LocalHikes - Gardiner County Park Loop

Reporter

Gardiner County Park Loop

Highlights:	Very easy hike, many different birds, and small animals.
Near:	Bay Shore, NY
Scenery:
Distance:	1.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:	10 ft
Hike Time:	1 hours
Difficulty:	Easy
Trail Condition:	OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:	Loop

Summary: This loop hike is intended for a little relaxation, or a very easy family hike. Dogs Welcome Here!! The hike starts at the Gardiner County Park parking lot, and works around the South end of the conservation area. There is a map available on the state website http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/publicimages/gardiner.jpg (note the north orientation marks. There are numerous birdhouses hung throughout the trails, and you can expect to see many birds, and small wildlife. Start out on Duck Trail. Walk until you meet up with Fox Trail. Proceed on Fox Trail to Plover. Plover will take you around to the north end where you can cut in on Duck to the parking lot. Use Beach Rd (a wide trail - not a road) to walk to the Great South Bay, and this will extend your hike by about a half mile round trip. Nice views, and a decent beach add a little more to the hike. Look for bat boxes about 8-10 feet up in the trees also. The bats help with the local mosquito population.

Trailhead: Take the Robert Moses Causeway to Montauk Hwy East. Travel East about 1/2 mile, and look for white ranch fences on southe side of Montauk Highway. The parking lot entrance is pretty easy to see. Walk towards the pond, and bear left hugging the East side of the pond. Duck Trail will be your starting point. (Lat:40.7007 Lon:-73.27623)

Trail Guides for Gardiner County Park Loop:

Best Seasons: Year-Round

User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,

Ranger Contact: Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation (631)854-4949

Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Robert S. Leahy. To visit this reporters web site, click here.

Trail Reviews Submit your own review

Reviewed by R.E.S. on 6/1/2008
Great for dogs and dog lovers.

Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.

Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Suffolk County Hiking, Suffolk County Trails, Suffolk County Hikes