7 to 8 miles - 600 to 700 ft elevation gain - moderate difficulty - 2.5 to 3MPH Pace - Call or email: Mark, QuistAdventures@gmail.com, 516-672-9853. Come hike through the beautiful Planting Fields Arboretum. We will meet in the West Parking Lot before the Sensory Garden. We will walk the grounds before heading into the trails through the woods by the Hope Goddard Preserve. From there we will cross Chicken Valley Road and a neighborhood to walk around Cushman Woods Preserve before heading back. Bring plenty of water, snacks and appropriate footwear. Heavy rain cancels. If unsure, please contact me on the morning of the hike. Address: 1395 Planting Fields Rd, Oyster Bay, NY 11771. Hike end time is approximate.

5.7 miles – moderate – varied – Info: Nancy B., 631-682-0035. Hike around the 120-acre pond in the middle of Blydenburgh Park. Bring drinks and snacks. Rain or shine, although extreme weather cancels. Meet at the south entrance of Blydenburgh County Park, opposite the County Offices on NY 347 in the parking lot just east (above) the Entrance Booth [old police station]. Enjoy a chocolate snack when we take a rest! Hike end time is approximate.

4.5 to 5 miles – moderate – PRIOR Registration Requested: Call or Email Sal, 631-235-2059 or sailingsals60@gmail.com. Explore several trails in the pine barrens of this county park, featuring the Sans Souci Lakes and abundant wildlife. Bring water, snacks and a smile. Hiking shoes recommended. No restroom facilities available. Meet at the Bayport trailhead: from NY 27 Exit 50 eastbound or Exit 51 westbound, go south on Broadway Ave. to Montauk Hwy., go left about 1/4 mile, and left again onto Lakeview Ave (Girl Scout Way), opposite Speedway Gas. Sans Souci Bayport trailhead sign will be on your left after about 1/4 mile). Park on the park side and meet at park sign. No Fee. GPS: 468 Lakeview Ave, Bayport, NY 11705. Snow, heavy rain cancels, light rain does not.  Optional lunch afterwards. Hike end time is approximate.

Approx. 2 miles depending on our path – hilly – moderate pace. Reservations required: Call Jane 631-689-1568. Explore the 70-acre hardwood forest, a hidden gem with a history. The site was the former site of Camp Barstow, a Girl Scout camp until the County bought the land to protect it in the 1980’s. It was expanded in 2017 to make the total acres of the preserve we see today. Visit the cliffs on L.I. Sound, and the Landing for which the preserve is named. The Preserve is on the right (East) side of Landing Road in Miller Place. Rain, wet snow, or more than 5 inches of snow on the ground cancels this event. Hike end time is approximate.

4 to 5 miles - moderate - flat - PRIOR Registration Requested: Call or Email Sal, 631-235-2059, or sailingsals60@gmail.com. A moderately fast hike over gently varied terrain paralleling the river, opening to a picturesque beach with scenic views of Moriches Bay and Fire Island National Seashore. After hiking along the beach, we will return to the trails to complete the loop. Hiking shoes recommended. Bring ample water, snacks and a smile. Binoculars/cameras for wildlife viewing optional. From L.I.E. Exit 68 or NY 27 Exit 58S, take William Floyd Parkway south to Montauk Hwy (C.R. 80), turn left, and in 2.9 miles keep right to stay on Montauk, continue another 2.1 miles to Kalers Pond Park parking lot, opposite Terrell River Park. GPS: 1 Chet Swezey Rd, Center Moriches, NY 11934. No parking fee. Snow, heavy rain cancels, light rain does not. Optional lunch afterwards. Hike end time is approximate.

4- or 8-miles options - 1000 ft elevation gain - moderate to strenuous difficulty - 3 MPH pace - Call or email: Mark, QuistAdventures@gmail.com, 516-672-9853. Come out for a walk through West Hills County Park. The first four miles will be exploring the Jayne’s Hill area with an option to drop off after, followed by four miles exploring the western side of the park for a total of eight miles. Plenty of water and snacks are strongly recommended. Heavy rain cancels. If unsure, please contact me on the morning of the hike. Address: 220 Sweet Hollow Road, Melville NY 11747. Hike end times are approximate.

