Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park wilderness guide
State Historic Park / Arboretum · NY

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park offers over 400 acres of cultivated gardens, greenhouses, and woodlands rich in botanical collections, combined with historic estate features inviting visitors to explore nature and horticultural beauty.

State Historic Park / Arboretum4094+ Trails

Designation

State Historic Park / Arboretum

Total Wilderness Area

409

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park offers over 400 acres of cultivated gardens, greenhouses, and woodlands rich in botanical collections, combined with historic estate features inviting visitors to explore nature and horticultural beauty.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park encompasses approximately 409 acres of meticulously maintained gardens and natural areas. The park was once the estate of Helen and Edward H. Plant and features The Coe Hall Mansion, a Tudor Revival-style historic building open for tours. The arboretum is home to extensive collections of azaleas, rhododendrons, conifers, magnolias, and a diverse array of ornamental trees and shrubs. Visitors can explore formal gardens such as the Rose Garden, the Italian Greenhouse, the Camellia House, and the vibrant Walled Garden. The arboretum's rolling meadows and woodlands provide a serene environment for hiking and birdwatching, with trails weaving through both cultivated and natural landscapes. Its year-round appeal includes seasonal blooms in spring and summer, spectacular foliage in autumn, and winter interest through evergreen collections and architecture. Educational programs, guided tours, and special events are regularly offered. The park is an important site for horticultural preservation and historic interpretation, attracting plant enthusiasts, photographers, and families. Its combination of scenic beauty, historic architecture, and thoughtfully designed landscapes makes Planting Fields Arboretum a unique destination on Long Island for outdoor enjoyment and learning.

Field Guide · State Historic Park / Arboretum
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Coe Hall Mansion – Historic Tudor Revival estate open for tours✦ Italian Greenhouse – Showcases exotic plants and seasonal floral displays✦ The Walled Garden – Formal garden with vibrant seasonal flower beds✦ Azalea and Rhododendron Collections – Extensive, colorful spring blooms
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Park Recreation

Historic Tours

Available in Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Park Recreation

Botanical Study

Available in Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Park Recreation

Educational Programs

Available in Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Park Recreation

Seasonal Events

Available in Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic 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 Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Parking is free; admission fees apply for Coe Hall tours and special events

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 Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

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

Oyster Bay, New York
⌖ 1.45 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Oyster Bay, New York

Oyster Bay offers coastal trails, calm waters for kayaking, and excellent bird watching spots. Its historic parks and waterfront make it a relaxing outdoor destination just a short drive from NYC.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Cold Spring Harbor, New York
⌖ 2.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cold Spring Harbor, New York

Cold Spring Harbor is a peaceful Long Island town known for its coastal trails, paddling in calm waters, and excellent bird watching. Ideal for travelers seeking outdoor activities with scenic harbor views and quiet protected parks.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Lloyd Harbor, New York
⌖ 2.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lloyd Harbor, New York

Lloyd Harbor, NY offers a quiet coastal escape with peaceful hiking trails, kayaking on the Long Island Sound, excellent bird watching, and scenic outdoor photography opportunities. Ideal for travelers seeking nature without crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Syosset, New York
⌖ 3.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Syosset, New York

Syosset, NY, offers outdoor lovers access to coastal paddling, family-friendly biking, and quiet hiking trails. With nearby preserves and parks, it’s a great basecamp for relaxed nature escapes on Long Island’s North Shore.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Huntington, New York
⌖ 4.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Huntington, New York

Huntington, New York, offers a mix of coastal serenity and park trails perfect for kayaking, biking, and hiking. Explore peaceful waterways, beaches, and wooded preserves on Long Island’s north shore year-round.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Locust Valley, New York
⌖ 4.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Locust Valley, New York

Locust Valley, NY offers a serene setting with access to waterfront paddling, quiet hiking trails, and bird watching. Ideal for outdoor lovers seeking peaceful nature spots on Long Island's north shore.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

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

Vinyasa on Glass: SUP Yoga in Oyster Bay
ADVEXPEDITION
Oyster Bay, New York
SUPADV Bookable

Vinyasa on Glass: SUP Yoga in Oyster Bay

A 90‑minute SUP Yoga class that begins with a short paddle before anchoring for a gentle vinyasa to build balance and core strength—useful for planning a calm, active reset on the water.

SUPPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip