Protecting & Restoring Long Island's Peconic Bays
Explore the waters and natural areas of the Peconic Estuary at these Parks, Preserves, and Beaches.
PEP, Seatuck Environmental Association, Long Island Sound Study, South Shore Estuary Reserve, New York Sea Grant and the Long Island Invasive Species Management Area host an annual LI Coastal Bioblitz to better understand the ecological community and biodiversity in the estuaries. The estuaries include the Long Island Sound, Peconic Estuary, and South Shore Estuary Reserve.
Scientists, families, student, teachers and other community members are all welcome to help us get a snapshot of LI’s coastal and estuarine biodiversity. Anyone can participate! All you need is the free mobile iNaturalist app. Once you download iNaturalist, visit the LI Coastal Bioblitz project page and join the project. Only project members can submit sightings to the LI Coastal Bioblitz.
Learn more about the LI Coastal Bioblitz on the Seatuck website and Stay tuned for Summer 2024 Bioblitz Announcements!
One of East Hampton’s most scenic and diverse tidal marsh systems, Accabonac Harbor is a bird-watcher’s paradise. A wide variety of animals and plants inhabit the preserve located in a natural shallow coastal harbor, including red fox, piping plovers, least terns, nesting osprey, sea lavender, black grass and marsh elder. PEP is working with the The Nature Conservancy, the Accabonac Protection Committee and the Town of East Hampton to improve the marsh habitat at Accabonac Harbor. Public access is available at The Nature Conservancy’s Merrill Lake Sanctuary. The trails are open from dawn to dusk.
100 Northwest Landing Road, East Hampton
Explore the shoreline and beach habitat at this County park situated at Northwest Harbor. This shoreline park offers a boat ramp, fishing and a small off roading area. Many enjoy this quaint little park to fish while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Northwest County Park is a great spot to search for diamondback terrapins! PEP has studied this area extensively to monitor for diamondback terrapin activity.
Montauk County Park Main Offices: 527 E Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954; (631) 852-7879
Third House Entrance: 1636 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
(Follow Montauk Highway East through Montauk Village 3 miles east of the Village. Continue on Montauk Highway past East Lake Drive. Park sign and entrance is on north side of Montauk Highway.)
A total of 1,126 acres features three and a half miles of nature trails suitable for hiking (a self-guided nature trail brochure available). Also five miles of bridle paths, a picnic area, freshwater fishing (license required) and canoeing at Big Reed Pond. Camping (for self contained campers only, NO TENTS). Surfcasting on the outer beach, and hunting in the winter, in-season. Check in and out at the station located at the outer beach entrance on East Lake Drive. On the northern portion, Montauk Park has excellent saltwater fishing for bluefish and striped bass. Surfcasting also permitted. At the outer beach area in Montauk County Park there is a novice/intermediate dive approximately 15 feet in depth. Marine life abounds at this location. You’ll need a four-wheel drive vehicle with valid permit to access this site.
PEP is working with Suffolk County Parks to improve diadromous fish access from Lake Montauk through the freshwater stream which flows through the Park from Big Reed Pond. The project will involve replacing the existing culvert under the Montauk County Park trail/unpaved road with a larger, open bottom culvert.
3675-, 3815 Lake Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve is a tiny jewel set in the wetlands of Riverhead. The park is what remains of an abandoned cranberry-growing operation. The acidic marshes, bogs and wetlands of the surrounding area, made it an ideal habitat for growing cranberries. The 165-acre preserve serves as part of the drainage system of the Peconic River and is a natural reservoir for Long Island’s fresh water supply. Hiking trails on the property allow for sights of the Little Peconic River, various plant life, birds species, reptiles and other local wildlife. Great Blue Herons fish here frequently, as do kingfishers.
PEP and Suffolk County Parks will be constructing a fish passage at Woodhull Dam to allow alewife to migrate upstream from the main stem of the Peconic River and up Little River through Cranberry Bog County Park and gain access to the natural kettle pond called Wildwood Lake.
