Natural Areas of the South Shore of Long Island

Rocky Point Preserve
(Middle Island)

The northernmost extension of Long Island’s South Shore Estuary watershed reaches within 3.3 miles of Long Island Sound. The Rocky Point State Natural Resource Management Area, operated by NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, protects it. A walk through this sprawling 5,100-acre property gives you an experience of the largest Pine Barrens forest in this guide.

The Rocky Point preserve contains 10.3 miles of marked foot trail. Part of this is the Long Island Pine Barrens Trail, which runs 2.5 miles through the southern part of the preserve (within the South Shore Estuary watershed). The Pine Barrens Trail currently totals 17 miles long, but is planned some day to extend all the way to Montauk Point.

The Rocky Point preserve was once part of a huge antenna field owned by RCA. Dubbed “Radio Control,” it was the largest radio transmitting facility in the world. When new technology made the transmitters obsolete, RCA sold the land to the state for a single silver dollar in 1972.

The forest is classic Pine Barrens; made of fire-adapted pitch pine, bear oak, blueberry, huckleberry, bearberry and sheep laurel. When you walk through this strange, sandy, gently rolling, landscape of dwarf trees, remember that the Pine Barrens forest protects a large portion of Suffolk County’s freshwater drinking supply. Also appreciate that it is a rare ecosystem, found essentially in only two other places in the world.

To hike here, you need a free state permit in advance. Get it by contacting the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, (631) 360-0753, 23 Deer Path Road, Central Islip, NY 11722-3404, or from NYS D.E.C., Building 40, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11790-2356. Also ask for a brochure and trail map. The park is closed to hikers during hunting season (October 1st – 31st). Please call ahead to confirm season and discuss safety precautions!

How to Get There: Take the Long Island Expressway (Route 495) to exit 68. Head north on William Floyd Parkway to the exit for Route 25 (Middle Country Road). Go west on Route 25 for about 0.7 miles and turn right on Ridge Road. Turn left on Whiskey Road and drive about 1.1 miles to the pull-off on the right for the Pine Barrens Trailhead.

The trail begins at the northeast corner of the parking lot. Look for the trail signs just beyond the parking area. Walk north on the Pine Barrens Trail (white blazes, together with Red Trail blazes). In 0.4 miles, turn left and continue following the white blazes, which are now joined by the Blue Trail’s blazes. In 1.5 miles more, you cross Rocky Point-Yaphank Road. You just walked along the northern boundary of the South Shore Estuary Reserve watershed. You can return the way you came.

(If you want to do the entire 10.3 mile loop through the preserve, continue following the white and blue blazed trail north to the trailhead off Route 25A. From here, follow the Red Trail, which winds for 4.8 more miles east and south around the rest of the preserve. When it rejoins the white Pine Barrens Trail, go straight (south). You have 0.4 miles to your car.)

Access Guide Introduction :: Map and Guide :: More Estuary Site Information
	Rocky Point Preserve (Middle Island) The northernmost extension of Long Island’s South Shore Estuary watershed reaches within 3.3 miles of Long Island Sound. The Rocky Point State Natural Resource Management Area, operated by NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, protects it. A walk through this sprawling 5,100-acre property gives you an experience of the largest Pine Barrens forest in this guide. The Rocky Point preserve contains 10.3 miles of marked foot trail. Part of this is the Long Island Pine Barrens Trail, which runs 2.5 miles through the southern part of the preserve (within the South Shore Estuary watershed). The Pine Barrens Trail currently totals 17 miles long, but is planned some day to extend all the way to Montauk Point. The Rocky Point preserve was once part of a huge antenna field owned by RCA. Dubbed “Radio Control,” it was the largest radio transmitting facility in the world. When new technology made the transmitters obsolete, RCA sold the land to the state for a single silver dollar in 1972. The forest is classic Pine Barrens; made of fire-adapted pitch pine, bear oak, blueberry, huckleberry, bearberry and sheep laurel. When you walk through this strange, sandy, gently rolling, landscape of dwarf trees, remember that the Pine Barrens forest protects a large portion of Suffolk County’s freshwater drinking supply. Also appreciate that it is a rare ecosystem, found essentially in only two other places in the world. To hike here, you need a free state permit in advance. Get it by contacting the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, (631) 360-0753, 23 Deer Path Road, Central Islip, NY 11722-3404, or from NYS D.E.C., Building 40, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11790-2356. Also ask for a brochure and trail map. The park is closed to hikers during hunting season (October 1st – 31st). Please call ahead to confirm season and discuss safety precautions! How to Get There: Take the Long Island Expressway (Route 495) to exit 68. Head north on William Floyd Parkway to the exit for Route 25 (Middle Country Road). Go west on Route 25 for about 0.7 miles and turn right on Ridge Road. Turn left on Whiskey Road and drive about 1.1 miles to the pull-off on the right for the Pine Barrens Trailhead. The trail begins at the northeast corner of the parking lot. Look for the trail signs just beyond the parking area. Walk north on the Pine Barrens Trail (white blazes, together with Red Trail blazes). In 0.4 miles, turn left and continue following the white blazes, which are now joined by the Blue Trail’s blazes. In 1.5 miles more, you cross Rocky Point-Yaphank Road. You just walked along the northern boundary of the South Shore Estuary Reserve watershed. You can return the way you came. (If you want to do the entire 10.3 mile loop through the preserve, continue following the white and blue blazed trail north to the trailhead off Route 25A. From here, follow the Red Trail, which winds for 4.8 more miles east and south around the rest of the preserve. When it rejoins the white Pine Barrens Trail, go straight (south). You have 0.4 miles to your car.)