West Hills County Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
West Hills County Park, located in the state of New York, offers visitors a serene and picturesque retreat.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This sprawling park is a hidden gem, attracting locals and tourists alike. Here are some compelling reasons to visit, specific points of interest to explore, interesting facts about the area, and the best time of year to plan your visit.
Reasons to visit:
1. Natural beauty: West Hills County Park boasts stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, dense forests, and tranquil ponds. Nature enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.
2. History and culture: The park is home to the historic Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, where visitors can learn about the life and works of the renowned poet.
3. Recreational activities: The park offers various recreational amenities, such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and athletic fields, making it an ideal destination for family outings and sports enthusiasts.
4. Educational opportunities: West Hills County Park provides interpretive nature trails and educational programs that offer insights into the local flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
Points of interest:
1. Walt Whitman Birthplace: This historic site is a must-visit attraction, offering guided tours of the house where the legendary poet was born. The museum showcases Whitman's life and accomplishments, including his influential literary works.
2. Jayne's Hill: Located within the park, Jayne's Hill is the highest point on Long Island, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Interesting facts:
1. West Hills County Park spans over 850 acres, preserving a significant portion of Long Island's natural beauty.
2. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including various bird species, deer, foxes, and turtles.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit West Hills County Park is during the spring and fall seasons. Spring brings vibrant blooms and mild temperatures, while the fall offers picturesque foliage. Avoiding the peak summer months will help you avoid crowds and enjoy the park's tranquil atmosphere.
It is important to verify the accuracy of this information by consulting multiple independent sources, such as official park websites, travel guides, and local tourism authorities.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Battle Row
|
||
Park Shore Day Camp
|
||
Blydenburgh Park
|
William E. Kessler Park
Manetto Hills Park
Roundtree Park
Plainview Old Bethpage Park
Terry Farrell Park