Located on the west side of Lake Avenue in Riverhead, just about a mile or so south of the traffic circle by the river. Look for a sign that marks the entrance to the preserve. There’s a small off-road parking area. You’ll need to walk in to the loop trail which takes you around Sweezy Pond. At the end of the old tar roadway there’s a sign pointing the way to the start of the trail.
Cross River Drive (Route 105), Riverhead
Explore the forest and saltmarsh habitat in this unique Peconic Estuary Park at the mouth of the Peconic River. This 275-acre park offers hiking, picnicking, camping, fishing, an activity field, and a playground. Saltwater fishing is possible on Flanders Bay and nearby estuaries. Look for weakfish, striped bass, bluefish, and snappers. What was formerly the “island” at Indian Island County Park is now connected to the mainland by a causeway composed entirely of white sands. Remote, yet easily accessible to all, this “island”, complete with picnic tables, grills, comfortable benches and views of a glistening and peaceful Flanders Bay, offers one of the finest picnicking sites available in Suffolk County.
PEP is working with Suffolk County to improve the wetland habitat in an area west of Terry’s Creek at Indian Island County Park. Additionally, PEP in coordination with The Nature Conservancy, routinely monitors the existing wetland health at this park.
79 S Ferry Rd, Shelter Island, NY 11964
Known as the “Jewel of the Peconic”, the preserve holds 2,039 acres of tidal creeks, mature oak woodlands, fields and freshwater marshes. It is also a favorite nesting place for ospreys. It is open 9am to 5pm during the spring and summer months The preserve is closed Tuesdays, except in July and August when it is open 7 days/week. In January, the preserve is open only on the weekends. There is a suggested donation of $3.00 per adult and $2.00 per child. Park just inside the preserve entrance on Route 114 (less than a mile from the South Ferry) and walk into the visitor center to sign the guest book and pick up trail maps.
Havens Beach Rd, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Havens Beach is a Sag Harbor Village beach on Sag Harbor Bay. It is the village’s only beach and a great place to explore the beach and coastal waters of Sag Harbor Bay. In fall of 2020 PEP completed a native plant garden in coordination with the Village of Sag Harbor at this site. There will be an opportunity to spot some native birds, bees and butterflies (our very important pollinators) in action! There is a playground, bathrooms and a gazebo. Parking stickers are mandatory and available at the village municipal building, both resident and non-resident season passes.
40 Millstone Brook Road Southampton, NY 11968
A great place to explore freshwater wetlands and pond habitats for native birds and wildlife. This park on the shore of Big Fresh Pond features a short hiking trail through native plants and trees and a foot bridge over a stream. The town board accepted the memorial park as a donation from the Elliston family in 1952. It was deeded to the residents of Southampton Town to be preserved in its native state and condition as a bird and wildlife sanctuary. Alewife Creek, which flows from Big Fresh Pond is the largest Alewife migration run in the Peconic Estuary- the best time to spot Alewives migrating upstream through the park and into the Pond is March through May! PEP is assisting Southampton Town with a fish passage enhancement and stormwater management project on Alewife Creek.
Note, pets must be on leash.
Elizabeth Morton Wildlife Refuge
2595 Noyac Rd, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Explore this beautiful wildlife refuge to explore native forest, freshwater, salt marsh and beach habitat in the Peconic Estuary. Hike the self-guided Wild Birds Nature Trail (1.2 mile) through woodland areas and onto the beach. Walk the beach for almost two miles along Jessup’s Neck Peninsula. Photograph white-tailed deer, turkeys and songbirds at close range. Observe a variety of threatened and endangered species including piping plovers; roseate, common and least terns; Kemp’s Ridley turtles and loggerhead sea turtles. Fishing is allowed from the shoreline. A free New York state saltwater fishing license is required. Common fish species include striped bass, weakfish, Atlantic mackerel, flounder, bluefish, tautog, ling and eel blowfish.
