20 Things to Do Before Memorial Day in the Hamptons: Go For a Hike
Memorial Day (Monday, May 30) and the official start of the East End’s busy summer season is around the corner, so now’s the time to take advantage of all the special things that will be nonexistent or difficult to enjoy in the Hamptons once the crowds arrive from points west.
We continue our countdown of 20 things to do before Memorial Day in the Hamptons (or North Fork) with:
#6: Go for a Hike
The Hamptons may be deemed as the paradisiacal beach resort of gourmet eateries and marinas by the visiting eastbound city dwellers, but for many, the East End is home to some of the most scenic and gorgeous natural areas New York has to offer, steeped in history, natural wildlife and fauna.
Natives also know of the noise pollution the area succumbs to in the summer season. How else can you experience the natural beauty of our East End with the calming white noise of distant crashing waves and crunching leaves than by taking a long, peaceful hike?
Lucky for us, the East End has several nature preserves and hiking trails for us to enjoy! So take advantage of it while you can! Here are some of our recommendations:
Stretching from Rocky Point to Montauk at 125 miles long, Paumanok Path is one of the most exciting hiking trail on Long Island, covering the various natural habitats and locations of the island. The trail was inspired by Stephen Talkhouse, a Montaukett Indian known for his 25-30 mile hikes, but that doesn’t mean you have to hike the whole length—the trail has several stations where one can hop on or hop off.
The Elizabeth A. Morton Wildlife Refuge in Sag Harbor is a 187-acre nature preserve that hosts a hiking trail that traverse through dense forests to rocky beaches. Though the best part of the refuge are its friendly winged residents, eager to eat out of the palm of your hand.
Camp Hero State Park—located at the tip of Montauk, Camp Hero is a hiking destination shrouded in an eerie history. Once an army base, now defunct, the park is known for the numerous legends of top secret military tests executed there, spanning from time travel to mind control. Despite the spooky nature of the park, the actual nature of the park is one to behold, hosting beaches great for fishing and fields of tall grass that surround the deserted structures of the park.
Quogue Wildlife Refuge is host to several diverse natural habitats of forests and ponds that stretch across its 300 acres, with seven miles of hiking trails on premises. The refuge also has an outdoor wildlife complex which houses several permanently injured animals, from several types of owls to tortoises. Say hi to the bobcat for us!
Vetted Hamptons Resources
