A mown path winding through a wildflower meadow toward woodland edge

Avalon Nature Preserve

Avalon Nature Preserve is a free nature preserve in Stony Brook, NY, with about 5 miles of walking trails. It is open Tuesday to Sunday all year, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter, and leashed dogs are welcome. Park only in the designated lots on Shep Jones Lane. There are no restrooms and no trash cans, so carry out what you bring.

At a Glance

Avalon at a Glance

WhereStony Brook; office 200 Harbor Road

CostFree, always

OpenTuesday to Sunday, year round

Summer hours6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (June to August)

TrailsAbout 5 miles

DogsWelcome on a leash

ParkingDesignated lots on Shep Jones Lane only

FacilitiesNo restrooms, no trash cans

Hours by Season

The preserve opens Tuesday to Sunday, year round:

Spring (April and May): 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Summer (June to August): 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fall (September and October): 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Winter (November to March): 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost

Avalon says entrance to the preserve "is always free."

Parking

This is where visitors get caught out. Parking is allowed only in the designated lots along Shep Jones Lane. Avalon warns that Shep Jones Lane is an active road, and that cars parked along it outside the lots will be ticketed. There is no parking on Harbor Road, Rhododendron or other neighbouring roads.

A hiker in a light jacket seen from behind on a dirt trail through rolling mature oak woodland with yellow and brown leaves

Trails

Avalon has about 5 miles of trails, with an interactive map on its website. The preserve asks visitors to stay on the trails, tread lightly and treat the plants and animals as hosts: "Observe, Don't Disturb."

Dogs

Dogs are welcome. They must be leashed at all times, and owners must pick up after them. That makes Avalon a good dog-friendly alternative to Sunken Meadow, where pets are barred from the main park. See dogs at Sunken Meadow.

What Not to Expect

No restrooms. Avalon has no public restrooms.
No trash cans. Carry in, carry out.
No picnics. Avalon asks visitors not to picnic in the preserve and points them to restaurants in nearby Stony Brook Village.
Groups: up to 15 people, with permission from the preserve office.

Programs

Avalon runs classes, talks and children's programs through the year; see its events calendar. The office is at 200 Harbor Road, Stony Brook, phone (631) 689-0619.

Avalon or Sunken Meadow?

Bring the dog: Avalon.
Swim, picnic or play golf: Sunken Meadow.
A free walk with no vehicle fee: Avalon.
A long hike: Sunken Meadow's 14.1 miles of trails or the Greenbelt Trail.
Restrooms: Sunken Meadow.

A narrow wooden boardwalk path crossing a wooded wetland with ferns

FAQ

Avalon Nature Preserve FAQ

Is Avalon Nature Preserve free?

Yes. Avalon says entrance is always free.

Are dogs allowed at Avalon Nature Preserve?

Yes, on a leash at all times, and you must pick up after your dog.

Where do you park for Avalon Nature Preserve?

Only in the designated lots along Shep Jones Lane. Do not park on Harbor Road or neighbouring streets.

What are Avalon Nature Preserve's hours?

Tuesday to Sunday, year round: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in spring and fall, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter.

Does Avalon have bathrooms?

No. There are no public restrooms or trash cans in the preserve.