Heckscher State Park
Distance: 5 miles (loop trail) Elevation Gain: 0-4 ft Hike Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy Trail Condition: Mixed Surfaces Hike Type: Loop
How to Get There: Follow Southern State Parkway to where it becomes Heckscher Parkway and ends at Heckscher State Park. Drop your car off at Parking Field 8 (during the winter months, you must use Field 7). Park at the southeast corner of the parking lot (far left corner when facing the bay). Look for the sign “Pedestrian Path, No Motor Vehicles.”
General Description:
Heckscher State Park was once the 19th century estate of George C. Taylor. It was complete with horse stable, stocked game birds, peacock, and even a herd of elk. After his death, a struggle over the future of the vast property took place. It ended in 1929 when the state purchased it, partly with a donation from August Heckscher although there was opposition from local and regional interest. Deer, red fox, cottontail rabbits and muskrat are often seen here. Mink is rarely seen but definitely here. The park is also a stopover for flocks of migrating monarch butterflies in October. Summer is a good time to see skimmer, tern and gull nesting colonies. Wading birds and nesting osprey, a threatened species, inhabit the marshes. Notably, the park has a large population of great horned owls that sometimes nest in easily seen spots. In winter, look for short-eared owls and rough-legged hawks.
Enter the loop at the sign "Pedestrian Path, No Motor Vehicles"; it is a sand trail. In 200 feet, you see large posts with white blazes. You travel through handsome maritime prairie with patches of bayberry, scrub pine and beautiful beach heather. The northward trail parallels Nicoll Bay for a mile before turning west. In a half mile, it passes through the camping area. To make the loop, turn left toward the campground exit drive ( the right turn to put you on the LI Greenbelt Trail). After you leave the campground, you come to the park drive. Cross to the opposite lane and turn right. Make the first left off the road. The trail takes you to the refreshment stand, picnic area and park police. Walk past Parking Field 1, and shortly after; turn left on the paved walkway. In 0.6 mile, cross the park drive again and arrive at the bathhouse and beach. Turn left at the beach. The second parking lot is Parking Field 8.