Six North Fork hikes for leaf peeping with your petite crew
As soon as the temps begin to dip and the leaves begin to change, our fam craves trail walks and time spent in nature. Lucky for us, the North Fork is dotted with tons of trails with varying sights to see, from wetlands to woodlands to dunes, and more. Here are six North Fork trails to hit with the whole crew this fall.
Granttham Preserve, Riverhead
Photo credit: Petite North Fork
At just over 2 miles, the Granttham Preserve is the first trail Peconic Land Trust opened in Riverhead Town. The family-friendly trail can be tricky to find, as the two-spot parking lot appears to be a residential driveway, but we promise the hunt is worth it. As you hike the woodchipped there-and-back trail, you’re met with views of stunning farm fields, mature trees, and wildlife. The best part of the trail is the picturesque half-mile loop meadow at the top of the trail before heading back.
Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve, Riverside
Photo credit: Petite North Fork
This 165-acre preserve located off Lake Avenue in Riverside features a .9-mile loop with views of woodlands and wetlands that was once home to a cranberry farm. The trail is easy to navigate and well-established, but it does include bridges and narrow walkways that would not be ideal for a stroller. Kids will enjoy this short and family-friendly trail.
Peconic Dunes County Park, Peconic
Photo credit: Petite North Fork
Explore our favorite hilly trail at this county park. With a landscape including sand dunes, wetlands, woodlands, and Long Island Soundfront, this trail wins for the most diverse offerings. Mature children/seasoned hikers will love running up and down the sand dunes and navigating this otherworldly hike. Note: this trail is not stroller-friendly and does feature unexpected hilly terrain.
Downs Farm Preserve, Cutchogue
Hike and linger at this Cutchogue preserve featuring 51 acres of wetlands, woodlands, native gardens, a nature center, and more. Meander the .9-mile trail loop through scenic woods with views of Downs Creek. Pack a picnic to enjoy post-hike at the preserve’s natural wood bench area. Much of this trail is wide, mainly flat, and could be all-terrain stroller-friendly.
Husing Pond Preserve, Mattituck
Photo credit: Petite North Fork
This freshwater pond, surrounded by stunning marshland and woodland, is somewhat of a hidden gem. Located on Peconic Bay Blvd. in Mattituck, there is small signage marking the trailhead. Park across the street at Peconic Bay Park, stroll the mile-long trail, and discover the boardwalk and observation platform that provide peaceful views of Husing Pond.
Arshamomaque Preserve, Greenport
Photo credit: Petite North Fork
Wildlife plus a treehouse-style observation tower? Say no more. Nestled on Chapel Ln. in Greenport, kids of all ages love this 1.4-mile loop hiking trail through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. The safe and sturdy observation tower is the ideal perch to view a plethora of wildlife. Kids will also enjoy bridges and paths, and leading the way on this well-marked trail.