Montauk Point State Park Location: Montauk, NY
Size:
862 acres
Date of
hike: Dec. 30, 2014
Prior to hiking, I did some research on the history and habitats of Montauk Point State Park. The popular park, which attracted over 816,000 visitors in 2014, offers everything from hiking to hunting and surfing to snowshoeing alongside "stunning views" of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound, according to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation's website. "The view is unique because when the waters are calm visitors can clearly see the 'races' of converging tides from the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound," the website said. "Park visitors can also use its nature trails to hike and cross-country ski, or spend time watching seals sun on the rocks offshore." The park is perhaps best known for its 110-foot lighthouse, which was the country's first-ever public works project and was commissioned by U.S. President George Washington in 1792, according to its website. Today, it's the nation's fourth oldest active lighthouse and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2012. "Whether you're in town for one week or one day, no visit to Montauk is complete without experiencing the top of the lighthouse," the website stated.
Upon parking, my initial reaction was to just stand still and admire the legendary lighthouse, which is surprisingly closed from Dec. 1 through March 21. Although I was excited to climb the 137 iron steps to its summit, I had to instead settle for exploring those erosion-reducing boulders strategically assembled behind the great beacon. I started along the lighthouse's south side near Turtle Cove and hopped from rock to rock as waves crashed and splashed. The view from the rocks was remarkable to say the least, with nothing but water for miles. For a moment, I was actually the easternmost person on Long Island. After reaching the north side of the lighthouse, I went right to hiking. The park has a handful of scenic trails, along with a small section of the 47-mile Paumanok Path that spans from Rocky Point to Montauk Point. The marked trails are Oyster Pond (2.5 miles), Ogden Brook (1.5 miles), Money Pond (1.2 miles) and Seal Haulout (0.9 miles). A joint trail map is posted on the state's website for both Montauk Point State Park and adjacent Camp Hero State Park.
My hike began on the beach just west of the lighthouse, which became increasingly distant until it looked like a tiny toy. Within minutes, I passed a memorial in which dozens of loved ones had written heartfelt messages on small stones. "Shaun, Thanksgiving is almost here, you will be seated at the table enjoying our feast and you will always be with me at my side," read one rock. It gave me goosebumps. I took an unmarked path inland until it intersected with Oyster Pond Trail, which mostly parallels the beach bordering the Block Island Sound. That trail took me to Oyster Pond, a brackish body of water that's home to birds including herons and harriers and wildlife like blue-spotted salamanders and southern leopard frogs. "[Oyster Pond] is considered the largest, highest quality example of a coastal salt pond community in New York State," said the New York State Department of State's website.
The Oyster Pond Trail briefly merges with the Paumanok Path before intersecting with the Seal Haulout Trail just north of Sunrise Highway (NY Route 27). A random woman warned me there weren't any seals since the weather was warm in recent weeks, but I still went all the way to the observation area. A handful of informational displays helped educate visitors on the types of seals that frequent the beach, among other things. "It's a federal offense to disturb or harass seals," one sign said. "To minimize the chance of disturbing them while they bask on the rocks here, please view the seals from the bluff areas behind the fence." From what I recall, the seals like to sunbathe on the rocks between November and April. While I was disappointed I didn't see one measly seal, the view was well worth the walk.
For the day's last path, I backtracked along Seal Haulout Trail until I hit Money Pond Trail. That trail lived up to its hype online, but it would've been impossible to follow due to fallen leaves if not for several well-placed blazes. I later learned that Money Pond got its name because Captain Kidd was rumored to have buried treasure there. I love legends like that. The trail eventually led me back to the highway a stone's throw northwest of the lighthouse. Since I wasn't sure when I'd make my next trek out to remote Montauk, I decided to re-hike Money Pond. But first, I set my iPod to John Petrucci's 2005 album, Suspended Animation.
For those wondering, surfing is permitted from Dec. 15 until March 31, deer hunting (archery) is permitted on weekdays from Nov. 1 until Dec. 31, and deer hunting (firearms) is permitted on weekdays from Jan. 6-31, according to the state's website. Small game hunting is also allowed from Dec. 1 until Feb. 29, except for weekends and holidays. Fishing is permitted with a sport fishing permit, and permits are needed for night fishing and beach vehicles too. Lastly, there's a maximum of two pets for day-use areas and the vehicle entrance fee is $8.
In summary, I'd say this park is a "must see" for all Long Islanders. Even if you just sit by the lighthouse and watch the waves, Montauk Point emits a feeling that can't be matched. Just be sure to check the hours of operation in case you want to go inside the lighthouse. But even if you don't get to the top, you'll still have a memorable time exploring "The End."
Map: Montauk Point State Park (Google Maps image)
Parking: 41°04'19.9"N 71°51'33.8"W
Video: Montauk Point State Park (360-degree view)
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