Location: Fire Island, NY
Size: 82 acres
Date of hike: April 13, 2021
One of the best boardwalk hikes I've experienced is at the Fire Island Lighthouse, which is the tallest lighthouse on Long Island. I first went there a few years ago with my girlfriend (now fiancé), and we both loved walking amongst the dunes as the great beacon got larger with every step. We've even gone back once a year since then. Well, with a lovely day upon us amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to duck out of my virtual workday a little early and re-explore the beloved landmark.
Before setting out, I learned about the history and habitats around the Fire Island Lighthouse, which is listed at 168 feet and has 182 steps. The current structure, which started operating in 1858, apparently replaced a 74-foot stone tower that had been erected in 1826, according to FireIslandLighthouse.com. "The Fire Island Lighthouse served as an important landmark for transatlantic ships that were coming into New York Harbor at the turn of the last century," the website said. "For many European immigrants, the Fire Island Light was their first sight of land upon arrival in America." Interestingly, due to offshore sandbars that can reach up to a quarter mile from the shoreline, approximately 800 shipwrecks have occurred off the coast of Fire Island since the mid-1600s, according to the National Park Service. Today, the black and white-striped structure – which has two 1000-watt bulbs and is visible for over 20 miles – serves as a private navigation aid and is operated by the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society as part of an agreement with the National Park Service. It is also located within the Fire Island National Seashore, which was created to protect a 26-mile section of the roughly 30-mile barrier island, and was added onto the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
The lighthouse is located east of Robert Moses State Park on the western end of Fire Island, with the hike starting at the eastern end of Parking Field 5 on Robert Moses State Parkway. It features an out-and-back boardwalk path and takes three-quarters of a mile to get to the lighthouse. It's hard to resist snapping pictures of the majestic beacon at every twist and turn along the way. There are photo opportunities galore. Once you reach the landmark, there are a few paths that branch off in various directions – including one that goes to the property's old boathouse and offers a gorgeous view of the Great South Bay. Don't miss it. You can also take a short stroll south and enjoy the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Also, for those wondering, lighthouse tours are $8 for adults or $5 for seniors and children, although it was closed to us due to social-distancing restrictions. On a clear day though, you're supposed to be able to see the skyline of Manhattan. Lastly, no bikes or pets are permitted and hikers are required to "please keep off the sand dunes," according to signs.
The hike's highlights for me included the many panoramic views and seeing the location of the first lighthouse, which was an octagonal pyramid made of Connecticut River blue stone, according to FireIslandLighthouse.com. "This tower was not effective due to lack of height," the website said. "It was almost entirely removed and the stone reused to build the terrace for the present lighthouse. Today, a circular ring of bricks and stone are all that remains of the original lighthouse." Visitors can also check out the tower's old first-order fresnel lens, which the National Park Service describes as "an intricate beehive-shaped mass of brass and glass prisms that rotated on a clockwork assembly." After the 16-foot-tall lens was taken out of service, it was displayed at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia until 2000 before being eventually returned to Fire Island in 2011. There is no fee to see it today.
Regarding wildlife, the lighthouse's land has everything from deer to piping plovers to seals – the latter of which we stumbled across on the shore along the Great South Bay. We notified the New York Marine Rescue Center, which asked us to send them photos and videos of the marine mammal, and they ultimately determined that it was not in distress and advised us to stay 150 feet away. I must say, this is the first seal I've seen while hiking and it was surreal. On a separate note, I saw a sign that stated the land in this area is being used as part of an experimental tick system that attracts deer with trays of hard corn. "As deer lean in to eat, their head, neck and shoulders rub against rollers that contain a tickicide," the sign said.
My music of choice on this day consisted only of the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. In fact, I didn't even bring my iPod, since I've been listening to less music on recent hikes in an effort to further immerse myself into the environment. Needless to say, this was the ideal hike on which to go silent. The crashing waves in the distance lulled me into a tranquil state and I immediately found myself at peace in the wilderness, which is my goal with any hike. Sometimes the natural world itself can be the best disc jockey, as proven by Fire Island.
In closing, I'd recommend that all lovers of the outdoors hike to the Fire Island Lighthouse. This spot has something for everyone – whether you like wildlife, water or local landmarks. And, of course, the boardwalk provides a nice twist by making the stroll more manageable, meaning it's the perfect hike for all skill levels. So, get out there and experience the light!
Parking: 40°37'43.2"N 73°13'45.5"W
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