5 mi. (or bail out halfway) - moderately hilly. Reservations required: Call Jane 631-689-1568.  600 acres of undeveloped hardwoods with high bluffs overlooking the L.I. Sound. Starting at the visitor’s parking lot on the left, walk the roads and trails covering almost every section of the park. At one point on a high bluff, get a good view of the Long Island Sound. Along the way, learn about the “piebald deer” and how fragmentation has affected them and Long Island’s wildlife in general. The bathrooms are usually open. Address: 790 Hulse Landing Rd. Rain, wet snow or more than 5 inches of snow on the ground cancel this event. Hike end time is approximate.

5-6 miles – moderate – flat. RSVP: Marie H. text 516-617-8614. Meet in the main parking lot. We will travel the red trail, then the blue trail to Bunce's Bridge, returning on the white trail, stopping for a visit to the fish hatchery before heading back on the yellow trail. No entrance fee. Rain/snow (more than drizzle/flurries) cancels. Hike end time is approximate.

Approx. 5 miles - moderate pace - some hills - Info only: Rick, call or text (631) 275-8539, richardwhalen@optonline.net. Come along on a circuit hike through the interior of Montauk’s Hither Woods. This is winter in the woods, in the center of the 3,000-acre Hither Woods wilderness. Meet at Hither Hills Overlook (West Overlook), north side of Route 27, Montauk. Bring snacks and liquids. Hike end time is approximate.

Around 13 miles – fast – varied – Info: Jeff, 631-902-3156, or e: jeffgreenberger@mac.com. A few brisk hours in the woods, featuring Wildwood Lake, the Red and Yellow Loops, and then a bit more on the Pine Barrens Trail; bring water and snacks; meet at the top end of Parking Field 1 at Suffolk Community College, Eastern Campus (NY 27 to Exit 61, take C. R. 51 toward Riverhead, go 4.5 miles to right turn at Speonk-Riverhead Road (sign for college), then right turn onto campus, quick left at welcome sign, quick right to top/west end of Field 1); inclement weather cancels, so call or text to be sure; fast pace, only one quick stop for snacks. Hike end time is approximate.

4.5 to 5 miles – moderate – flat – PRIOR Registration Requested. CALL or E: Sal, 631-235-2059, or sailingsals60@gmail.com. Meet at the new Welcome Center/ Restrooms for a brisk hike in this South Shore hidden jewel encompassing 690 acres along the picturesque Connetquot River. Bring water, snacks, and a smile. Trail shoes recommended. Take Southern State Pkwy Exit 45E, continue east on Montauk Hwy 1/2 mile to entrance on the right, or NY 27 to Connetquot Ave, turn south, to Montauk Hwy and left to the Arboretum. Possible parking fee. GPS: 440 Montauk Hwy, Great River, NY 11739. Snow, heavy rain cancels, light rain does not. Optional lunch. Hike end time is approximate.

rolling – moderate pace. Reservations required: Call Jane 631-689-1568. A first-time-in-a-long-time hike on this route from the pull off at the North end of Spinney Road (on the south side of route 24 in Flanders), to Owl Pond, then west along the Paumanok Path to Maple Swamp (or shorter) and back. The path runs through predominantly oak and pine. We should find some sand loving plants along the way such as bear berry, trailing euonymus, wintergreen, reindeer moss, sheep laurel, and more, even if there is snow, as long as it’s not too deep. Closest bathroom from the west is at the McDonalds on route 24 just east of the traffic circle in Riverhead. Unknown from the north or east. The parking lot is West of Red Creek Rd. which goes north off Rte. 24 and east of Birch Creek Rd. which also goes north off Rte. 24. If using GPS, the parking is east of number 2800 Rte. 24, Flanders. Rain, wet snow, or more than 5 inches of snow on the ground cancels this event. Hike end time is approximate.

