6 Trails to Hike with the Family in the Hamptons & North Fork

7/2/14 - By Erica Jackson

If you and your family love nature, get ready to strap on your hiking boots, pack lunch and enjoy the beauty of the East End's woodlands. From the North Fork across to the South Fork, there are plenty of hiking trails for you and your family to enjoy. It's a great way to see the natural beauty of Long Island, as well as get the whole family some exercise. Below, we list 6 family-friendly hiking trails to explore this summer. And for more kid-friendly activities, check out our Summer Fun Guide and Long Island Events Calendar.

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Quogue Wildlife Refuge, 3 Old Country Road, Quogue
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge features 305 acres of marked trails that wind around ponds and dwarf pines. The site's trails are all marked, and after an enjoyable hike, be sure to stop and visit some of the refuge's resident animals, including owls and eagles.

Mashomack Preserve, Shelter Island
Take the ferry from the North or South Fork over to Shelter Island to spend a day at the beautiful Mashomack Preserve, which features 10 miles of trails, that are clearly marked and wrap around tidal creeks, woodlands, fields and the coastline. The preserve features several trails, some for more experienced hikers and others for the littlest of feet.

Hither Hills State Park, 164 Old Montauk Highway, East Hampton
Enjoy the beauty of the ocean while hiking the dunes of Hither Hills State Park. You can spend a day exploring the dunes while Ospray and hawks circle above. Be sure to bring along your bathing suit to take a dip in the ocean after your hike.

Sears Bellows Suffolk County Park, 63 Bellows Pond Road, Hampton Bays
Sears Bellows features a number of marked trails in the Pine Barrens, both for advanced hikers and for those just starting out. The easiest trail is one that winds around Bellows Pond, and if you and your family feel like walking further, continue on to Sears Pond.

Indian Island County Park, Riverhead
Located on County Road 105, the 275-acre Indian Island County Park features several marked trails for you and your family to explore, with a few meeting up with Flanders Bay where you can stop and have lunch, as well as take a dip to cool off.

Laurel Lake Park and Preserve, Mattituck
Just north of Route 25 in Laurel is the 480-acre Laurel Lake preserve, which features 14 miles of well-groomed nature trails, which are clearly marked for you family to follow. The lake is also a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Be sure to also pack a lunch since there are there are several picnic tables and a playground at the park.

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