Cranberry Bog Preserve on Long Island is a great place to go for a short and easy hike with some history and nature. This 165-acre preserve is in Riverhead, New York, and it helps drain the Peconic River and store fresh water for Long Island.

The Story of Cranberry Bog Preserve

The preserve used to be a cranberry farm that the Woodhull family started in the late 1800s. They found that the wetlands, bogs and marshes around the area were perfect for growing cranberries. They made dams, ditches and a pump house to water the cranberry fields. They also cut ice from the pond in the winter and kept it in an ice house to preserve the cranberries. The farm lasted until the 1930s, when bad weather and diseases destroyed most of the cranberry crop.

What to Expect at Cranberry Bog Preserve

Now, the preserve is a popular spot for hiking, walking, running and watching birds. The main feature is the 0.9-mile loop trail that goes around Sweezy Pond, a beautiful lake that mirrors the sky and trees. On the way, you can see views of the pond, different plants, birds, reptiles and other animals. You might also see some signs of the old cranberry farm, like the pump house, ditches and dams.

The trail is flat and well-kept, so it’s good for all levels and ages. Dogs are allowed, but they have to be on a leash. The trail is open all year and has different things to see depending on the season. In the summer, you can smell the sweet pepper bush that fills the air and see dragonflies and frogs near the water. In the winter, you can see more of the pond and watch great blue herons and kingfishers fishing.

The preserve is on the west side of Lake Avenue in Riverhead, about a mile south of the traffic circle by the river. Look for a sign that shows the entrance to the preserve. There’s a small off-road parking area. You have to walk in to the loop trail which starts at the end of an old tar roadway.

Summary

Cranberry Bog Preserve is a hidden treasure that shows you Long Island’s history and nature. It’s a great place to have a peaceful walk around a lovely pond and learn about the former cranberry business that once flourished there. If you are looking for a quick and easy hike with some interesting sights, you should definitely visit Cranberry Bog Preserve on Long Island.