Natural Areas of the South Shore of Long Island

Watch Hill Visitor Center

Watch Hill also offers a nature trail. Instead of ancient forest, this ¾ mile boardwalk trail highlights vistas of saltmarsh, desert-like dune swales, freshwater bogs, secondary dunes, and younger maritime forest. Watch Hill is also one of the two access points for the Otis Pike National Wilderness Area (see separate description).

Pick up a trail guide and brochure at the Visitor Center, (631) 597-6455, which also offers naturalist programs and tours. Watch Hill is reached only by ferry seasonally from Patchogue, or by private boat. Call (631) 475-1665 for schedules and rates.

How to Get Here: To reach the Patchogue Ferry and Watch Hill Ferry Terminal, take Sunrise Highway to Exit 52 (Waverly Avenue). Head south on Waverly Avenue for about 1 mile. Bear left past the Sweezy’s department store. This will take you directly to Main Street (Montauk Highway). After you cross over Main Street, the road becomes West Avenue. Cross the railroad tracks and look for the Watch Hill parking and ferry terminal on your right. When you arrive on Fire Island, walk east towards the park.

Access Guide Introduction :: Map and Guide :: More Estuary Site Information
	Watch Hill Visitor Center Watch Hill also offers a nature trail. Instead of ancient forest, this ¾ mile boardwalk trail highlights vistas of saltmarsh, desert-like dune swales, freshwater bogs, secondary dunes, and younger maritime forest. Watch Hill is also one of the two access points for the Otis Pike National Wilderness Area (see separate description). Pick up a trail guide and brochure at the Visitor Center, (631) 597-6455, which also offers naturalist programs and tours. Watch Hill is reached only by ferry seasonally from Patchogue, or by private boat. Call (631) 475-1665 for schedules and rates. How to Get Here: To reach the Patchogue Ferry and Watch Hill Ferry Terminal, take Sunrise Highway to Exit 52 (Waverly Avenue). Head south on Waverly Avenue for about 1 mile. Bear left past the Sweezy’s department store. This will take you directly to Main Street (Montauk Highway). After you cross over Main Street, the road becomes West Avenue. Cross the railroad tracks and look for the Watch Hill parking and ferry terminal on your right. When you arrive on Fire Island, walk east towards the park.