Cordwood Landing County Park

Location: Miller Place, NY

Size: 70 acres

Date of hike: April 2, 2022

Cordwood Landing County Park is a small parcel with a hilly trail that leads to a beautiful beach and bluff along the Long Island Sound.  It was suggested to me by a hiker named William, who was among those in attendance at a presentation I gave last month about my favorite hiking spots at the Middle County Public Library in Selden.  Having noticed my fondness for bluffs, Will reached out and recommended I check out Cordwood Landing.  And I'm happy he did!

Before exploring, I learned about the history and habitats of Cordwood Landing County Park, which is an "important parcel of space found in the heart of the Miller Place Historic District," according to the Suffolk County Parks Department's website.  Apparently, the property was previously a Girl Scout camp purchased by the county in the 1980s, with another 5.4-acre piece of land that was slated for residential development acquired by the county for open space preservation in 2017.  "Residential development on this property would negatively affect the character of the [historic district] and infringe on the beauty of the county park," said Suffolk County Legis. Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) in an article by TBR News Media.  Today, Cordwood Landing operates as a "carry-in, carry-out park" that attracts all types of outdoor aficionados.  "This spectacular property offers some extensive trails and access to the sound for hikers, fishermen, sea combers and sunbathers,” the county's website stated.  

The park's entrance is on the east side of Landing Road, just north of North Country Road, with a parking area that's large enough for about a dozen cars.  For hikers, there is a loop path that goes to a gorgeous beach and is about 1.5 miles long, according to the website AllTrails.  "It's a beautiful hike through heavily wooded forests and leads to a breathtaking bluff overlooking the sound with plenty of scenic landscape for visitors to enjoy," said the Suffolk County Legislature's website.  "Venture further down and engage in meditation to clear the head of bothersome thoughts or bask in the beach's sounds, sights and smells."  After strolling along the shore, I retreated to the trail and went east along the bluff's edge toward an overlook with a roughly 100-foot elevation, according to the county's trail map.

The hike's highlight for me was the bluff-top trail that looked down upon the shell-filled shore.  I also enjoyed scaling a handful of boulders scattered throughout the park and picturing the piles of cordwood that were stacked on the sand back in the day.  "It's said that Cordwood Landing gets its name from the flat area by the beach where cordwood was once stacked, waiting to be picked up by schooners, then loaded at low tide and transported during high tide to Manhattan," said StepOutside.org.  I also learned the land lies over a "significant" groundwater aquifer within the watershed of the Long Island Sound, according to Patch.  

Regarding wildlife, you'll see different species of butterflies around the vegetation alongside the path and a variety of birds – including a bank swallow colony that can be seen from the beach, according to the Four Harbors Audubon Society's website.  If you're into marine life, night fishing is available by permit only from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m.  And lastly, dogs are allowed.  "It's is an ideal spot to take Fido for a walk on the many trails," said the website BringFido.  

In closing, I'd definitely recommend that all local hikers visit Cordwood Landing County Park.  Although it's small, it's a worthwhile walk in the hills with a big payoff in the form of splendid bluffs and awesome views of the Long Island Sound.  Thanks for the recommendation, Will!

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