A Mike Who Likes to Hike

Cathedral Pines County Park

Location: Middle Island, NY

Size: 320 acres

Date of hike: July 11, 2014

Cathedral Pines County Park is a popular spot for camping, hiking and mountain biking along the headwaters of the Carmans River. It was suggested to me by a cable repairman who visited my home this week and noticed my old mountain bike collecting dust. Without hesitation, he began to praise the biking trails in Cathedral Pines. Needless to say, I listened. And just few days later, I was there. But despite having a bike, I decided to hike.

Before setting out, I learned about the history and habitats of Cathedral Pines County Park. The small park – which is open to biking, camping, hiking, horseback riding and picnicking – includes 10 camp sites with water and electric hookups as well as a nearly six-mile biking and hiking trail that is maintained by the regional nonprofit CLIMB (Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists), according to the Suffolk County Parks Department's website. A trail map is available on the county's website. "For safety and prevention of erosion, the trail is one way," the map said. "Use the trail at your own risk, and ride in control and within your ability at all times." The property is also situated along the headwaters of the 10-mile-long Carmans River, which is one of the four largest rivers on Long Island, and is adjacent to the Prosser Pines Nature Preserve, which is a popular site for local photographers and hosts a "majestic stand of white pines planted in 1812," the county said. Lastly, pets are permitted.

The park's entrance is on Yaphank Middle Island Road just south of Middle Country Road (NY Route 25). Upon arrival, I saw a series of big fields that were surrounded by tall trees – the latter of which is where the hiking and biking occurs. There were also a dozen or so campers and tents set up in each wooded nook. "This is a very popular location for hiking, mountain biking and trail running, so you'll likely encounter other people while you explore," said the website AllTrails. I parked near a trailhead just a stone's throw from the entrance and slowly followed the zigzagging path through an endless maze of impressive pine trees. There were also millions of pine needles covering the ground and acting as a natural carpet beneath my feet. It felt like I was in walking in a pine tree paradise. I loved every moment.

The hike's highlight for me was losing myself within the sights and scents of the high pines. They instantly instilled a sense of deep peace. I focused on the feeling and soaked it in as much as possible. To further embrace my relaxed state, I threw on Anathema's new album, Distant Satellites, which was just released last month. The UK-based band has a fantastic catalog of emotional progressive rock that seems to go well with walking in the wilderness. My favorite tune on their latest effort is "The Lost Song, Part 2." "The feeling is more than I've ever known; I can't believe it was just an illusion," sang Lee Douglas. I sang with her.

Regarding wildlife, you'll find everything from white-tailed deer to an array of beautiful birds. Meanwhile, plants species range from pink lady's slippers to yellow irises. Also, keep an eye out for ticks. To my dismay, the first thing I saw after my hike was a little tick with a white dot on my left arm. An adult female, I later learned. Then, I found two more on my right arm. The tick trio freaked me out, but I didn't let it affect the deep peace I achieved.

All in all, I'd definitely recommend checking out Cathedral Pines County Park, particularly if you like biking or camping. This park gives visitors a chance to dabble in different activities amongst the peacefulness of pines. And, for me, nothing is better than a hike in the pines.

(Updated: July 6, 2018)