlife like deer and horses, and the marked trails. Reddit The feeling of reaching the highest point on Long Island can also be a great photo subject. Instagram

Unfortunately, the summit of Jayne's Hill is quite wooded, limiting panoramic views. Reddit The beauty lies more in the immersive nature experience and the historical significance of reaching the highest point. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

West Hills County Park and Jayne's Hill offer a family-friendly hiking experience. The 3-mile marked trail is manageable for most children, providing a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the highest point on Long Island. Reddit The opportunity to spot wildlife like deer and horses can be particularly exciting for younger visitors. Reddit Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear, as the trails can get muddy. Reddit The picnic areas are perfect for a family lunch break before or after the hike. TikTok

🐶 Dog Owners

West Hills County Park is a fantastic destination for dog owners looking for a scenic hike. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails, making it a great place for your furry friend to explore. TikTok+1 The 3-mile trail to Jayne's Hill provides ample space for dogs to walk and enjoy the natural surroundings. Reddit Be mindful of the trail conditions, as they can be muddy, and ensure your dog is comfortable with uneven terrain. Reddit It's a wonderful opportunity for a shared adventure with your canine companion. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Seekers

For those seeking a peaceful solo retreat, West Hills County Park offers a serene escape. Reddit The trails are generally well-marked, and walking further into the park can lead to undisturbed, quiet areas perfect for reflection. Reddit Jayne's Hill, while not offering grand vistas, provides a sense of accomplishment and a connection to the natural landscape. Instagram It's an ideal spot for a quick getaway without having to travel far. Reddit Remember to wear sturdy shoes and be aware of the trail conditions, especially if hiking alone. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Jayne's Hill

Jayne's Hill holds the distinction of being the highest natural point on Long Island, reaching an elevation of just over 400 feet. Instagram Historically, this area was frequently visited by the renowned American poet Walt Whitman, who found inspiration in its natural surroundings. Instagram The hill's significance lies not just in its elevation but also in its connection to local history and its role as a natural landmark on the island. It offers a unique perspective on Long Island's topography, often overlooked in favor of coastal attractions. Reddit

While the summit itself is wooded and doesn't offer expansive vistas, the hike to Jayne's Hill provides a rewarding experience for those seeking a connection with nature and a touch of local history. The trails wind through wooded areas, offering a peaceful retreat. Reddit The presence of new benches along the route adds a touch of comfort for hikers. Reddit It's a place where one can appreciate the quietude and the simple beauty of the Long Island landscape, a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle. Reddit

Hiking Experience and Trail Conditions

The hiking experience at West Hills County Park, particularly the trail to Jayne's Hill, is generally described as beginner-friendly and scenic. Reddit The marked trail is approximately 3 miles long, making it a manageable distance for most hikers. Reddit However, visitors should be prepared for varying trail conditions. The paths can become quite muddy, especially after rainfall, leading some reviewers to recommend wearing old, sturdy footwear. Reddit Some sections of the trail include stairs, which some hikers have found to be more of an obstacle than an aid. Reddit

Despite the potential for muddy patches and uneven terrain, the park offers a serene and green environment. Reddit Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to escape the typical Long Island traffic and noise, finding the park to be a quiet and undisturbed retreat. Reddit The presence of wildlife, such as deer and horses, adds to the natural charm of the hike. TikTokReddit For those with dogs, the park is a great option, as leashed pets are welcome on the trails. TikTok+1

You may also like