Hither Hills State Park is a beautiful and diverse park located on the eastern end of Long Island, near Montauk, New York. It offers a wide range of activities and natural features, making it a great destination for a day trip or a longer vacation.
Location and Access:
Hither Hills State Park is located about 122 miles east of Manhattan. The easiest way to get there is by car, via the Sunrise Highway (Route 27) east. You can also take the Long Island Rail Road to Montauk and then take a taxi or the Suffolk Transit 10C bus to the park.
Features and Amenities:
The park boasts a variety of features and amenities, including:
- Sandy ocean beach: Hither Hills has a beautiful two-mile sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
- "Walking dunes": The park is home to the unique "walking dunes" of Napeague Harbor. These parabolic dunes are rare in the eastern United States and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Woodlands: The park also has woodlands filled with Russian olive, oak, shad, and pine trees, providing a peaceful and scenic setting for hiking and nature walks.
- Camping: Hither Hills has a large campground with 190 sites, located right on the ocean. This is a popular spot for camping, so reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
- Hiking and biking trails: The park has a network of trails that are suitable for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
- Fishing: Anglers can fish year-round in the ocean and in the park's freshwater lake. Permits are required for night fishing and beach vehicles.
- Picnic areas: Hither Hills has several scenic picnic areas with fireplaces, perfect for enjoying a meal with family and friends.
- Playground: The park has a playground for children, making it a great destination for families.
- Recreation programs: During the summer, the park offers a variety of recreation programs, including family movies, folk and line dancing, children's summer theater, magic shows, and environmental interpretation programs.
Things to do:
- Swimming: The ocean beach is a great place to swim during the summer months. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Hiking: Explore the park's network of trails and enjoy the scenic views of the ocean, dunes, and woodlands.
- Camping: Spend a night or two camping at the park's campground and enjoy the sounds of the ocean.
- Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in the ocean or the freshwater lake.
- Picnicking: Have a picnic with family and friends at one of the park's scenic picnic areas.
- Birdwatching: Hither Hills is a great place to spot a variety of birds, including beach/dune species such as Piping Plover, Least Terns, and American Oystercatchers.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the park's natural features, including the "walking dunes," the ocean beach, and the woodlands.
Tips for visiting:
- Make reservations: If you plan to camp at Hither Hills, be sure to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season.
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent: The sun can be strong at the beach, so be sure to bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking if you plan to explore the park's trails.
- Pack a picnic lunch: There are picnic areas available, but it's always a good idea to pack your own lunch.
- Check the weather forecast: Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go, so you can dress appropriately.
Hither Hills State Park is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of Long Island. With its diverse range of activities and amenities, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this park.