SAT OCT 17 – HISTORIC MONTAUK - HIKE FROM FIRST HOUSE TO SECOND HOUSE:

10:00 AM to 1:30 PM – approx. 5 miles – moderate pace – varied terrain – Info: Rick, call or text (631) 275-8539, richardwhalen@optonline.net

The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference, joining with the East Hampton Trails Preservation Society, honors America on our nation’s 250th Anniversary with a pair of hikes linking Montauk’s historic cattle keeper’s houses. For two-and-a-half centuries Montauk was a 10,000-acre pastureland with thousands of cattle and sheep roaming the peninsula’s grassy hills each summer. Montauk’s cattle days lasted almost as long as the United States has existed: approximately 240 years, or from roughly 1655 to 1895. On Saturday we’ll hoof it from the site of the westernmost herdsman’s house - known as First House - to Second House. Along the way we’ll hike through Hither Woods, passing famous Split Rock, the Devil’s Cradle, Ram Level, and Panorama. First House, built in 1798, burned down in 1909. The current Second House was built in 1797 and is now a museum. Meet 10:00 a.m. at the parking lot for Kirk Park Beach, south side of Route 27 in downtown Montauk. We will bus to the hike start point. Donations to defray busing expenses would be appreciated. Bring snacks & liquids. Hike end time is approximate. Refreshments will be provided after the hike.