The Can’t-Miss New York Hike for Every Nature Lover’s Bucket List

New York has always been one of my favorite states because it has a little bit of everything – from the fast-paced excitement of its big cities to the quiet of its natural spaces. No matter where we are in New York, we can usually find a quiet corner where we can escape from the day’s stress and enjoy the sounds of nature. This can’t-miss nature hike in New York will take you to one of those places, a beautiful nature preserve that’s tucked along the coastline.

Nestled along 11 miles of coastline on Shelter Island, the Mashomack Preserve’s more than 2,350 acres promise some of New York’s most beautiful landscapes, including fields and creeks, making it a fun destination for adventurers of all ages. Unfortunately, though, pups are not allowed in the preserve.

When you arrive at the preserve, slide into one of the spots, including ADA-accessible, in the parking lot. The preserve also has a Visitor Center with limited hours during the week. If you’re not in a hurry, consider having a picnic before or after your hike. The picnic area and public restroom, the latter of which is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., are both ADA-compliant.

If you prefer a laid-back adventure, follow the 1.7-mile Mashomack Red Trail. The easy trail attracts hikers of all ages. During the winter after it has snowed, it is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Chances are pretty good that you’ll have the trail to yourself, as the preserve tends to be quiet.

The wide trail features a slight incline of only 64 feet and will take you past a variety of scenery, including freshwater marshes, tidal creeks, and fields. Stroll through a wooded area that’s brimming with wildlife, like wild turkeys, painted turtles, squirrels, chipmunks, and monarch butterflies. If you enjoy watching birds, bring binoculars. During its lifetime, which began in 1980, the preserve has been home to more than 200 species of birds. Keep an eye out for orioles, red-tailed hawks, snowy egrets, and osprey.

While you can probably finish the trail in a little over 30 minutes, take your time, if you can. Benches make it easy to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes, and picnic tables allow for a leisurely meal. If you enjoyed your hike along the Mashomack Red Trail, set off on another of the trails, which range from the .02-mile Laspia Trail to the 4.4-mile Blue Trail. The trails at Mashomack Preserve are only open on the weekends in January. Daily hours for the rest of the year are from dawn to dusk. If the gates are open, the preserve is open.

Find more information on Mashomack Preserve on the official website of The Nature Conservancy, New York.

Do you have a favorite can’t-miss nature trail in New York? Tell us what it is by filling out this nomination form, and we might cover it in an upcoming article. Then take a peek to find out why Shelter Island, New York, is one of the best coastal towns in the United States. Since a day in this charming town probably won’t be enough, turn your trip into an overnight or weekend getaway by booking a Vrbo.