Natural Areas of the South Shore of Long Island

Sunken Forest and Sailors Haven

The Sunken Forest is perhaps the most unique part of Fire Island. About 73.6 acres of original old-growth forest survives here, “sunken” behind the secondary dunes, out of the way from most of the wind, ice, and salt spray. The trees are up to 250 years old, but this is not a forest of towering or massive trunks. It is a fairyland forest of dwarfed and amazingly twisted American holly and black gum, along with black cherry, shadbush, sassafras, and red and Atlantic white cedars. The strange trees are typically 20 – 30 feet tall and only up to a foot in diameter. These trees make up the oldest continuously growing forest in Long Island. When you enter this forest, notice how shaded, quiet, and oddly primeval it becomes, compared to the sun-struck dunes and beach outside.

Winged sumac (edible, not poisonous), bayberry, high bush blueberry and bearberry also add their beauty to this enchanted woods. The trees’ gnarled and twisted branches form a frame for tangles of vines such as Virginia creeper, wild grape, poison ivy, and catbrier.

A 1.5-mile boardwalk and trail conveniently leads you through these old-growth woods. The entire trail is wheelchair-accessible. Pick up a trail brochure at the visitor center, (631) 597-6183, open seasonally 9:30 am to 5 pm.

Sunken Forest is located at Sailors Haven, which is reached only by ferry or private boat during summertime. The ferry leaves out of Sayville (no cars). For schedules and rates, call (631) 589-8980. All other times, the closest ferry stop is at Cherry Grove, a mile’s walk away.

How to Get There: Take Sunrise Highway (Route 27) to Exit 49 (Lakeland Avenue). Head south on Lakeland Avenue and turn left on Montauk Highway. Go one block and turn right on Foster Avenue. Proceed past the stop sign to Terry Street (about three blocks) and make a left. Follow signs for Sailors Haven Ferry Terminal near the road’s end.

Access Guide Introduction :: Map and Guide :: More Estuary Site Information
	Sunken Forest and Sailors Haven The Sunken Forest is perhaps the most unique part of Fire Island. About 73.6 acres of original old-growth forest survives here, “sunken” behind the secondary dunes, out of the way from most of the wind, ice, and salt spray. The trees are up to 250 years old, but this is not a forest of towering or massive trunks. It is a fairyland forest of dwarfed and amazingly twisted American holly and black gum, along with black cherry, shadbush, sassafras, and red and Atlantic white cedars. The strange trees are typically 20 – 30 feet tall and only up to a foot in diameter. These trees make up the oldest continuously growing forest in Long Island. When you enter this forest, notice how shaded, quiet, and oddly primeval it becomes, compared to the sun-struck dunes and beach outside. Winged sumac (edible, not poisonous), bayberry, high bush blueberry and bearberry also add their beauty to this enchanted woods. The trees’ gnarled and twisted branches form a frame for tangles of vines such as Virginia creeper, wild grape, poison ivy, and catbrier. A 1.5-mile boardwalk and trail conveniently leads you through these old-growth woods. The entire trail is wheelchair-accessible. Pick up a trail brochure at the visitor center, (631) 597-6183, open seasonally 9:30 am to 5 pm. Sunken Forest is located at Sailors Haven, which is reached only by ferry or private boat during summertime. The ferry leaves out of Sayville (no cars). For schedules and rates, call (631) 589-8980. All other times, the closest ferry stop is at Cherry Grove, a mile’s walk away. How to Get There: Take Sunrise Highway (Route 27) to Exit 49 (Lakeland Avenue). Head south on Lakeland Avenue and turn left on Montauk Highway. Go one block and turn right on Foster Avenue. Proceed past the stop sign to Terry Street (about three blocks) and make a left. Follow signs for Sailors Haven Ferry Terminal near the road’s end.