Hiking

Glacial kettles and erratics, rolling hills with panoramic vistas, parabolic dunes, coastal plain ponds, white Atlantic cedar swamps, dwarf pines, pitcher plants, and painted turtles describe the Pine Barrens, an area of natural beauty and diversity that welcomes great opportunities for hiking or strolling through the plentiful hiking trials and natural areas.  For more information regarding specific trails or for questions about hiking in the Pine Barrens, you can contact the Pine Barrens Trail Information Center (open from Memorial Day until late October) at (631)369-9768.  Below is a list of unique places you might enjoy.

Blueberry Loop - Berry-laden vegetation and winding paths.  Begin at the Pine Barrens Trails Information Center at Exit 70 off of the LIE.

Dwarf Pine Plains - Dwarf pine and Buck moths plentiful.  Accessed by Sunrise Highway and County Route 31. 

Pine Barrens Trail - 47-mile route beginning in Rocky Point and ending in Hampton Bays.  The trail takes you through woodlands and past rare coastal plain ponds.

Pine Trail Preserve and Peconic Ponds - Trail winds through Rocky Point, Ridge and Manorville.  Access point along Route 25 just east of William Floyd Parkway. 

Rocky Point Natural Resource Management Area - Hike through 5,100 acres of hardwood forest, Harbor Hill Moraine, and kettle holes.  Access point on Route 25A in Rocky Point.  You must obtain a DEC permit to access these trails. 

Randall Pond Nature Trail -  located within the DEC's Ridge Conservation area.  The trail stretches through 184 acres of mixed-wooded and open habitats.  No permit is required; open daily 8:30am to 5:00pm.  Access point located on Randall Road off of Route 25A. 

You may also want to come on a free group hike with the Society.  Our hikes are always led by expert naturalists, who would be more than happy to teach you about the diverse beauty found in the Pine Barrens.  You can email us at Info@pinebarrens.org to find out when our group hikes are scheduled or to be added to our hiking list.