Hike through the Mashomack Nature Preserve

Just a short ferry ride from the Hamptons, South Ferry Road is exactly where it sounds; very close to the South Ferry of Shelter Island. The parking lot of Mashomack Preserve is marked by a large sign. When you walk in, you'll see a large nature center. Sign in at a clipboard at the table out front. The suggested donation is $2 for children and $3 for adults, but please leave more if you can (We'd like Mashomack to be around as long as possible!). The entrance to the trails is directly to the right of the center. The suggested hikes are 1.5m, 3m, 6m, and 10m. There is no huge elevation gain on any of these hikes. The trails run through a variety of pristine, protected habitats including salt marshes, freshwater swamp, open meadow, and expanses of old growth oak and beech forest. The 10m will take you all the way to the eastern shoreline of Shelter Island, where the outlook over Gardiner's Bay is located. For a trail map, click here.

The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked, so you should have no trouble knowing where to go. It is an incredible, rare glimpse into these undisturbed habitats. You might pull some ticks off, but it is well worth it. The Preserve is protected and maintained by the Nature Conservancy.