6 miles – moderate – varied/hilly – Info: text Tom I.: 631-793-4011, or Greencay631@gmail.com. This hike will take the Blue Trail along the west side of the park, meet the Greenbelt Trail and then enter the southern portion of Caleb Smith State Park Preserve. Bring water; inclement weather cancels; text me to let me know you are planning to join the hike to receive updates or cancelation info; meet at south entrance of Blydenburgh County Park, opposite Suffolk County offices along Veterans Memorial Highway (SR 454), park in the lot to the immediate right as you pass the entrance booth. Hike end time is approximate.

12 miles – moderate – hilly.  Info: Tammy, 631-896-1409, between 6-9pm.  We will do an out-and-back from the Trailview Parking Lot all the way to Cold Spring Harbor library and back. This is not a hike for those who have not hiked in a while.  Bring water, lunch, and trail snacks.  A hiking pole is recommended.  Heavy rain/snow cancels, light rain/snow may limit the length of the hike; text morning of hike if unsure.  Directions: I-495 (L.I.E.) Exit 44N. Merge onto NY-135 N toward Syosset. Take exit 14 E (Rte. 25 or Jericho Turnpike) toward Woodbury. Turn right onto 25. Continue to the Trailview Parking Lot on your left just east of the Stop and Shop. Hike end time is approximate.

6 miles – moderate – flat, some sand – PRIOR Registration Requested: Call Sal 631-235-2059, or Email sailingsals60@gmail.com.  Join us for a walk at Fire Island National Seashore to the Lighthouse and beyond towards Atlantique. We’ll wind through quaint beach towns along streets, boardwalks and some beaches (tides permitting) before returning. Sneakers will suffice for this hike. Take Robert Moses Causeway south to end, enter the traffic circle, take 2nd right towards Parking Field 5, meet at east end of Field 5 near the boardwalk entrance. Possible parking fee. Optional lunch afterwards. Snow, heavy rain cancels, light rain does not. Optional lunch afterwards. Hike end time is approximate.

approx. 10+ miles - Fast- Hills - Prior registration requested: call or text Fran, 631-806-5078. Experience the top portion of our majestic Greenbelt Trail. We’ll hike along the bluffs overlooking the LI Sound. Mature hardwood forests, views of the Nissequogue River and sandy trails will be ours to enjoy. We’ll circle back to Cardiac Hill on return to warm us up. Bring water and snacks. Fast and strenuous pace. Dress in layers and bring microspikes if icy. Heavy rain or snow cancels. If unsure, please reach out to me. Meet at Sunken Meadow Field 3 outside the bathrooms. No parking fee this time of year. Hike end time is approximate.

5.7 miles – moderate – varied – Info Nancy B., 631-682-0035. Hike around the 120-acre pond in the middle of Blydenburgh Park. Bring drinks and snacks. Rain or shine, although extreme weather cancels. Meet at the south entrance of Blydenburgh County Park, opposite the County Offices on NY 347 in the parking lot just east (above) the Entrance Booth [old police station]. Enjoy a chocolate snack when we take a rest! Hike end time is approximate.

5.5 miles - 115ft elevation gain - moderate difficulty - 3 MPH pace - Call or email: Mark, QuistAdventures@gmail.com, 516-672-9853. Meet at the map and information bulletin board in the parking lot. Join us on a hike through the former grounds of Edgewood State Hospital. After closure, the land was given to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) and is one of the last few remaining pitch pine-scrub oak barrens in the state. Trails are multi-use, can be uneven and tight in areas. Bring plenty of water and some snacks! Heavy rain or snow cancels. If unsure, please contact me on the morning of the hike. Address: 528 Commack Rd, Deer Park, NY 11729. Hike end times are approximate.

