Tackapausha Preserve

Location: Seaford, NY

Size: 84 acres

Date of hike: July 22, 2016 

Tackapausha Preserve is the oldest preserve in Nassau County and consists of a narrow tract of land that surrounds Seaford Creek.  I decided to hike the preserve somewhat spontaneously after running an errand in nearby Bellmore.  Since I don't often visit that area, it seemed like a good opportunity to see what parks and preserves were in my vicinity using Google Maps.  That's when I targeted the tiny Tackapausha.  Needless to say, I'm glad I did.

Before exploring, I familiarized myself with the history and habitats of Tackapausha Preserve, which was the first-ever preserve land acquired by Nassau County in 1938.  It is home to the county's largest stand of Atlantic white cedar trees, which are located in a swamp just north of the Tackapausha Pond near Merrick Road, and is considered a "sanctuary of oak forests, ponds, streams, small mammals and scores of bird species," according to Nassau County.  Geographically, the property is around 1,000 feet wide and 1.5 miles long with nature trails along the east and west edges of the freshwater Seaford Creek.  "Tackapausha provides residents with the opportunity to enjoy a physically, and spiritually, invigorating hike in a convenient and accessible location," the county's website said.  The parcel also hosts a 3,000-square-foot museum with displays on local ecology, as well as animal exhibits and interactive activities for children, and it was named in honor of Chief Sachem Tackapausha, who gave white men a deed to what became Massapequa Park.  Lastly, pets are prohibited.

The preserve is on the north side of Merrick Road between Seaford and Washington avenues, with a parking lot located in front of the Tackapausha Museum at 2225 Washington Avenue.  You'll find a trailhead near the northeast corner of the museum's parking lot.  The land has three sections divided by major roadways: a southern section between Merrick Road and Sunrise Highway (NY Route 27), a central section between Sunrise Highway and Clark Avenue, and a northern section between Clark and Jerusalem avenues.  As for the trails, Nassau County's website said that Tackpausha boasts "five miles of clearly marked trails," but the website AllTrails said it has a 3.7-mile out-and-back trail.  The paths are all marked with white blazes and are open for cross-country skiing in the winter, according to Newsday.  There are also a handful of gates that offer access to the trails from adjacent neighborhoods. 

 

The hike's highlights for me included the beautiful Tackpausha Pond and a graffiti-filled underpass of the Long Island Rail Road.  Tackapausha Pond, which is in the preserve's southern section near Merrick Road, is surrounded by benches and bridges with homes and stores just a stone's throw away.  Don't forget to see the aforementioned cedar trees.  Meanwhile, the colorful underpass is in the preserve's central section just north of Sunrise Highway.  I was anxious approaching the train tunnel since it was very dark, but my vision adjusted with every step.  Also, a short walk past the tracks are two strange gears and a secluded pond perfect for pics.  They're worth the trek across the highway, if you ask me. 

Regarding wildlife, the preserve features more than 170 bird species.  "Bird watchers often hike the trails with lawn chairs in tow seeking out species commonly found at the preserve, such as the ruby-throated hummingbird and Egyptian fruit bats," the county's website said.  For those wondering, the museum (which was established in 1965) is open on Thursdays through Sundays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., according to the county.  Entry is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and children five and over, and free for children under five.  

In closing, I'd definitely recommend Tackapausha Preserve to people seeking a quick hike in southeastern Nassau County.  But look to incorporate the sections north of Sunrise Highway, even if it means muffling the rumble of trucks with some epic progressive metal on your iPod (like I did).  Basically, if you're a diehard hiker, the county's first preserve is a must-see spot.

(Updated: Oct. 5, 2020)

Map: Tackapausha Preserve (Google Maps image)
Parking: 40°40'06.2"N 73°29'01.1"W
Video: Tackapausha Preserve (360-degree view)

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