There is no shortage of natural beauty on Long Island. Locals have not hesitated to take advantage of the preserves, state parks, and walking trails the island has to offer.

Below is a list of Long Island hikes and nature spots to treat your spring fever. Avid Long Island adventurers may have heard of or even been to some of these locations before, and for a good reason; the captivating natural beauty of these spots will have you wanting to go back for more.

1.Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge, Lloyd Harbor

-Photo Credit: Scenes From The Trail — *-Photo Credit:* *Scenes From The Trail*

The 80-acre Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge is located on the North Shore of Long Island in the Village of Lloyd Harbor. It holds a mature oak-hickory forest, a half-mile of rocky beach, a brackish pond and several vernal ponds. It is open to the public for recreational purposes such as walking, hiking and shore fishing for which a free New York state saltwater fishing license is required.

The one mile Warbler’s Loop Trail winds through the forest that were once home to the previous owner’s formal gardens. An extension of the Warbler’s Loop Trail, the Rocky Beach Trail brings you down to the rocky shoreline. A stroll down the shortest trail, Gardener’s Path, is where you will find interpretative signs describing the area’s wildlife species and their habitats.

2.The David Weld Sanctuary

-Photo Credit: The Nature Conservancy — *-Photo Credit:* *The Nature Conservancy*

David Weld Sanctuary on Long Island’s North Shore holds a series of trails that cross an old field and loop around a red maple swamp. Trail walkers will eventually reach a 50-foot bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound and a natural marvel known as a kettle hole, a 60-foot-deep depression that formed when a massive block of glacial ice melted in place. Additionally, there are 1,800 feet of beachfront and a number of enormous boulders scattered throughout the woods and along the shore for hikers to enjoy.

The sanctuary was donated by Mr. and Mrs. David Weld between 1969 and 1979, and additional land was eventually donated by and acquired from the Woodys and the Millers, neighbors of the Welds.

3.Terrell River County Park, Center Moriches

-Photo Credit: All Trails — *-Photo Credit:* *All Trails*

Terrell River Trail is a 263-acre park preserve located south of Montauk Highway in Center Moriches. It provides a 2.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail, beach access, and scenic views. It is appropriate for walkers and hikers of all skill levels. The park offers a number of activity options, is accessible year-round, and allows leashed dogs.

Terrell River Park has a diverse array of plants and trees that make for a magical hiking experience. It was formerly known as the Havens Estate, until it was purchased by Suffolk County in 1986.

Hikers can take in the view or enjoy a picnic at one of the benches or tables scattered throughout the park. If you do plan to bring food, be sure to keep in mind that it is a “carry in, carry out” park. Be prepared to bring out any garbage with you.

4.Orient Beach State Park, Orient

Orient Beach State Park is located on the eastern tip of the north fork of Long Island and offers a stunning waterfront on Gardiner's Bay and a rare maritime forest. Patrons can come to the park to swim, walk a nature trail, picnic, fish from shore, kayak, bike, and hike.

Recently, Orient Beach State Park became a United States Lighthouse Society Passport Stamp Location where patrons can get their Lighthouse Passport stamped and view four lighthouses: Orient Point Lighthouse, Plum Island Lighthouse, Long Beach Bar Lighthouse and the Cedar Island Lighthouse.

-Photo Credit: NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation — *-Photo Credit:* *NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation*

5.Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Great River

With 691 acres situated on the Connetquot River, Bayard Cutting Arboretum creates an oasis-like beauty out of a generous donation from Mrs. William Bayard Cutting and her daughter, Olivia James.

-Photo Credit: Bayard Cutting Arboretum — *-Photo Credit:* *Bayard Cutting Arboretum*

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the natural beauty of the property while walking among the extensive plantings of trees and plants such as dwarf evergreens, rhododendron, azaleas, hollies, oaks, wildflowers and daffodils. The site’s ponds and streamlets provide opportunities to observe a broad range of land and aquatic birds and occasional glimpses of foxes, raccoons and other small wildlife.

