Taking a nice, long hike with your family is not only a great way to spend time together, but it is one way to fit a regular exercise routine into a busy family schedule according to Greg Trent, a personal trainer in Riverhead, who recently spoke with RiverheadLOCAL about five ways your family can stay fit this summer.
To help your family find a perfect trail or two to explore this summer, we’ve compiled a list of 9 trails that wind through and around the North Fork. So, grab you water bottles, bug spray and head out to one of these trails this summer.
Laurel Lake Park and Preserve
Laurel Lake Park and Preserve, which is located just north of Route 25 in Laurel at 4995 Main Road, is a 480-acre preserve that features a number of groomed hiking trails that weave around the 30-acre Laurel Lake, which was formed by a glacier. The preserve is managed by the Town of Southold and was formerly known as Camp Molloy.
Downs Farm Preserve
At 23800 Main Road in Cutchogue, is a 51-acre wooded, historical preserve that is home Ft. Corchaug, a Native American fort. There are a number of trails, including a long loop and a short loop, to explore that wind through the woodland and along the tidal wetlands of Down Creek. The Town of Southold manages the preserve.
Goldsmith Inlet County Park
Situated at Route 48 in Peconic is the 35-acre Goldsmith Inlet Park, which features a well-marked trail that will lead you through the tidal wetlands of the Goldsmith Inlet to the waters of the Long Island Sound. The park is managed by Suffolk County.
Damn Pond Maritime Reserve
Managed by both the Town of Southold and Suffolk County Parks, the 36-acre Damn Pond Maritime reserve features a 1.2-mile trail that winds around grasslands, tidal flats, saltwater mashes and woodlands. The reserve is located at 11855 Route 48 in East Marion.
Orient Beach State Park
Orient Beach State Park, which features 45,000 feet of frontage on Gardiner’s Bays, has several marked hiking trails that wind through a maritime forest. The park, which was designated a landmark in 1980, is located on Route 25 in Orient.
Indian Island County Park
Suffolk County’s 275-acre Indian Island Park features several marked trails, including one with a scenic view of Flanders Bay. The park, which also contains a campground, is located off of Route 105 in Riverhead.
Wildwood State Park
The 600-acre Wildwood State Park, which is located at 790 Hulse Landing Road in Wading River, has several marked hiking trails that wind up and down the bluffs overlooking the Long Island Sound. The park, which has camping facilities, is managed by the State of New York.
Veteran’s Memorial Park
The Town of Riverhead’s Veteran’s Memorial Park, which is located at 5789 Middle Country Road in Calverton, has several marked hiking trails, as well as a concession stand, picking area and a dog park. It is located on Route 25 in Calverton, across from the Calverton Cemetery.
Stotzky Memorial Park
The 12-acre Stotzky Park, which is located at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Pulaski Street in Riverhead, features numerous park amenities, from lighted softball fields to tennis courts, a playground, skateboard park and a dog park, but it also features a lighted fitness trails with stations where you and your family are prompted to do various exercises. The park is maintained by the Town of Riverhead.
