Hidden gem nature preserves on Long Island to explore

Long Island's natural beauty goes beyond its beaches. Tucked away in wooded corners and coastal stretches are preserves that often fly under the radar, even for longtime locals. These hidden gems offer peaceful trails, shaded paths and the chance to encounter wildlife — often just minutes from home. 

Lisa Ott, president and CEO of the North Shore Land Alliance, a nonprofit that helps protect and promote open space on the Island, says spending time in nature can offer a much needed sense of calm.

"People are stressed. The world is going in so many different directions and it’s very important for people to be in nature just so they can relax, calm down and find peace and solace in being outside," Ott says.

With masses of preserved land across Nassau and Suffolk counties, the Island offers scenic escapes to places that protect animals, forests, wetlands, meadows and coastlines. Whether you're hiking with family, bird-watching solo, or just looking for a new spot to spend the day, here are some preserves worth adding to your list.

Humes Preserve

349 Oyster Bay Rd., Mill Neck

This 40-acre preserve opens up into sweeping meadows, woodlands and freshwater wetlands. While walking the roughly 2-mile trail, visitors might come across snapping turtles, blue-winged warblers and a range of woodpeckers. The area connects to the nearby Shu Swamp, Upper Francis Pond conservation area and Humes Japanese Stroll Garden. Visitors can bring leashed dogs (no dogs allowed in Shu Swamp and Japanese Stroll Garden), but should leave bikes and fishing poles at home to help keep the spot conserved.

• When Open year-round, dawn to dusk
• More info Free parking, 516-922-1028, northshorelandalliance.org

Uplands Farm Sanctuary

250 Lawrence Hill Rd., Cold Spring Harbor

 

A stroll through this sanctuary, once a working dairy farm, will feel like a throwback to Long Island’s rural past. Visitors are welcome to explore the nearly 2.5 miles of marked trails through butterfly meadows and a deep shady forest by foot. Pets, bikes and fishing are not allowed, but it is a great place to connect with the Island during a peaceful summer hike and spot native plants and wildlife such as spotted salamander, turtles, red-tailed hawks, bluebirds and more.

• When Open year-round, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• More info Free parking near the white silo, 631-367-3225, nature.org

Terrell River County Park

43 Montauk Hwy., Center Moriches

A blend of woods and shoreline, this 263-acre preserve follows the Terrell River out to Moriches Bay, offering saltwater views, woodlands and a marshy boardwalk all in one hike. The 2.6-mile trail is easy for families and casual walkers to take a stroll with their leashed dogs. Visitors can stop for a snack at one of the picnic tables scattered throughout. Biking is permitted on the main path and those wanting to cast a line can find fishing access points along the bay and river.

• When Open year-round, dawn to dusk
• More info Free parking, 631-854-4949, suffolkcountyny.gov

Tiffany Creek Preserve

45 Sandy Hill Rd., Oyster Bay

Set on a quiet hillside, this 200-acre preserve features oak-covered ridges, open fields and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The tranquil trails are ideal for hiking, walking and bird-watching. In the summer, native plants bloom and birds nest throughout the wooded landscape. Visitors might come across wildlife like the red-bellied woodpecker and white-throated sparrow. To protect the ecosystem, pets, bicycles and fishing gear should be left at home.

• When Open year-round, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• More info Free parking, 516-922-1028, northshorelandalliance.org

Shu Swamp Nature Preserve

28 Frost Mill Rd., Mill Neck

With its mossy boardwalks, tulip trees and shaded springs, Shu Swamp feels like an escape. Trails wind over bridges and through habitat for brook trout, sticklebacks and the rare American brook lamprey, a jawless fish related to the eel. Visitors can expect to see marsh marigold, dwarf ginseng and other wildflowers. The swamp’s pond draws shorebirds and snapping turtles, while mink, muskrats and river otters sometimes use the waterways. Though no dogs, bikes or fishing is allowed, the trails are perfect for a peaceful summer nature walk to escape the hustle.

• When Open year-round, 8 a.m. to sundown, closed Fridays, may be closed during inclement weather
• More info Free parking, 516-671-0283, nswildlifesanctuary.org

David Weld Sanctuary

697 Boney Lane, St. James

This sanctuary offers 3 miles of trails through varied terrain sculpted by glaciers. It features oak-hickory forests, sand bluffs overlooking Long Island Sound and seasonal meadows of wildflowers. In the summer, hikers can look for hummingbirds and butterflies, explore burrow holes made by bank swallows along the 50-foot bluff overlooking Long Island Sound and visit the shoreline during low tide to view large boulders exposed by the shallow water. Cycling, dogs and fishing are not allowed, making this the place for a relaxing hike.

• When Open year-round, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• More info Small free private parking lot, no roadside parking, 212-997-1880, nature.org

Makamah Nature Preserve

Fort Salonga Road, Fort Salonga

More than 94 bird species have been recorded here, making it the ideal spot for bird-watching. Hikers can explore the shifting terrain from the dense forest to more open overlooks and possibly encounter deer or other wildlife. The quiet hills and 2.6-mile shady trail make for enjoyable nature walks in the summer and dogs can tag along on a leash. To help conserve the area, no biking or fishing is permitted.

• When Open year-round, dawn to dusk
• More info Free parking, 631-854-4949, suffolkcountyny.gov

Pine Neck Nature Sanctuary

35 Head of Lots Rd., East Quogue

Located along the Shinnecock Bay, this 77-acre preserve offers 2.4 miles of trails through pine barrens, oak forest, coastal marsh and meadows. The trail system starts on Head of Lots Road, with blueberry and huckleberry shrubs lining the path. As the trail opens to the meadow, it leads to views of the Shinnecock Bay and a small quiet beach accessible at low tide.  Spot birds, especially in summer, with wrens, sparrows and more nesting in the area. Visitors are asked to explore only on foot; bikes, pets and fishing gear not permitted. 

• When Open year-round, dawn to dusk
• More info Free roadside parking, 212-997-1880, nature.org 

Wolf Swamp Preserve

150 Millstone Brook Rd., Southampton

Together with the adjacent Big Woods and Scallop Pond preserves, Wolf Swamp forms one of the largest protected natural areas in the Peconic Bay region. The area features a crushed stone trail with views of a large pond and ospreys. The trail connects to shady forests and wetland boardwalks at both ends, creating an approximately 2,000-foot loop. Pets and bikes aren’t allowed, but the trail is fully accessible for walkers, runners, strollers, wheelchairs and visitors with other mobility needs or challenges.

• When Open year-round, dawn to dusk
• More info Free accessible parking at the preserve entrance on Millstone Brook Road, 631-367-3225, nature.org