Note, for the protection of migratory bird nesting areas, the Fish & Wildlife Service will temporarily close portions of the Elizabeth Morton Wildlife refuge beaches from March 30 to August 31.
63445 Main Rd, Southold, NY 11971
The 52-acre Paul Stoutenburgh Preserve in Greenport (formerly the Arshamomaque Pond Preserve) on the west side of Arshamomaque Pond, showcases the diversity of the East End’s natural environment: tidal salt marsh meadows, pristine woodlands, vernal freshwater ponds and wetlands. Its forest lands are dominated by oaks and hickories, but also include birches, maples, American beech, and mature white pines. This diversity provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including egrets, salamanders, herons, hawks, crabs, deer, bats, and fox. PEP will be working with the Town of Southold over the next couple of years at this Preserve to improve the freshwater and tidal wetland habitat and to promote the re-establishment of native vegetation and important waterfowl, shorebird, wading bird and migratory bird habitat.
920 Chapel Ln, Greenport, NY 11944
The Arshamomaque Preserve is part of the Long Island Pine Barrens Maritime Reserve and is listed for protection because of its exceptional scenic, biological and recreational resources. The 120-acre preserve, owned by the Town of Southold and Suffolk County, contains trails that wind through woodlands, freshwater wetlands and open fields. It is also part of the Bay to Sound trail system. This preserve contains two rare wetland communities: swamp cottonwood forest and cattail marsh. The woodlands and freshwater habitats support a number of species including deer, owls, waterfowl, muskrats and river otters. Town of Southold is working to increase wildlife viewing opportunities and promote the establishment of native species in the Preserve.
Camp Hero State Park1898 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
An extensive system of trails is available for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The park boasts some of the best surf fishing locations in the world, open 24 hours a day to fishermen with permits, and areas for picnicking. An undisturbed environment shelters bountiful wildlife and an abundance of birds. Swimming not permitted. Consider hiking the Seal Haulout Trail. Harbor seals use this area from November – April at low tide to sunbathe on the rocks. When you make it out to the beach, there is an observation deck to stand and watch the seals. Cars $8 *Collected weekends 5/7 to 5/22, daily 5/28 to 10/10, & weekends/holidays 10/15 to 11/13.
Cedar Point County Park
5 Cedar Point Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937
The 607 acre Cedar Point, with commanding views of Gardiner’s Bay, offers individual and organized group camping areas. Picnic areas, boat rentals, nature trails, vehicular access to the outer beach (with permit only), licensed hunting for waterfowl (in season), surfcasting for bass and bluefish, and shore fishing for snappers and blowfish. Fishing permitted between sunrise and sunset.
The historic Cedar Point Lighthouse served to guide whaling ships in and out of Sag Harbor when it was a major port. Dogs allowed on the lighthouse loop trail (5.65 miles, easy) but must be leashed. Dogs not allowed in the picnic areas. The intermediate/advanced dive at Cedar Point Lighthouse has depths possible to 35 feet. Blackfish, lobster, blue claw crabs, fluke, flounder and bluefish can be observed in season. Diving is best at slack tide as current can be strong.
Rowboats available for rent from mid May through Labor Day or as posted by park personnel, on Alewife Pond only. Limited hand and trailer launching areas available, check with park personnel.
Fresh Pond Loop TrailOff of Montauk Highway (across from Beech Street), Montauk, NY
The Fresh Pond Loop leads the adventuring hiker and four-legged friend (must be on a leash no longer than 6 ft) on an easy 3 mile hike through varied landscape and vistas.
Gin BeachEnd of East Lake Drive, Montauk, NY 11954
Rocky shoreline known for its view. Great place to watch the yachts coming and going, and for sunset views. This beach is the only one in Montauk with a roped off protected swimming area. Shark dives possible here.
Maidstone Park BeachMaidstone Park Beach, Springs, NY 11937
Popular beach for kids and dogs to play. There is a cove and a jetty. Good for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, barbecuing, and more.
(formerly known as Theodore Roosevelt County Park)
Montauk County Park Main Offices: 527 E Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954; (631) 852-7879
Third House Entrance: 1636 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
(Follow Montauk Highway East through Montauk Village 3 miles east of the Village. Continue on Montauk Highway past East Lake Drive. Park sign and entrance is on north side of Montauk Highway.)
A total of 1,126 acres features three and a half miles of nature trails suitable for hiking (a self-guided nature trail brochure available). Also five miles of bridle paths, a picnic area, freshwater fishing (license required) and canoeing at Big Reed Pond. Camping (for self contained campers only, NO TENTS). Surfcasting on the outer beach, and hunting in the winter, in-season. Check in and out at the station located at the outer beach entrance on East Lake Drive. On the northern portion, Montauk Park has excellent saltwater fishing for bluefish and striped bass. Surfcasting also permitted. At the outer beach area in Montauk County Park there is a novice/intermediate dive approximately 15 feet in depth. Marine life abounds at this location. You’ll need a four-wheel drive vehicle with valid permit to access this site.
2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
Rocky shore popular for surf fishing, surfing, walking & views of converging tides of ocean & sound. Cars $8. Dogs are only permitted in certain areas, on a leash not more than 6 feet. Not allowed in camping, bathing and picnic areas. Not allowed in buildings or on walkways.
Napeague State ParkLazy Point Rd, Amagansett, NY 11930
Undeveloped green space and bird conservation area, bordered by bay, ocean, and Napeague Harbor. The beach is usually closed during the summer to protect piping plover habitat.
40 Sammy’s Beach Road, East Hampton, NY 11937
This beach facing the bay is accessible to those with a town permit. Swimming is prohibited, but hiking trails are available to walk.
900 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
Ninety-nine acre Shadmoor State Park, located one quarter-mile east of Montauk Village, features more than 2,400 feet of ocean beach accessed by two stairways. The park, named for its open, rolling geography and the shadbush that grows there, also has bluffs, freshwater wetlands that are part of the preserve, hiking trails and elevated platforms for birdwatching and enjoying the shoreline views. Visitors may picnic and saltwater fish. Shadmoor State Park Preserve was once the site of the U.S. Army’s Eastern Defense Shield during World War II. Today, remnants of past military activity can be seen courtesy of several large concrete bunkers still present, although abandoned years ago. The preserve’s namesake is derived from the combination of moorland and the shadbush shrub present throughout the park and this area. The easy 2.5 mile hike around Shadmoor Preserve, Shadmoor State Preserve Trail, offers an easy, pleasant walk with rewarding ocean views and a beach visit for you and your dog to enjoy. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, not allowed in public areas. Fishing, bird watching, and surfing also available. Open year round, sunrise to sunset.
End of Napeague Harbor Road, Montauk, NY 11954
These parabolic dune fields constantly shift southeast uncovering a forgotten forest. Red-tailed hawks and osprey can be spotted flittering past beach plum and bayberry. Notice the markers dotting the short hike through the dunes and stop at number 8 revealing the Phantom Forest that once thrived with vegetation. A 3/4 mile trail leads you in a loop around the northernmost Walking Dune.
Indian Point Rd, Riverhead, NY 11901
This 275-acre park offers hiking, picnicking, camping, fishing, an activity field, and a playground. Saltwater fishing is possible on Flanders Bay and nearby estuaries. Look for weakfish, striped bass, bluefish, and snappers.
South Jamesport Beach
Peconic Bay Blvd, Jamesport, NY 11947
3,000 feet on Peconic Bay, preferred swimming for small children. Handicapped accessible – wheelchairs for beach accessibility in season. Outdoor showers, restrooms, pavilion, playground, snack shack (opened during summer season), gazebo, tennis and basketball courts, and picnic area. Riverhead Residents only, with a $20 fee. **Be aware of RESTRICTED AREA for seasonal Piping Plover breeding – expected thru late June.**
79 S Ferry Rd, Shelter Island, NY 11964
Known as the “Jewel of the Peconic”, the preserve holds 2,039 acres of tidal creeks, mature oak
woodlands, fields and freshwater marshes. It is also a favorite nesting place for ospreys. Open 9am to 5pm, March through September, and 9am to 4pm October through February. The preserve is closed Tuesdays, except in July and August when it is open 7 days/week. In January, the preserve is open only on the weekends. A suggested donation of $3.00 per adult and $2.00 per child. Park just inside the preserve entrance on Route 114 (less than a mile from the South Ferry) and walk into the visitor center to sign the guest book and pick up trail maps.
3675-3815 Lake Ave Riverhead, NY 11901
There is a mile-long trail that loops around Sweezy Pond, which was formed in the late 1800s to flood a cranberry bog.
2595 Noyac Rd, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Hike the self-guided Wild Birds Nature Trail (1.2 mile) through woodland areas and onto the beach. Walk the beach for almost two miles along Jessup’s Neck Peninsula. Photograph white-tailed deer, turkeys and songbirds at close range. Observe a variety of threatened and endangered species including piping plovers; roseate, common and least terns; Kemp’s Ridley turtles and loggerhead sea turtles. Fishing is allowed from the shoreline. A free New York state saltwater fishing license is required. Common fish species include striped bass, weakfish, Atlantic mackerel, flounder, bluefish, tautog, ling and eel blowfish.
Foster Memorial Town Beach1000 Long beach road, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Commonly known as Long Beach, this Southampton Town Beach on Noyac Bay is officially named Foster Memorial. The calmer waters make this a kid-friendly beach.
Havens BeachHavens Beach Rd, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Havens Beach is a Sag Harbor Village beach on Sag Harbor Bay. It is the village’s only beach. There is a playground, bathrooms and a gazebo. Parking stickers are mandatory and available at the village municipal building, both resident and non-resident season passes.
Riverhead-Hampton Bays Road, Flanders, NY
Formerly owned by private hunting clubs, the land that now encompasses Hubbard County Park was purchased by Suffolk County only within the last decade. Containing unique environments of salt flats, marshes, beach, and woodland, the park is home to many species of migratory birds, as well as unique flowers and plants. Hubbard County Park provides for fishing at freshwater Penny Pond, hunting, hiking, as well as canoeing & kayaking. The check-in for activities is located at Sears Bellows County Park. This 1,815 acre park is a land of transitions complimented by beach grass extending under pine tree canopy and prairie grasses abutting salt marsh. An array of wildlife can be found, to include clams, scallops, blue heron, osprey, and a variety of turtles and reptiles. While enjoying the beautiful sights of the park today, you also find yourself enveloped in a land with a 10,000 year heritage starting with the Native American Shinnecock Nation extending to the Town of Southampton as farmland through a period of use as hunting land where remains of duck blinds and tools can still be found along the trails. There is an easy 5.75 mile loop on the Hubbard County Park Trail. The hike through this park offers views of the area’s many assets in any season. Dogs must be leashed.
Noyac, NY
Situated on 183 densely forested acres in Noyac, the 148 acre Laurel Valley County Park was named for the dense stands of mountain laurel that cover this small area. Long Island’s white-blazed Paumanok Path travels through this park past numerous natural kettle pools as well as oak, beach, and black locust trees. Mountain Laurel Loop Trail is an easy 2.75 mile loop. A map from the Southampton Trails Preservation Society is ideal for this hike, as trail markings are sometimes obscured amid dense vegetation. Visit this park with your dog in early to mid-June to enjoy the beauty of mountain laurel in full bloom.
