Next up in our Winter Walks series: Frank Melville Park in Setauket.
Previous winter walk articles: Quogue Wildlife Refuge, Prosser Pines & Avalon Nature Preserve
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, hours and amenities may be affected. Please check the status of your intended destination before visiting.
Tucked away just north of North Country Road in Setauket is Frank Melville Park. This 24 acre park with a 5 acre preserve has a paved path around the pond with dirt trails beyond that for further exploration. The trip around the pond is short but beautiful, offering breathtaking views of the beautiful flora, fauna and water life. We have often seen swans with cygnets in the springtime, turtles, ducks, cranes, and more. While the path is paved, it is narrow so I would not suggest bringing bicycles here. However, that part of the park is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Beyond the pond, you'll find the red barn which can be a beautiful backdrop for photos. Before the pandemic, the park would occasionally hold events here. You'll find a community garden in this area as well.
Going further into the woods to the right up the hill, you'll find the Bates House which can hold events up to 164 people. It seems strange as you follow the path in this direction, as if you are entering someone's backyard. But I can assure you that you are not lost! At the top of the hill, there is a bench that overlooks the park where we often like to take a break if the kids need it. Continuing further into the preserve, you'll find a bamboo forest amongst a clearing. Although admittedly it has been cut down considerably in the past years, it can be a fun place to go and check out.
 |  |  |
Third Photo: Bamboo forest, February 2021
By the northwestern corner of the park, you can see part of Conscience Bay and the houses on the other side. As you now circle back towards the front of the park, you'll find a giant rock, that my children love to climb. Continuing back on the paved path, you'll pass the mill house with a working water wheel. The mill house is a simulated representation of the mills that used to exist in the area and now serves as the park's headquarters.
The bridge that comes next has given us a lot of joy each trip we make here. On one side you overlook the pond and if you look down to the water, in warmer months, you can find a ton of turtles sunbathing on logs. Looking in the other direction, you'll find a beautiful view of the estuary leading to Conscience Bay where we often have found swans and cranes.
 |  |  |
There are plenty of benches around the pond and a few past that on the trails. This is a beautiful spot if someone wants to do a landscape painting. In the spring, there are plenty of blooming trees that are also quite enjoyable.
This is a great spot for early walkers to explore the outdoors without committing to a long trail. Families with children of all ages though can enjoy the walk and outdoor exploration that Frank Melville Park provides.
Trail Information
- 1x around the pond is 0.9 miles
- the trails that go beyond the pond into the preserve do not have any distance information
Check out their park map to better see all of the trails.
FRANK MELVILLE PARK RUNDOWN
- Dogs are allowed. Please keep your pet on a leash and pick up after them. There are new signs stating that if you take your pet off of their leash, you will be banned from the park.
- Stroller and wheelchair friendly for the paved path around the pond
- Plenty of benches around the pond and a few on the preserve trails
- Please do not feed the ducks
- In warmer months there are a lot of wildlife to be seen: swans, cygnets, turtles, cranes, and ducks
- Paths are narrow so I do not recommend bringing bicycles
- Bring binoculars to see some wildlife up close
- Please wear a mask and social distance
You may also be interested in....
 |
