Suffolk Launches ‘Transit to Trails’ Map Initiative

Suffolk County has launched a “Transit to Trails” initiative, mapping out biking and hiking paths and nearby public transportation and amenities for residents and visitors, County Executive Steve Bellone said on Friday.

The announcement comes on National Bike Month in May and near National Train Day on May 13. According to the county, there are 160,000 acres of Suffolk parkland within walking or biking distance of public transit, which officials aim to make residents and visitors alike more aware of.

“We’re excited to be connecting more people to the thousands of acres of parks right here in Suffolk County without adding a single car to our roads,” Bellone said in a statement. “We hope that this will entice visitors to stay a little bit longer to explore our local downtowns before heading home.”

Babylon Village Mayor Mary Adams, along with other local and state officials, helped to announce the launch of the new initiative that they hope will encourage more outdoor activity and patronage of businesses in the county.

“The ‘Transit to Trails’ program designed by Suffolk County is a wonderful way to have visitors, families and children learn about our wonderful communities on Long Island,” Adams said. “The Village of Babylon has so much history to enjoy, so many restaurants and a vibrant downtown to explore and as well our parks and playgrounds.”

Users of the new program can search and download interactive trail maps for parks and open space that are located in close proximity to Long Island Rail Road stations. It will serve as a guide for car-free exploration of Suffolk.

The interactive map also plots out nearby amenities, including downtowns, museums, theaters, historic sites, boat rentals, bike rentals, skate parks, beaches, bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, golf courses, playgrounds, boardwalks, breweries, vineyards and distilleries.

The map has launched with seven trails and more to follow. It can be accessed at connectli.org/transittotrails.html.

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