Six North Fork hikes for leaf peeping with your petite crew
As temps begin to dip and the leaves start to change, our fam craves trail walks and time in nature. Luckily for us, the North Fork is dotted with trails offering a variety of sights, from wetlands to woodlands to dunes and more. Here are six North Fork trails to hit with your kids this fall.
Husing Pond Preserve, Mattituck
This freshwater pond, surrounded by stunning marshland and woodland, is somewhat of a hidden gem. Located on Peconic Bay Blvd. in Mattituck, small signage marks the trailhead. Park across the street at Peconic Bay Park, stroll the mile-long, out-and-back trail, and discover the boardwalk and observation platform that provide peaceful views of Husing Pond.
Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve, Riverside
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
Explore our favorite hilly trail at this county park. With a landscape that features sand dunes, wetlands, woodlands, and Long Island Soundfront, this trail wins for its 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 unexpectedly 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.
Granttham Preserve, Riverhead
At just over 2 miles, the Granttham Preserve is the first public trail that Peconic Land Trust opened in the Town of Riverhead. 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.
Arshamomaque Preserve, Greenport
Wildlife plus a treehouse-style observation tower? Say no more. Nestled on Chapel Ln. in Greenport, kids of all ages can enjoy this 1.4-mile loop through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. The safe and sturdy observation tower is the ideal perch to view a plethora of wildlife. Kids will also delight in the bridges and paths and lead the way on this well-marked trail.