Sierra Club: Long Island Group

Kayaking north from the launch area we will travel through the waters and marsh of the lower Browns River then loop back. Along the way, see, hear and learn about some of the inhabitants of the marsh, and learn about the effects of the seasons on those who inhabitthe grasses and reeds. The distance up and back is just over a mile. From there, weather permitting, we will go into the Great South Bay for a more open water experience – very different sights and sounds but the channel out may have some boat traffic and we will have to be careful. If it’s windy, we will do a second loop of the river. That makes this an ideal kayak for the short distance kayaker who can bail out after the first mile. As a comparison, most of our kayak trips are 4 to 6 miles with the popular Nissequogue River being just a shade over 5 miles. After the full kayak, we will stop for lunch at the Cull House (you pay – burgers, salads, light fare, excellent tasting food). Bring beverage and sun protection. Life vest a must! Rain cancels. If you have your own kayak, meet at the end of Terry Street. If you need a rental, Captains Kayak (631-750-3587) is on River Rd. just south of Terry St. Rentals are for $20/hr for a single or $30/hr for a double. Call at least a day ahead. Directions: Sunrise Hwy to Lakeland (exit 49) or Johnson Ave (exit 50) south to Montauk Hwy. Turn left (east) an bear right onto Middle Rd. Turn right onto Foster Ave and left onto Terry St. For renters, turn right off Terry onto River Rd. Information and registration (appreciated): see header.

We will paddle from the mouth of the river by Smithtown Bay to the headwaters with the incoming tide. You can learn about the many birds of this area with sea birds – terns, seagulls and sandpipers – being common near the mouth and marsh wrens, blackbirds, herons, egrets and more living in the marsh and reeds of the middle river. Discussions will include the functions and effects of the three major grasses/reeds of the marsh and what how tides effect what takes place. If we are lucky, we can see a few turtles. Leave 2 ½ hours for on the water time. Bring a beverage and sun protection.Floatation device must be worn. Nissequogue River Canoe (and kayak) Rentals provides boats for this river but you must call to make your own arrangements (631-979-8244). If you rent, please mention that you are with the Sierra Club group and call as early as you can. This company provides free transportation for non-rental drivers, but please consider tipping the “bus” driver. Rain cancels. Contact: see header.
IRENE – NOTE – I need to contact the Nissequogue River rental company about where we need to park. Please hold two lines open in the spacing for this information. I will get it to you ASAP.

Need something to do after work? Get walking! We will do the full 5 plus mile walk around the lake (also called Stump Pond and we’ll tell you why) in about 2 hours. This is a faster pace than most our walks so please be sure you are able to go the distance in the time allotted. We will take a short water and education break about half way around and one at the end where you’ll hear about the history of the house and pond. Meet in the parking lot at the end of New Mill Road in Smithtown at the north end of the lake. Directions: Northern State east onto 347. Left onto Old Willets Path.Right onto 25 (Jericho).Right onto Brooksite at top of hill. Over RR tracks immediate right onto Mill Rd. Or use LIE and take exit 55 North. Immediately over the LIE bridge turn right onto Old Willets Rd and follow directions above. Registration and information: see header.

After a day of work, get out for our ride on the flats. We will do a loop in the park then spin through some lightly traveled streets where we will view the well-kept homes. Plan to do 9 miles in 1 hour or 12 miles in 1 ½ hours with an optional loop to the beach. Must wear a helmet and have your own bike. Meet at the JFK elementary school on Woodland Drive in E. Islip. Directions: Sunrise Hwy to Carlton Ave south which becomes Woodland Dr. after crossing Montauk Hwy. Information: see header.

Get out doors to see the sights and hear the sounds of this wonderful preserve. Though it will probably be too late to find eatable berries, we may find some grapes to sample. The poison ivy should be turning to its bright red and colors of fall should be starting to show. After a day on the job, this will be a treat. We’ll do the 3 miles in about 1.5 hours. There is a bail out after 2 miles and roughly ¾ of an hour. This is a HILLY hike. East Farm has tall trees of mixed hardwoods and it transitions into an area of bushes, shrubs and then into open fields. When we return to the woods, those who need to can bail out. The rest of us will go to the maze, a small pond in the woods, the stone steps to the Stony Brook mill pond and boardwalk, and then return to our cars. Beverage recommended. Significant rain will cancel this hike. Directions: LIE exit 62 north to end at 25A. Turn left. At bottom of long hill turn right to Stony Brook village. At end of pond turn left onto Harbor Rd. In about ¼ mile turn left onto Shep Jones Rd (dirt) and park in first field on the right. For more information: see header.

Stroll through this 350 acre Preserve which features Pine Barrens and Coastal Plain Pond habitats. Pitch Pine, Oak, Huckleberry, Blueberry and Scrub Oaksurround several ponds, bogs, and streams in this lovely mosaic of habitats. As we explore the preserve the Sierra Club hike leader, Jan P., will discuss the various plants and animals that may be encountered. The preserve is home to numerous species which are rare and endangered, someof which will hopefully be observed by participants during the walk.The terrain is generally level. Leave approximately 2 hours.Suitable for adults and children 13 years and older with adult supervision.Registration is required with Jan Porinchak, beachtowel1@verizon.net or 631-327- 1268 Directions: LIE Exit 70, Manorville Eastport (CR 111). At the end of the off-ramp, go north (you will pass the Manorville Trail Information Center on the right side of the road. In ¼ mile turn right onto Ryerson Ave. (The Manorville Post Office is on the corner.) Crossthe RR tracks. Go right on North St. Road curves to the left, becoming wading River Manor Rd. Follow Wading River Manor R. north to Old River Rd. (not River Road.)Make a right on Old River Rd. Look for the small parking area on the left.

