This Is the Most Secluded Part of This New York State Park

The eastern tip of Long Island, New York, known as “Out East” to many in the Tri-State area, is one of the most naturally beautiful destinations along the East Coast. It’s studded with state parks home to diverse environments to explore, and one of my favorites is Camp Hero State Park—home to Point Woods Loop Trail, a quiet hike boasting panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and dramatic coastline.

Follow Montauk Point State Parkway through the larger Hither Hills State Park until you arrive at Camp Hero State Park on the right. Park and follow Camp Hero Road south until you come to the trailhead. Point Woods Loop is almost the easternmost point of the famous Paumanok Path, the 117.4-mile point-to-point trail that starts back mid-way on the island on the north shore, and ends near the Montauk Lighthouse. 

Point Woods Loop itself, however, is a relatively easy trail, just a little less than three miles long with an elevation gain of 193 feet. It’s open year-round and dogs are welcome, but they should be leashed at all times. The whole trail usually takes a little more than an hour, and you’ll walk through forest, over short boardwalks at a few points, and past Battery 112: a coastal defense battery that once housed two 16-inch guns, built during World War II—one of three that formed the core of Camp Hero's defensive capabilities. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, catbirds, hawks, and more wildlife along the way.

You’ll soon see a sign for “Bluff Overlook,” which points to the end of the trees and an expansive clearing right along the cliffs, with breathtaking views of the bluffs and crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic spring through fall, or to bring a book and blanket and relax while listening to the sound of the waves.

Once back at your car, you can drive a few minutes further east to Montauk Point State Park if you’re ready to encounter more people and perhaps even small crowds, depending on the time of year. The Montauk Point Lighthouse is worth a visit if you’ve never been; you can climb the lighthouse and check out the amazing view from the top for $15, and you may even spot some seals playing amongst the surf from the beaches below.

However, if you’re looking for more seclusion, you can drive back west to Hither Hills State Park and hike the Hither Hills Coastal Trail and Old North Road Loop. Just a little more than three miles long with an elevation gain of 180 feet, this loop will likely also take just over an hour to complete, and dogs are allowed off-leash in some spots. 

You can park in the lot at the end of Navy Road, follow the Coastal Trail around until it meets the Old North Road, and follow that back to your car. Much like Point Woods Loop, you’ll go through some wooded areas and also get gorgeous views of the water—only this time, you’ll be on the north side of the island and thus will look out over the sparkling sound. Walk along the beach and sit out on the end of the short pier for a moment of quiet solitude.

Planning a day of hiking in New York? Out East and seeking a little solitude this summer? Save this article so you’ll know where to find it.