Chandler Preserve

Location: Mount Sinai, NY 

Size: 100 acres 

Date of hike: March 27, 2016

Chandler Preserve is a small and hilly undeveloped parcel with a beautiful beach that borders the Mount Sinai Harbor.  I found it while driving along Long Island's North Shore and targeting the closest patch of green on Google Maps.  Within minutes, I had arrived.  But, to my surprise, there were no signs with the preserve's name or any parking areas at all.  The land was just sort of... there.

Prior to hiking, I tried to familiarize myself with the history and habitats of Chandler Preserve, which is maintained by the Port Jefferson Rotary Club.  But there was no information online.  In fact, I couldn't even find an approximate acreage, so the size listed above is an estimate.  The few details I was able to collect were that Google Maps identifies the pretty parcel as Chandler Preserve and refers to its northern area as something called "Pipe Stave Hollow."  From there, I came across a webpage describing Pipe Stave Hollow as "a valley in Suffolk County" as well as an article printed by The New York Times in 1996 that called the site a "forested freshwater drainage swale that requires the cleanup and control of exotic species."  I also learned that the name "Pipe Stave Hollow" is derived from the "many wooden staves which were cut in the area" in an effort to construct wooden pipes, according to the Mount Sinai School District's website.  Lastly, for those wondering, leashed pets are permitted.

The preserve's entrance is located in a cemetery at the Mount Sinai Congregational Church.  Interestingly, a gate states you are entering Suffolk County parkland, but nothing indicates that it's called "Chandler Preserve."  For hikers, I should note the trails are unmarked and often branch off in different directions, but if you go north and west you'll eventually reach Mount Sinai Harbor.  There, the water was probably among the calmest and clearest I've seen on Long Island.  I was itching to take a dip, but a sign said swimming is prohibited.  One of the coolest spots was a bluff with a terrific view of the 400-acre harbor, which can accommodate approximately 500 boats, according to the Mount Sinai Sailing Association.  "The fish and wildlife habitat consists of salt marsh, mudflats and open water," the site said.

The hike's highlights for me included a set of dilapidated steps embedded into a hill and the graffiti-filled foundation of a nonexistent house.  Yes, I'm a sucker for abandoned structures.  Apparently, a few artifacts have also been found on the land, according to the University of Pennsylvania's Museum of Archeology and Anthropology.  One artifact was a whelk, which was found in 1972, that had been fashioned into a pendant and featured a series of incised lines that seemed to be "short straight tally marks," said the museum's website.  Another artifact was a "small and well-worn piece of deer bone" that bore similar incised markings.

My musical accompaniment was Riverside's 2015 album, Love, Fear and the Time Machine.  I've been listening to the Polish progressive metal band a lot more in recent months, having purchased their entire discography following the tragic passing of guitarist Piotr Grudziński.  The tender tunes really hit the spot, helping me explore my life's paths as I simultaneously explored the paths of the peaceful preserve.  Sometimes we can all use a good "inner hike."

All in all, I'd say Chandler Preserve, aka "Pipe Stave Hollow," was a very pleasant surprise.  I'd definitely recommend a visit if you live in the vicinity and are craving a quick little hike.  Believe me, there's nothing "hollow" about this preserve.  It's jam-packed with beauty.

(Updated: June 20, 2020)

Map: Chandler Preserve (Google Maps image)
Parking: 40°57'13.0"N 73°01'07.5"W

Video: Chandler Preserve (360-degree view)

Click here for more photos