We're exploring Hempstead Lake State Park on this Road Trip: Close to Home

The 775-acre park in West Hempstead is home to the largest lake in Nassau County.

You can hike the three-mile path around the lake, and explore the scenic shaded trails. On the lake, you can fish and kayak and feel like you are a world away.

If you are looking for peace and quiet, you can also pick a place to sit back and relax by the pond. In the winter, they have ice skating!

There are four ponds in the park, and plenty of places to picnic and play - including athletic fields, basketball, tennis and pickle ball courts.

The park has playgrounds, a charming and historic wooden carved merry-go-round that opens on weekends and holidays through Columbus Day.

The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset.