barrens. But here are four destinations ideal for
first-time visitors:
1. Quogue Wildlife Refuge is great for bird-watching
and viewing a progression of habitats, from tidal
wetlands to upland forests. Hiking trails are marked,
guides are available and there is a nature and wildlife
rehabilitation center.
2. South Haven County Park, near Shirley, combines
traditional park facilities (camping, fishing and sports
fields) with a magnificently undisturbed stretch of the
Carmans River. Canoers can continue under Sunrise
Highway into the adjacent Wertheim National Wildlife
Refuge. Hiking trails are marked.
3. Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area
is a large, mostly undisturbed forest. Visitors must first
get an access permit (available by mail or in person
from the state Department of Environmental
Conservation's Stony Brook office) before hiking its
many trails, including a 13-mile mountain bike loop.
To witness the forest's recovery from the 1995 fire,
park at Lot 18 on Whiskey Road and walk north to the
fire site. The Paumanok Path, which runs all the way to
Shinnecock, begins on the property.
4. Sears-Bellows County Park in Flanders is excellent
for seeing ponds and hills deposited by the last
glacier. Trails go up into the glacial moraine and past
several coastal ponds, including one where
swimming is allowed in season. There are
campsites, a riding stable, and even the Big Duck, a
20-foot-tall East End landmark for more than 60 years.
Copyright 2006 Newsday Inc.