Starting in the village of Riverhead, we will paddle the deepest parts of the Peconic River passing the docks and marshy areas of the river as we meandering out to the bay. Once in the bay, if it’s windy, there will be waves so bring a bailer, pump or spray skirt. We will see the nesting post for the osprey, take note of the crittercam, and identify the birds that have not yet gone south. Though it will be high tide, there should still be lots to learn about. We will also discuss kayak types and preferred colors. Kayak rentals are available where we start at PeconicPaddler (631-727-9895). Boats must be back by 4 pm and you must call at least a day ahead. A Floatation devise must be worn. Directions: Sunrise exit 61 (rte 51) north. Stay right on Riverhead Moriches Rd just after Suffolk County Commmunity College to the traffic circle. Go to third right off the circle onto Peconic Ave. the rental is on the left, parking to unload is across the street. Or LIE to exit 71. Turn right onto Nugent Rd. Take to traffic circle and follow directions above.
Information: see header.

5 to 6 miles of mostly flat walking in the forests of the north shore.Learn about Alleghany mound ants and some of our many native plants. Try to identify the birds you see and hear. We’ll stop about half way to make a list while we take a food break and leg rest. Bring your own snack and beverage. Park in the far right corner of the Wading River High School parking lot. The entrance is at the first traffic light immediately east of the intersection of 25A and William Floyd Parkway. Rain will cancel, drizzle will not. Information: see header.

8 ½ to 10 miles of flat riding from Cedar Creek Park to Jones Beach and back along the Wantagh Parkway. This paved path is a delight to ride. Once at Jones Beach, if the boardwalk is open to bicycles as it should be, we can do an additional mile plus along the boardwalk paralleling the ocean. Also, time and weather permitting, we’ll cross to the north side for a view of the channels before returning. Meet in the park by the break in the fence which allows entry to the path. Best lot to park in is the second one on your left. Directions: Use Wantagh Parkway exit W6 east or Seaford-Oyster Bay Expwy exit 1W west onto Merrick Rd. To enter the park use LARCH Street south of Merrick Rd. Information: see header.

Starting at the school on O’Neck Rd., we will bike a short way on the main land than cross to the bridge to Dune Road. This long stretch of open road should have very light traffic at this time of year. We will stop tocross the dune and view the ocean from a public access point. A brief talk about the dunes, the winter wave actions, and the barrier island break-throughs with give you a sense of this fragile environment. Please wear layers for cold winds. Town is close to the end of the ride and we will stop for something to eat Dutch treat. You are welcome to join us.
Rain cancels. A helmet must be worn. Rentals not likely to be available but Google to be sure. Directions: Sunrise exit 63 South (rte. 31) to Montauk Hwy. Turn right. In 2 blocks turn left onto ONeck Rd. Cross Mill Rd and turn into the parking lot on your right.

About 4 miles of flat land in 2 hours. Start at the lower pond on the river (south of Sunrise Hwy) and walk under the bridge and along the highway to enter the park. Cross in front of the mansion (bathrooms may be open), through the fields and to the now closed fish hatchery. As you view the structures, learn why the hatchery was closed. Cross into the man-made ponds and learn what they were created for. Heading back, see springs and learn why they are exist here. Rain/sleet cancels. Directions: Take rte. 27 (Sunrise Hwy) to Connetquot Ave (also called Great River Rd). Go south on Great River Rd to Montauk Hwy (also called S. Country Rd. or Montauk Hwy). Turn left at light onto Montauk Hwy. Look for the entrance to the baseball fields after passing over the RR bridge. Meet at the first area for cars on the left. Information: see header

This 3 mile flat hike runs along both sides of the Massapequa River; one side on a dirt path and one on a paved path. See the two large man-made ponds and learn about the recent history of the park and why the ponds were created. If you bring a camera we can also do a photo op. The stream, ponds and surrounding woods make park exceptionally scenic. Leave 1½ hours. Restrooms at the beginning and end should be open. Heavy rain/sleet cancels. Directions: Sunrise Hwy to just west of the Massapequa RR station. Take Broadway North (under the RR trestle) and turn right immediately. Pass through the first parking lot into the second. Park at the far right end near the entry gate to the park. Information: see header.

More outings leaders mean more outings. Want to lead a hike or outing? Contact the Outings Chair.

Long Island Outings
To have your outings organization listed here on Long Island, contact the Outings Chair.

The Sierra Club is a nonprofit member-supported, public interest organization that promotes conservation of the natural environment by influencing public policy decisions -- legislative, administrative, legal, and electoral.Click here for an interactive, quick, tour of who we are and how you can be part of it.

Up to Top