Camp Hero State Park

Location: Montauk, NY 

Size: 415 acres 

Date of hike: Dec. 28, 2015

Camp Hero State Park is a former military base that's known for everything from its beautiful bluffs to rumors of secret time travel experiments near Montauk Point.  With the week off from work, I decided to hike one of the spots furthest from my home on Long Island.  While I'd heard about the park many times, I hadn't had a chance to visit it since it's over an hour-and-a-half from my town.  Well, despite the drizzle, I'm glad I finally took the trek east.  Camp Hero was super, man!

Before exploring, I familiarized myself with the history and habitats of Camp Hero State Park, which hosts the former Montauk Air Force Station.  It was initially commissioned by the U.S. Army in 1942 and is named for Maj. Gen. Andrew Hero Jr., who served as the commander of coastal artillery, according to the New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation's website.  Apparently, it operated as a coastal defense station that was disguised as a fishing village and its location was selected to help prevent a sea invasion of New York.  In 1984, the General Services Administration attempted to sell the entire facility to real estate developers, but local environmentalists protested that the site had many unique ecosystems and animal habitats.  The land was later donated to the National Park Service, which then turned it over to the state, and areas not deemed environmentally sensitive were sold off before the park was opened to the public in 2002.  "Camp Hero has diverse landscapes including heavily wooded areas, a historic military installation, and a long expanse of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean," the state's website said.  "Specific features are magnificent pristine maritime forests, fantastic ocean vistas and dramatic bluffs rising from the beach."

The park's entrance is on the south side of Montauk Highway just west of Montauk Point.  The stunning bluffs instantly captivated me, and I couldn't wait to hit the trails.  For hikers, there's an "extensive system" of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding or cross-country skiing, according to the state's website.  I started with a short stroll east to enjoy a superb view of the Montauk Point Light, which I saw was decorated in white lights for the holidays, and I then retreated west to take a trail atop the bluffs that ran parallel to the ocean shore.  The rowdy waves and ominous sky made me feel like I was right at the edge of the world.  Although signs asked visitors to stay 25 feet back, I couldn't resist inching as close as possible.  Interestingly, trickles of water have worn away the slope's crevices over time, making for some spires known as "hoodoos," according to a sign.  I should also advise hikers to look out for unexploded ordinances, which are land mines that never detonated.  "Should you come upon a UXO, do not touch it," a pamphlet said.  "Report it immediately."

The hike's highlight for me were the military installations including an abandoned radar tower and a structure called Battery 112.  The radar tower was created to guard against a surprise attack from the Soviets, while Battery 112 featured a large concrete wall built into a hill and once contained two 16-inch guns capable of firing a 2,240-pound shell more than 25 miles.  "Following the end of [World War II], the guns and supporting machinery were dismantled and sold for scrap," a sign said.  I couldn't help but wonder which installations were used in the experiments mentioned in the book, "The Montauk Project: Experiments in Time," which was written by Preston Nichols and Peter Moon in 1992.  The story alleges that experiments in time travel, teleportation and mind control occurred there in an effort to develop psychological warfare tactics.  It also inspired the Netflix hit, "Stranger Things."  

Regarding wildlife, the park offers an "undisturbed environment that shelters bountiful wildlife and an abundance of birds," the state's website said.  It also boasts some of the world's top surf fishing locations, which are open 24 hours a day year round to fishermen with a permit.  Fish species include bluefish, striped bass, and blue-spotted and eastern tiger salamander.  "It's a very popular surf fishing beach due to an underwater structure that tends to hold fish," said a description on Wikipedia.  The park's annual fishing permit for state residents is $40, or $75 for out-of-state visitors, according to the state's website.  Also, for those wondering, swimming is off limits – but pets are permitted.  And lastly, the vehicle entrance fee is $8.

My music of choice was an incredible album called This Mortal Coil, which was released by the progressive metal band Redemption in 2011.  With the wet weather, this seemed like the perfect choice since one of the record's best songs is called "Let It Rain."  The tune's theme of washing away past mistakes was right up my alley, especially with the new year coming.  "Let the water bring life, in a world of second chances, no surrender to the plague inside," belted Ray Alder.  I couldn't help but look up and feel the rain as he passionately sang.

In closing, I can safely say that Camp Hero State Park is one of the coolest parks I've visited on Long Island.  It has a little of everything: terrific trails, military history, conspiracy theories, and outstanding views of one of our most beloved landmarks.  I only wish I'd visited it sooner.  Too bad I can't use that rumored time machine to travel back and hike the park years earlier!

Map: Camp Hero State Park (Google Maps image)
Parking: 41°03'54.0"N 71°51'44.4"W
Video: Camp Hero State Park (360-degree view)

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