Getting spring weather to actually show up in New York this year has been a task similar to pulling teeth. Luckily for our residents who live in the southern half our state, they’ve had the luxury of getting a better glimpse of the beautiful weather that’s soon to consistently come. Inspiring us to plan out what outdoor adventures we’ll take in 2018, it’s time to talk about the one unique forest that you can explore by hiking along this easy boardwalk trail.
One of the most unique places that you can explore, New York’s Sunken Forest will take you on a hike unlike any other.
Gary Lasky/AllTrails
A 1.5-mile long boardwalk, the Sunken Forest Nature Trail is an easy hike to take that everyone can enjoy.
Darren Gantt/Flickr
Leading you into a rare ecological community, New York’s Maritime Holly Forest is one of only a few forests like this in the world.
Jonathan Rieke/Flickr
The scenery itself is one that you wouldn’t ordinarily find in a place like this, but thanks to the secondary dunes on the island, a protected forest sunken was created over hundreds of years.
Gary Lasky/AllTrails
As you walk through the forest you’ll notice that even on the hottest of summer days, this trail remains well shaded and cool.
Jonathan Rieke/Flickr
Due to the fact that the trees here will never grow above the dunes, the Sunken Forest has a thick canopy made up of 100 to 200-year-old trees that have grown sideways and will never be much more than 20-feet tall.
Jonathan Rieke/Flickr
A popular place to observe wildlife, as you’re making your way through the forest you might run into white-tailed deer, red foxes, turtles, rabbits, and over 300 different types of birds.
Gary Lasky/AllTrails
Eventually, the boardwalk will take you out to a bunch of picturesque staircases that will lead you down to the ocean and serene beachfront.
Gary Lasky/AllTrails
Just a quick ferry ride away from Long Island, this waterfront adventure will have you itching to explore more of our boardwalks.
David Goehring/Flickr While the Sunken Forest boardwalk is accessible all throughout the year, the ferries from Sayville to Sailors Haven only run between May and October. During this stretch of the year when the ferries are operating, you’ll find that bathrooms, snack bars and other facilities along the Sunken Nature Forest Trail will be in operation. Another fact you’ll want to know? Five days a week during the summertime, visitors can enjoy Ranger-led walks through the Sunken Forest! To find out more and to view the 2018 Sayville Ferry Schedule, click here.
Gary Lasky/AllTrails
Darren Gantt/Flickr
Jonathan Rieke/Flickr
David Goehring/Flickr
While the Sunken Forest boardwalk is accessible all throughout the year, the ferries from Sayville to Sailors Haven only run between May and October. During this stretch of the year when the ferries are operating, you’ll find that bathrooms, snack bars and other facilities along the Sunken Nature Forest Trail will be in operation. Another fact you’ll want to know? Five days a week during the summertime, visitors can enjoy Ranger-led walks through the Sunken Forest! To find out more and to view the 2018 Sayville Ferry Schedule, click here.
What’s your favorite boardwalk hike to take in our state? For more ways to enjoy Long Island, read about how One Of The Largest Lavender Farms In The Country Is Hiding Right Here In New York!
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