Glen Island Park wilderness guide
County Park · NY

Glen Island Park

Glen Island Park is a scenic waterfront park located on an island in Long Island Sound, offering recreational amenities, beaches, and picnic areas ideal for family and outdoor activities.

County Park1054+ Trails

Designation

County Park

Total Wilderness Area

105

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Glen Island Park

Glen Island Park is a scenic waterfront park located on an island in Long Island Sound, offering recreational amenities, beaches, and picnic areas ideal for family and outdoor activities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Glen Island Park is situated in New Rochelle, Westchester County, New York, spanning approximately 105 acres on a chain of islands in Long Island Sound. The park provides visitors with stunning views of the water, well-maintained beaches, playgrounds, picnic spots, and sports facilities. Historically, Glen Island was developed in the late 19th century as a private recreational area before being acquired by the county and transformed into a public park. The park's geography features a combination of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines with walking paths connecting its islands via small bridges. Ecologically, the park supports coastal plant species and serves as a habitat for migratory birds and local marine life. Glen Island’s recreational offerings include swimming, fishing, sailing, and picnicking, along with playgrounds for children and sports like tennis and basketball. Notable landmarks include the historic Trophy House restaurant and the modern marina. Glen Island Park appeals to families, anglers, sailors, and anyone seeking a relaxing natural escape near the metropolitan New York area with easy access and a variety of outdoor amenities.

Field Guide · County Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Glen Island Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Sandy and rocky waterfront beaches ideal for swimming and sunbathing✦ Historic Trophy House restaurant overlooking Long Island Sound✦ Marina facilities with access for boating and fishing enthusiasts✦ Connected island walkways featuring scenic views over the Sound
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Glen Island Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Glen Island Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Glen Island Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Glen Island Park
Park Recreation

Sailing

Available in Glen Island Park
Park Recreation

Swimming

Available in Glen Island Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Glen Island Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Glen Island Park
Park Recreation

Tennis

Available in Glen Island Park
Park Recreation

Basketball

Available in Glen Island Park
Park Recreation

Kayaking

Available in Glen Island Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Glen Island Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free park entrance; parking requires daily fee or seasonal permit; marina fees apply.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Glen Island Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

New Rochelle, New York
⌖ 0.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

New Rochelle, New York

New Rochelle offers waterfront parks, trails, and paddling opportunities right on Long Island Sound. Ideal for hikers, bikers, and paddlers looking for accessible outdoor fun near NYC with beaches, birdwatching, and family-friendly spaces.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Larchmont, New York
⌖ 1.89 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Larchmont, New York

Larchmont, New York, is a peaceful coastal town perfect for paddling, biking, and casual hiking. Its waterfront parks, protected harbor, and charming streets offer laid-back outdoor fun within easy reach of New York City.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Pelham, New York
⌖ 2.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pelham, New York

Pelham, NY offers suburban tranquility with easy access to expansive green spaces like Pelham Bay Park. Enjoy hiking, biking, paddling, and bird watching in a welcoming community just outside New York City.

Spring to Fall
Explore Town
Mount Vernon, New York
⌖ 3.41 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Vernon, New York

Mount Vernon offers accessible urban outdoor recreation with parks, trails, and waterways just outside NYC. Visitors enjoy biking, kayaking, and relaxing in green spaces like Willson's Woods and along the Bronx River corridor.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Mamaroneck, New York
⌖ 3.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mamaroneck, New York

Mamaroneck, NY, is a waterfront town where kayaking, biking, and coastal hiking create easy access to nature on Long Island Sound. Perfect for outdoor lovers seeking relaxed coastal adventures with charming local parks and beaches.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Schuylerville, New York
⌖ 5.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Schuylerville, New York

Schuylerville, New York, invites outdoor lovers to explore quiet hiking trails, paddle pristine sections of the Hudson River, and discover rich Revolutionary War history in a charming small-town setting.

Late Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Glen Island Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Hooking Trophy Striped Bass off New Rochelle with Captain Pedro
ADVEXPEDITION
New Rochelle, New York
FishingADV Bookable

Hooking Trophy Striped Bass off New Rochelle with Captain Pedro

A 6-hour, Western Long Island Sound sport-fishing outing with Bluefin Sound Charters that chases seasonal giants using jigging, popping, live bait, or trolling—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
City Island After Dark: Striped Bass and Bluefish Under Moonlight
ADVEXPEDITION
The Bronx, New York
FishingADV Bookable

City Island After Dark: Striped Bass and Bluefish Under Moonlight

An eight‑hour, nighttime fishing excursion from City Island aboard the Island Current Fleet targeting bluefish and striped bass—this guide explains what to expect, what’s provided, and how to prepare.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip