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Hiking and Bird Watching on the North Fork of Long Island

As the winter months pass behind us, it is time to get out and enjoy the scenic walks and trails that can be enjoyed on the North Fork of Long Island.  Within the Southold and Greenport areas of Long Island, the choices for nature trails and bird watching are in great abundance. 

Cedar Beach Country Park in Southold is a 68 acre park with over 2,800 feet on Shelter Island Sound.  From the part, visitors can enjoy great vistas of Shelter Island Sound and the saltwater marshes of Cedar Beach Harbor. 

Arshamomaque Point in Southold encompasses a 54-acres wooded preserve with several trails that wind through mature woodlands, ponds, and saltwater wetlands.

Arshamomaque Preserve in Greenport is a 120 acre preserved owned by the Town of Southold.  They have 1.3 miles of nature trails that wander through mature woodlands, freshwater wetlands, and open fields. 

Inlet Pond Park in Greenport enjoys a 55 acre preserve with 1.6 miles of trails leading to Inlet Pond and Long Island Sound.  The North Fork Audubon has a visitor’s center and also offers nature programs. 

Dam Pond Maritime Reserve in East Marion is a 36 acre reserve also owned by the Town of Southold.  Here you can enjoy a small protected bay, grasslands, saltwater marshes and woodlands.  There is also a trail that wanders through the reserve which is 1.2 miles long.  

It will take some time to try them all, but we will enjoy having you as our guest at the Shorecrest Bed and Breakfast as you explore the North Fork of Long Island

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Bird Watching on the North Fork of Long Island

The North Fork Audubon Society is one of our favorite locations to bird watch on Long Island.  Located in Greenport, New York this chapter of the National Audubon Society continues to maintain a diverse trail system which covers over 1 ½ miles of trails over 50 acres of land.  The trails have a variety of terrain including woodlands, an inlet pond, trails along the beach of Long Island Sound, and a fresh water pond.  Trails are open daily for hiking and bird watching from dawn to dusk.

If you prefer to have guided tours, most Sundays and Tuesdays they offer Family Nature Walks.  This is an opportunity to learn about birds, plants, and animals that live on the North Fork.  Be sure to check their calendar for their up-to-date schedule.  For the remainder of October the walks are scheduled for October 18, 20, 25, and 27th.

Every third Tuesday of the month features “Tuesdays with Tom”.  He is sure to entertain as he guides you along the North Fork to enjoy a little hiking and bird watching.  On Tuesday, October 20th he will visit Jamaica Bay in search for migrating hawks and falcons.  He notes that merlins can also be found along this route.  Make sure to save the date of November 17th for another of his guided days.

Programs and Presentations are also in abundance at the North Fork Audubon Society.  Friday, November 18th will host a presentation on the Calverton Grasslands. Calverton Grasslands is home to many protected species and will discuss how they utilize the grassland habitat.

The North Fork Audubon Society offers guests of the Shorecrest Bed and Breakfast year around activities.  We know you will enjoy them!

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Hiking the North Fork of Long Island

Hiking is plentiful for Shorecrest Inn guests as the North Fork has many hiking trails to offer.  Located just a short distance from Greenport Village, the Shorecrest Inn is conveniently located to over 11 preserves and parks which offer hiking.  Be sure to pack your camera and binoculars as one never knows which wildlife will be encountered along the way.   Trails are in abundance and the hardest decision will be which trail to hike?

Some of our favorite trails include:

 Mill Road Preserve covers 25 acres and trails wind through 8 acres of grasslands and shrub lands and then into 17 acres of mature woodlands. 

Goldsmith Inlet Park has 35 acres and there is a ½ mile trail which leads to Long Island Sound.  Hikers experience mature woodlands, tidal wetlands, Goldsmith Inlet Pond, and 1500 feet along the Long Island Sound.  This hike is also wonderful for bird watching.

Laurel Lake Preserve has 495 acres of preserved land and the nature trail is 2.1 miles long.  The hike wanders through a variety of terrain and includes woodlands, grasslands, vernal ponds, fresh water swamps and overlooks the beauty of Laurel Lake.

This is only a sampling of the trails which are available on the North Fork.  We encourage you to join the Shorecrest Inn and experience the variety of hiking trails which are available!

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Orient Beach State Park on Long Island

While enjoying your stay at Shorecrest Bed & Breakfast, make sure to take the time to enjoy Orient Beach State Park.  Orient Beach State Park is located at the eastern end of the North Fork on Long Island. Orient Beach has 45,000 feet of frontage on Gardiner’s Bay and forms the protective arm of Orient Harbor. The park is open year round and there is also a small bathhouse. The beach has beautiful scenery and if you walk to the end, you will enjoy wonderful views of Shelter Island and Long Beach lighthouse. Apparently not many people know about the Park as it never seems to be crowded, which makes this a great getaway.

Orient Beach State Park offers more than just swimming. Visitors can wonder trails throughout the thick forest or stroll along one of the many marshes. Along the way you will enjoy the beauty of red cedar, black-jack oaks trees, and prickly-pear cactus. Be sure to keep your eyes open as the area is home to wildlife such as terns and osprey, which are plentiful in the marshes. Or if you prefer a little more adventure, why not rent a bicycle or kayak?

This is a wonderful Park and a great way to enjoy the day at the beach.

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