March 2000

This very special of months brings us the end of winter and the beginning of spring. What else can make our hearts sing as the first crocus pushes up through the snow.

Visit two interesting sites of former Montaukett Indian presence in stunning woodland. Enjoy many beautiful water views of Big Reed Pond, including a spot lovely enough to be a “Registered Natural Landmark” Meet at the parking area off Eastlake Drive, about 2 miles north of the intersection with Route 27. (3 miles).

Help us explore some of the newly acquired Buckskill Preserve on the shorter of two existing loops that have been enjoyed by our mountain biking brethren for years through the East Hampton Pine Barrens. Meet at the intersection of Rt. 114 and Stephen Hand’s Path in East Hampton. (3 miles).

This stunning hike takes us up Serpents Path, to Block Island Sound, along the shore to the water fence overlooking Napeague Bay and past Fresh Pond. Meet at the Hither Hills overlook parking lot off Rte. 27, about one mile east of where Montauk Highway and Old Montauk Highway split.

This new loop combines the farm and landfill area of the Paumanok Path, a trail through the Peconic Land Trust’s recently acquired Potter Preserve, and picturesque Stony Hill Road. Meet at the corner of Stony Hill Road and Accabonac Road (4-5 miles)

A combination of parts of two established trails will form a new loop that features striking views of Big Reed Pond, Oyster Pond and Block Island Sound from various points in beautiful Theodore Roosevelt County Park. Meet at the parking lot of East Lake Drive in Montauk, approximately 2 miles from the intersection with Rt. 27. (4-5 miles)

This hike starts at a preserved waterfront property, then along a horse jump trail, past the old Peach Orchard and winds through an oak-pine forest. Meet at the School House Plaque on Northwest Road about 3/10 mile from the intersection with Alewife Brook Road in the Northwest. (4-5 miles)

Experience the spectacular bluffs overlooking the Atlantic, the lush holly, birch, beech and sycamore of Camp Hero on this beautiful trail. Meet at Camp Hero Road, in Montauk, a right off Rte 27, a little over a mile east of Deep Hollow Ranch. (3 - 4 miles)

On a sunny day, we will observe these interesting creatures sunning themselves on the rocks out on Long Island Sound. For this 2 1/2-mile, round trip, walk through an exquisitely beautiful Maritime forest. Dress warmly against the Block Island Sound winds. Meet at Camp Hero Rd., a right turn off Rt. 27, about 1.5 miles east of Deep Hollow Ranch. Remember to bring binoculars.

Join us for a walk in Morton Wildlife Refuge, located on historic Jessup’s Neck between Little Peconic Bay and Noyac Road in Southampton. Enjoy a woodland trail, ponds and a beautiful beach. (Dress Warmly) Meet in the refuge parking lot. The entrance to the refuge is on Noyac Road, across from the golf course, 2 miles west of the intersection with Noyac Long Beach Road. Avoid Sag Harbor North Haven Bridge, which is currently closed. (3 miles)

Last century’s main highway in Montauk, this gentle trail still shows signs of wagon wheel wear. The Oak Forest shelters an eye-catching glacial boulder known as Split Rock. Meet at the Hither Hills Overlook parking lot off Rt. 27, about one mile east of Montauk Highway and old Montauk Highway split. (4 miles)

Join us as we hike the other Barcelona, the one that features views of beautiful Northwest Creek from various vantagepoints. Meet at the corner of Rt. 114 and Swamp Rd. in the Northwest section of East Hampton. (4 miles).

HIKING LONG ISLAND Copyright © 1999/2000/2001/2002/2003/2004 Hike-LI.com All rights reserved.		Ken Kindler Open Space & Trails Advocate
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