Typically our 10 things to do posts include events, gatherings, wine dinners, and the like, but because of the coronavirus quarantine, our recommended roundup is looking different these days.
To keep you moving, below are 10 strolls to take across the North Fork during April.
Downs Farm Preserve, Cutchogue
This 0.8-mile loop located on Main Road in Cutchogue is a great walking trail that offers views of scenic woodlands and tidal wetlands. Because the terrain is mostly flat, the trail is good for all skill levels and people of all ages.
23800 Main Road, Cutchogue
Breakwater Beach, Mattituck
While this location is not technically a “walking trail,” it’s certainly a great spot for an evening stroll. Walk west along the shoreline to catch an unbeatable sunset.
5155 Breakwater Road, Mattituck
Hallock State Park Preserve, Northville
Hallock State Park Preserve is a 225-acre state park and nature preserve situated along the Long Island Sound. Not only does the preserve offer four hiking trails, one of which takes you directly to the shore, it also includes nearly one mile of beachfront. And don’t forget to visit the visitor center on your way out.
6062 Sound Avenue, Riverhead
Inlet Pond County Park, Greenport
This county park, located within the North Fork Audubon Society, has a hidden feel to it. The 1.5-mile hiking trails through woodlands, open areas of shrubs and vines, and a mature oak forest lead to Inlet Pond and a tranquil beachfront along the Long Island Sound.
65275 Route 48, Greenport
Horton Point Lighthouse, Southold
One of seven historic lighthouses located in Southold’s Township, the lighthouse and surrounding grounds are the perfect scenic setting for a stroll. Walk 100 steps down the wooden stairs to the shoreline and enjoy the pebbly beach and gorgeous boulders.
3575 Lighthouse Road, Southold
Laurel Lake Preserve, Laurel
Boasting 500 acres, this woodland preserve is ideal for hiking, bird and wildlife watching. The preserve includes 14 miles of hiking trails within a hardwood forest and sweeping views of a large waterhole that is home to fish, including large-mouth bass and rainbow trout.
5501 NY-25, Laurel
Orient Point County Park, Orient
At the very end of the North Fork you’ll find Orient Point County Park. The trail that will lead you to the beach with a nice walk along the shore provides great views of the Orient Point Lighthouse.
41425 NY-25, Orient
Miamogue Point, South Jamesport
Take South Jamesport Avenue all the way south and you’ll find Miamogue Point. Kick off your shoes and enjoy a beach stroll along the sandy Peconic River shoreline. Don’t forget to come around sunset as there are breathtaking views.
End of South Jamesport Avenue, Jamesport
Arshamomaque Preserve, Southold
Arshamomaque Preserve includes a short 1.2-mile trail that features wildflowers and great birdwatching and beautiful views of Arshamomaque Pond. The short trail is mostly flat and easy to navigate.
63445 Main Road, Southold
Mashomack Preserve, Shelter Island
Even though this preserve is not located on the North Fork, it would be hard to curate a list of trails and not include the nearby 2,039-acre coastal nature reserve comprising a third of Shelter Island. With five different trails to choose from, Mashomack Preserve offers something for everyone: coastline and creeks, mature oak woodlands, freshwater marshes and fields.
79 South Ferry Road, Shelter Island
