Stump Pond Trail - Blydenburgh County Park

Distance: 5.4 miles (loop trail)   Elevation Gain: 0-10 feet   Hike Time: 2.5 - 3 hours   Difficulty: Easy - Moderate  Trail Condition: Earth  Hike Type: Loop

How to Get There: Travel to the end of Northern State Parkway to Veterans Memorial Highway (Rt. 347). The northern entrance can be reached by following Route 347 to Brooksite Drive North; turn left on New Mill Road and follow to park entrance at end; use the first parking lot on the left.  The trail will start near the Blydenburgh-Weld  housing the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference.  A Suffolk County Green Key is required for entry into the park and a seasonal parking fee may apply; for more information on Green Key purchase, call (631) 854-4949.

General Description: The 164-acre pond was created in 1798 to power grist and woolen mills for the Blydenburgh farm. Fed by the headwaters of the Nissequogue River, it is one of the least developed and most picturesque ponds on Long Island. Freshwater fishing for pumpkinseed sunfish, large-mouth bass, perch and bluegill is permitted at Stump Pond between sunrise and sunset. New York State freshwater fishing laws apply. Rowboat rentals are generally available from mid-May to Labor Day.  The trails around Stump Pond pass through wetland and upland habitats and is a good place for a fall walk in the woods.

The trail will be marked with white blazes for the portion where it is co-located with the Long Island Greenbelt Trail.  In approximately 1-1/2 miles from the trailhead at the north entrance, the trail meets the park edge at Brooksite Drive.  The Greenbelt Trail continues out of the park to the north ; take the trail marked by blue blazes and follow it around the pond until you return to the starting point.