Sag Harbor, NY
Moderate 3.5 mile hike. Situated on 1000 acres only a stone’s throw south of the Village of Sag Harbor, the Long Pond Greenbelt offers a connecting series of freshwater ponds, marshes, swamps, and brooks stretching from the north at Peconic Bay, south to the Atlantic Ocean. Named after the largest pond along this interconnected chain, the Long Pond Greenbelt is home to more than thirty globally rare plant species—the highest concentration in New York state. The loop hike circling this unique property travels along the banks of several ponds and along an abandoned railway that formerly connected Bridgehampton Station with Long Wharf, Sag Harbor. Utilized from 1870 to 1939, the track was abandoned, and then removed to be recycled during World War II. Many of the trails in this park are unmarked, making a map purchased from the Southampton Trails Preservation Society essential to the outing. Dogs must be leashed.
Meschutt Beach County Park90 Dunes Rd, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
Swimming, playground, picnicking, food concession with dining area, restrooms, showers, & special events in season. Snorkeling is possible along the jetty.
63 Bellows Pond Rd, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
Recreational site with a freshwater pond for fishing, camping & hunting, plus hiking & bridle paths.
Cedar Beach County Park
3690 Cedar Beach Road Southold, NY
This beach on the south side of the fork faces Shelter Island Sound. There are no admission or parking fees to enjoy the 68 acre park and 2,800 feet of shoreline maintained by Cornell Cooperative Extension. The beach also features a boat launch ramp. Gates close at sundown.
Founders Landing ParkSouthold, NY 11971
The Park is open from 8 am to dusk all year. Park attendants and a lifeguard are on duty from the fourth Saturday of June to Labor Day. The use of grounds is limited to tax paying residents of the Southold Park District only.
Gull Pond Beach5100 Manhanset Ave, Greenport, NY 11944
The beach overlooks Shelter Island and contains a large parking area, playground and has lifeguards and beach attendants on duty in the summer. Lifeguards are on duty all week long from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Beach attendants are on staff on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for the summer and can only issue daily parking permits. Resident and non-resident parking permits must be purchased at the Town Clerk’s Office. Parking and boat launching by Southold Town permit only. Fee: $25 per day.
5501 NY-25, Laurel, NY 11948
Laurel Lake Preserve is an excellent place for hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Laurel Lake itself is a kettlehole that may be as deep as 70 feet in some places. It is home to a diverse fish population including bass, pickerel, and perch. Through a fifteen year cooperative effort of the Peconic Land Trust (PLT), Southold Town, Suffolk County, N.Y.S. D.E.C., and the Suffolk County Water Authority, a large conservation area surrounding Laurel Lake has been preserved.
New Suffolk Beach2650 Jackson St, New Suffolk, NY 11956
Provides lifeguards and beach attendants. Lifeguards are on duty all week long from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Beach attendants are on staff on weekends only for the summer and can only issue daily parking permits. Resident and non-resident parking permits must be purchased at the Town Clerk’s Office. A boat launching ramp and ample parking facilities are available, by town permit only, for the general public.
Orient Beach State Park40000 Main Road (Route 25), Orient, NY 11957
A rare maritime forest with red cedar, black-jack oak trees and prickly-pear cactus. Natural attractions include the salt water marsh and marine wildlife. Great Blue Herons, Egrets, Black Crowned Night Herons and Osprey are common sights. Visitors come to picnic, swim, fish, kayak, hike, bike, and more. There are also 4 lighthouses along the beach. Cars: $8 in off-peak season, $10 during peak season.
Veterans Memorial Park and Beach11280 Peconic Bay Blvd, Mattituck, NY 11952
Located on Peconic Bay Blvd., the Park District Office is here as well as a Community Room available to residents for parties and events. The Park has a life-guarded beach with restrooms and an outdoor shower and fenced-in children’s play ground There is a large picnic area with tables and barbeques and on site parking. Resident permits are $10 for 2 years or $5/yr. Guest permits are $20 per day.
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