Is This the Best Hike on Long Island?
Join us on an epic adventure as I explore the best hike on Long Island, where the beauty of nature meets the tranquility of the Long Island Sound. Located in Port Jefferson, this hidden gem offers stunning harbor strolls, sandy paths, and beachfront trails that will leave you breathless. As we embark on this bay exploration, we'll discover the best dog-friendly trails, perfect for a fun day out with your furry friends. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing coastal walk, this guide to Long Island's best hiking trails has got you covered. From sand dune hikes to waterfront activities, we'll spot some of the best seaside exploration opportunities that Long Island has to offer. So, grab your hiking boots and let's dive into the world of Long Island outdoors, where every step leads to a new adventure! If you love water, hiking, and panoramic vistas as far as the eye can see, McAllister County Park is the place to be! This hike provides breathtaking, 360 degree views of the Long Island Sound, Port Jefferson inlet, and even Southern Connecticut on clear days. If you don't like views, fresh air, a brisk breeze, or relaxing, you can finish this 3.2 mile loop in just over an hour... but why would you want to? You can expect some minor exercise... you'll be climbing 110' of elevation on sand and stone after all. Get lost exploring, the handful of trails through the brush, with hidden gems to be found (BOLO: a cement bunker, crumbling stone walls and structures, and secret hideaways). If ticks aren't your thing, you can always take a walk down the beach in the wrong direction (to White Beach), climb the inlet lookout tower for a selfie, fish the jetty for striped bass, bluefish, porgies, snappers, flounder or fluke, swim in the inlet, harbor, or Long Island Sound, collect shells, or horizontal rock scramble along the near 1000' seawall of boulders running along the inlet. If you have the energy on your way out, climb to the top of Lookout Point... if not for the views along the way, for the run/jog/trip-and-fall down the 100' spine of sand, splitting Long Island Sound and Pirate's Cove. What a blast (and a time-saver)... just don't forget you have to stop at the bottom (I almost ended up in the drink). The Port Jefferson ferry runs between Port Jeff, NY and Bridgeport, CT, and operates every hour (during summer months, every 90 minutes during the off-season)... you can expect to see the ferry pass you at least once, even if you don't take a break on the jetty to rehydrate and relax. While McAllister County Park is dog-friendly, your furry friend must be leashed (and you must be holding the other end of that leash). The park is also carry in, carry out, meaning you can expect endless views or Mother Nature, unobstructed by trash bins... just don't forget that it's your responsibility to clean up after (and carry out) Cleo's crap. Parking is limited to 6 spots (or 5 if people park like New-Yorkers), and on-street parking is prohibited in all of Belle Terre, so go to McAllister County Park during off-peak days and times, and get there earlier than sensible, or you can expect to wait in your car (for a parking spot) until well after you wanted to leave. There is also no parking at the top of Lookout Point, so don't expect to stay long unless you park at the trailhead 1/2 mile downhill and trek it up to the top. How to get here: McAllister County Park: At the (West) end of Anchorage Rd, Belle Terre, NY 11777 Lookout Point: At the (North) end of Cliff Road, Belle Terre, NY AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/ne... Peep Our Pages: YouTube: / @chaosflambée Instagram: / elektrafied.adventures Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... TikTok: / elektrafied.adventures Twitter: https://x.com/ElektraExplores