5 to 6 miles - mostly rolling to flat - moderate pace with some stops. Reservations required: Call Jane 631-689-1568. Walk from behind the Shoreham-Wading River High School into the forest and, weather permitting, to the ponds. Learn about some of our native plants, and anything else we find. Try to identify the wintering birds you see or hear. Bathrooms are in the library next to the school.  Park in the far-right corner of the Wading River High School parking lot. Entry road is at the first traffic light east of Wm. Floyd Pkwy. Rain, wet snow, or more than 5 inches of snow on the ground cancels this event. Hike end time is approximate.

3 to 4 miles - 300 ft elevation gain - light to moderate difficulty - 2mph to 2.5mph Pace - Call or email: Mark, QuistAdventures@gmail.com, 516-672-9853.  Take a stroll through Shu Swamp Preserve to admire the birds and vegetation (and if we are insanely lucky, some otters) in this preserve and the surrounding ones! We will stroll through the interconnected paths of Shu Swamp, Humes and Upper Francis Pond preserves. We will meet in the dirt parking lot off Frost Mill Road. Bring water, snacks, appropriate footwear and binoculars are recommended! Heavy rain or snow cancels. If unsure, please contact me on the morning of the hike. Address: 28 Frost Mill Rd, Mill Neck, Us 11765. Hike end times are approximate.

2.7 miles, rolling terrain – moderate pace.  Reservations required: Call Jane 631-689-1568.  Learn how to recognize poison ivy when it doesn’t have leaves (but when you can still get the itchies!), pitch pine, bittersweet and some other plants. See how open areas return to woods. Listen for chickadees, titmouse, and look for signs of deer. Learn about Allegheny mound ants and see remnants of the RCA radio station that was the largest in the world for many years and played an important part in America’s history (1921 – 1978). Restrooms at places across the highway - leave an additional 5 minutes if you need to use them. Meet in the DEC parking lot, south side of 25A, west of Rocky Point Road (across from J&R Steakhouse). GPS - 1 Radio Corporation of America Trail, Rocky Point. Rain, wet snow, or more than 5 inches of snow on the ground cancels this event. Hike end time is approximate.

4 to 5 miles - moderate - flat - PRIOR Registration Requested: Call or Email Sal, 631-235-2059, or sailingsals60@gmail.com.  A moderately fast hike over gently varied terrain paralleling the river, opening to a picturesque beach with scenic views of Moriches Bay and Fire Island National Seashore. After hiking along the beach, we will return to the trails to complete the loop. Hiking shoes recommended. Bring ample water, snacks and a smile. Binoculars/cameras for wildlife viewing optional. From L.I.E. Exit 68 or NY 27 Exit 58S, take William Floyd Parkway south to Montauk Hwy (C.R. 80), turn left, and in 2.9 miles keep right to stay on Montauk, continue another 2.1 miles to Kalers Pond Park parking lot, opposite Terrell River Park. GPS: 1 Chet Swezey Rd, Center Moriches, NY 11934. No parking fee. Snow, heavy rain cancels, light rain does not. Optional lunch afterwards. Hike end time is approximate.

6.5 miles – fast – hilly.  Info: Tammy, 631-896-1409, between 6-9pm.  We will do an out-and-back from the Trailview Parking Lot to Stillwell Lane and back.  Bring water and trail snacks.  Heavy rain/snow cancels, light rain/snow may limit the length of the hike; text morning of hike if unsure.  Directions: I-495 (L.I.E.) Exit 44N. Merge onto NY-135 N toward Syosset. Take exit 14 E (Rte. 25 or Jericho Turnpike) toward Woodbury. Turn right onto 25. Continue to the Trailview Parking Lot on your left just east of the Stop and Shop. Hike end time is approximate.

6 miles – moderate – flat, some sand – PRIOR Registration Requested: Call Sal 631-235-2059, or Email sailingsals60@gmail.com.  Join us for a walk at Fire Island National Seashore to the Lighthouse and beyond towards Atlantique. We’ll wind through quaint beach towns along streets, boardwalks and some beaches (tides permitting) before returning. Sneakers will suffice for this hike. Take Robert Moses Causeway south to end, enter the traffic circle, take 2nd right towards Parking Field 5, meet at east end of Field 5 near the boardwalk entrance. Possible parking fee. Optional lunch afterwards. Snow, heavy rain cancels, light rain does not. Optional lunch afterwards. Hike end time is approximate.