No pets are allowed and recreational activities such as bathing, picnicking, sports, games, and bicycle riding are not permitted on the grounds. However, conveniently next door is Heckscher State Park, which provides accommodations for recreational activities.

The arboretum’s hours of operation vary depending on the time of the year, so check its website for updated information. There is an $8 vehicle fee from April to November.

6.Elizabeth A Morton National Wildlife Refuge, Sag Harbor

Situated on a 187-acre peninsula on Noyack and Little Peconic Bays, the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge provides walkers and hikers with a diverse array of scenic views and wildlife. It consists of sandy, rocky beaches, tidal flats, an upland forest, fields, ponds, salt marsh, a lagoon, and wooded bluffs overlooking the bays. A wide variety of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, eastern chipmunk, painted turtles, green frogs, songbirds and osprey call this refuge home.

Wildlife and scenery can be best observed on the Wild Birds Nature Trail and from the elevated platform at the beach, which gives visitors a stunning view of the Bays and the fauna of Jessup’s Neck Peninsula. Visitors are allowed to fish from the shoreline with a free New York state saltwater fishing license.

-Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — *-Photo Credit:* *U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service*

7. Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve, Riverhead

Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve occupies an abandoned cranberry-growing operation in the wetlands of Riverhead. The 165 acres consists of acidic marshes, bogs and wetlands that made it an ideal cranberry-growing habitat in its time. However, the preserve has since retired from its former role and now acts as part of the drainage system of the Peconic River, and a natural reservoir for Long Island's fresh water supply.

The property’s hiking trails offer scenic views of the Little Peconic River, plant life, birds, reptiles and other wildlife. The focal point of the 1.1 mile loop is the wooden bridge over the bog, and about 3/4 of the way around the trail lies an old pump house from the property’s cranberry growing and harvesting days.

-Photo Credit: Suffolk County Parks — *-Photo Credit:* *Suffolk County Parks*

8.Hallock State Park Preserve, Jamesport

Hallock State Park Preserve is a 225-acre shorefront park preserve that offers visitors nearly a mile of North Shore beachfront along the Long Island Sound.

Visitors can hike, do nature walks, and bird watch. It provides a variety of hike lengths and settings such as the 1.1 mile Maritime Forest Trail, the .3 mile Hallock Pond trail, and the .06 mile Beach Access Trail.

Development for the remainder of the preserve is still in the works, but may eventually implement formal trails, environmental education, and other park activities.

There is a parking fee of $8, and pets are prohibited year-round. A trail guide and map can be found at the provided links.

-Photo Credit: NYS Parks, Recreation and Wildlife — *-Photo Credit:* *NYS Parks, Recreation and Wildlife*

9.Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

*-Photo Credit: Marine Nature Study Area*

A charming 52-acre preserve devoted to environmental education and natural history can be found nestled in Oceanside. The Marine Nature Study Area provides a scenic outdoor setting to learn about the natural environment of Long Island, including topics like the tides, glacial geology, barrier beach and estuarine formations, ecology of the estuary, micro and macro algae, bird life and migration, the bay community, and barrier beach fauna and flora.

The property also houses an indoor interpretive center and an area with tanks of live specimens of marine life.

The study area is a great location for individuals and families seeking a quiet outdoor experience, as well as bird watchers.

10.Wildwood State Park, Wading River

Wildwood State Park offers its visitors a serene North Shore beach, scenic hiking trails, a picnic area, and most popularly, Long Island’s largest campground with accommodations for both tents and trailers. Its 242 campsites within wooded areas with easy access to trails and the beach, as well as RV accommodations give those looking to stay overnight plenty of options for exploring.

Its main attraction is the park’s Long Island Sound beachfront. Beachgoers are free to swim and fishers can fish from the shoreline. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months.

For those looking to hike, Wildwood State Park provides 12 miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore. The four marked trails go through thick woods and peaceful groves with views of the Long Island sound and native wildlife and foliage.