| State: | New York |
|---|---|
| Address: | NY-25A, Rocky Point, NY 11778, USA |
| Postal code: | 11778 |
| Phone: | (800) 456-2267 |
| Website: | http://www.pinebarrens.org/ |
Unfortunately, the day I chose to go and explore there were signs everywhere " Hunting in Process".
Bit I did get to hear and see this gorgeous Rooster. He was so loud. Kept crowing for some reason.
The State Forest is located at the site of the RCA radio transmitting center that at the time was the largest in the world. Most structures were disassembled but you still can see concrete radio tower foundations, old electric and telephone poles, piles of cables, underground communications and such like. The area is crisscrossed with roads and trails some recent some were here clearly to service the site.
Trails are very flat and are great for both hiking, biking or skiing ( when you get snow). The pine forest is dence and brooding in places. Some areas were infested with bark beetles and now are full of dead trees.
While bugs and specifically ticks are a major annoyance during summer in winter they are obviously not there. There are two parking spots of 25a and one off Whiskey Rd that we're open in winter. A parking of 21 st was closed at the time.
I really wish the ticks weren't so bad in here. It close, convenient, pretty. It's a place where you can actually get away from the sound of traffic for some peace and quiet. Every time I go there I get absolutely covered in ticks. This last time I was there I only walked for about 30 mins. I pulled 18 ticks off over 2 days. Such a shame because it really is so pretty in there.
So interesting. Flowy trails. A few steep drops but nothing too crazy. Look close, you may just see the old poles that used to hold the old power lines that lead to the radio tower. No longer there but it now leads to a gated, locked and barbwired hazardous waste area in the middle of the trails...... the plot thickens! 🤪🧐🤔
The red/blue loop Trail is flat but a great 10miles. Path is well cleared and marked. Not any overlooks or vista's but but very pretty LI Scrub, Pines, and Oak throughout.
Stay out of the grass (and your dog) and you won't have tick problems.