5 to 6 miles - flat with a few short but steep spots - moderate pace. Reservations required: Call Jane 631-689-1568.  Walk from the parking lot at the end of New Mill Road, loop around the pastoral landscape that used to be Blydenburgh (a.k.a. Stump) Pond and see why it was lovingly called stump pond. Pay attention to the many birds in the woods and the streams (4 of them). Look for wild animal tracks and pay attention to the flora. Compost toilets available at the start and end. Enter the park from the NORTH side. Rain, wet snow, or more than 5 inches of snow on the ground cancels this event. Hike end time is approximate.

4.5 to 5 miles – moderate –PRIOR Registration Requested: Call or Email Sal, 631-235-2059 or sailingsals60@gmail.com.  Explore several trails in the pine barrens of this county park, featuring the Sans Souci Lakes and abundant wildlife. Bring water, snacks and a smile. Hiking shoes recommended. No restroom facilities available. Meet at the Bayport trailhead: from NY 27 Exit 50 eastbound or Exit 51 westbound, go south on Broadway Ave. to Montauk Hwy., go left about 1/4 mile, and left again onto Lakeview Ave (Girl Scout Way), opposite Speedway Gas. Sans Souci Bayport trailhead sign will be on your left after about 1/4 mile). Park on the park side and meet at park sign. No Fee. GPS: 468 Lakeview Ave, Bayport, NY 11705. Snow, heavy rain cancels, light rain does not.  Optional lunch afterwards. Hike end time is approximate.

Around 12 miles – fast – varied – Info: Jeff, 631-902-3156, or e: jeffgreenberger@mac.com. Warm up your wintry morning in the beautiful Flanders Woods, then boil your blood on the dreaded three miles of sand.  En route we’ll see Owl, Sears, and Bellows Ponds, and the Maple Swamp. Meet at Sears-Bellows County Park, Bellows Pond Rd in Hampton Bays. Fast pace, only one quick stop for snacks. Inclement weather cancels, so call or text to be sure!  Hike end time is approximate.

5.3 miles – fast – hilly.  Info: Tammy, 631-896-1409, between 6-9pm. We’ll do the first few miles of the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail by continuing past Route 108 to Stillwell Lane, then we’ll turn around and retrace our steps.  This trail has some nice hills to make sure we get a great workout.  This is not a beginner hike.  Bring water and trail snacks, and a hiking pole is recommended. Heavy rain/snow cancels, light rain/snow may not; text morning of hike if unsure.  Directions: We’ll meet at the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trailhead on Harbor Rd. (NY25A), in the unpaved parking lot adjacent to the Cold Spring Harbor Library. Hike end time is approximate.

2.5 miles – hilly - moderate pace with stops. Reservations required: Call Jane 631-689-1568. Explore the scenic section of the Greenbelt trail between the Smithtown Landing Golf Course and the main building on the circle at the Kings Park Center. Stop now and then to learn about the plants and animals we encounter. The trail transverses rolling hills (some a bit steep) along the Nissequogue River in Kunz Park which provides great views, a short roadway section with houses along the river in San Remo, and a turn-around at the circle in the Kings Park State Park. If you like moderately steep hills, you’re sure to enjoy this hike and learning about nature. Meet at the farthest end of the parking lot of the Smithtown Landing Golf Course off Landing Avenue. Rain, wet snow, or more than 5 inches of snow on the ground cancels this event. Hike end time is approximate.

5 miles - moderate - hilly and beach - RSVP: Marie H. text 516-617-8614. Meet in parking lot 4 and walk on the wooded trails, cross parking area for the bluff, then on to the Nissequogue administration building before returning on the bluff trails. No entrance fee. Rain/snow (more than drizzle/flurries) cancels. Hike end time is approximate.