Hidden trails for summer walks on L.ong Island

With Long Island in the depths of summer, many residents of the North Shore are looking for scenic places to walk with family, friends and pets. The North Shore Land Alliance boasts an array of lesser-known walking trails that offer a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts. These trails, nestled within various preserves, provide a unique experience away from the more crowded and well-known paths.

One of the most serene and unique trails is found within the John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden. This seven-acre landscape is designed to emulate a Japanese mountain setting by the sea, featuring North American and Asian plants.

The garden’s defining feature is its stepping stone path, which winds through various twists and turns, culminating at a pondside tea house. The garden is open to the public only on Saturdays and Sundays with limited hours, making it a rare but rewarding visit.

“It’s a short walk, more of a reflective stroll than a hike,” Gina DiPietro, the Land Alliance’s events manager, said.

Located in Cold Spring Harbor, the Wawapek Preserve is a 32-acre sanctuary that was once considered for residential development. Thanks to the efforts of the land alliance and other partners, this area is now protected. The preserve features a mature hardwood forest, a pollinator garden, and trails that meander through steep ravines.

Visitors might encounter foxes or the state-protected Box Turtles during their visit. A family picnic and environmental fair will be held there on August 4, featuring local environmental groups, live music, and various activities for children.

“Wawapek is our newest location, and we’ve just planted a bunch of native plants,” DiPietro noted.

The 30-acre Red Cote Preserve offers a blend of woodlands and meadows. White pine dominates the southern woodland area, while large oaks and red cedars can be found throughout. This preserve was part of a farm purchased by R.C. Leffingwell in 1924 and later acquired by the NSLA with the help of Nassau County’s Environmental Bond Act.

The area is managed to optimize habitat for small mammals and songbirds, with the large field mowed annually in early spring. The preserve is also home to tree swallows, umbrella magnolia, and butterfly milkweed.

Cushman Woods is a hilly, 28-acre forest with an intricate trail system that once served as a fox-hunting route in the late 1800s. The property was part of the estate of Paul Cravath, a prominent Manhattan lawyer.

Acquired by the land alliance in 2016, Cushman Woods has undergone significant restoration to enhance its ecosystem. The trails here are the largest among NSLA’s preserves, and the area provides habitat for various bird species and mammals.

“We’ve planted many new trees and installed benches to enhance the beauty of the preserve,” DiPietro shared.

Shore Road Sanctuary, situated along Cold Spring Harbor, is an eight-acre waterfront preserve that was once the site of an ExxonMobil facility. The sanctuary features a small trail system that leads visitors through restored habitats. DiPietro explained that the land alliance has worked tirelessly to ensure these trails and preserves are accessible to the public while maintaining their natural beauty. She also emphasized the importance of these green spaces for community well-being and environmental education.

“Each of our preserves offers a unique experience,” she said.

For more information on the North Shore Land Alliance and their preserves, visit NorthShoreLandAlliance.org, where you can also get information on upcoming events like their Family Picnic and Environmental Fair.