Summary
According to the agency website: "Belmont Lake State Park, located in West Babylon is a 463-acre day use park bisected by Carll's Creek and Belmont Lake. The park, established in 1926 had been owned by August Belmont and served as farmland for some of Belmont's equestrian activities. Robert Moses chose this park to establish the regional headquarters for all state parks on Long Island in 1935, which serves the public today for region-wide permit sales, park administration and as headquarters for the New York State Park Police.
The park is primarily visited by families seeking outdoor gatherings, picnics, and informal sports activities. It provides a bucolic feeling adjacent to the Southern State Parkway at exit 38 among densely developed neighborhoods. Carll's Creek stretches 4.2 miles south to the Great South Bay with a trail for hiking and biking. Horseback riding is available through the nearby Babylon Riding Center (for information contact 631-587-7778). The 42-acre Belmont Lake is encircled by a similar path, making a total of 7.6 miles of multi-use trails. Paddle boats and rowboats are available for rent on the lake through the summer.
The park's significant natural features include the 26-acre, spring-fed Belmont Lake and a significant wetland complex. The lake provides springtime trout fishing and summer bass fishing for the avid anglers who use the park. It is home to permanent and migratory waterfowl populations. Park visitors enjoy watching Osprey diving from high above to catch fish for their young in the spring. Other waterfowl that can be easily spotted include Northern Shovelers, Mergansers, Teal, Great Blue Heron, and Egrets.
Patrons enjoy activities such as picnicking, playgrounds, and using the various game courts and fields. The lake attracts trail walking, fishing and non-motorized boating. The 7.6 miles of trails throughout the park are available for hiking, walking, biking, nature observation and weather permitting, cross-country skiing.
Special events such as the Great Jack-O-lantern Spectacular Sail, Holiday Tree Lighting, Egg Hunt, and Fishing Expo draw the highest attendance on non-holiday weekends.
Find out more about park permit information. Find out more about reserving picnic pavilions and view pictures of the options available."