The North Fork of Long Island is a great place to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. There are many natural attractions that you can visit and explore, but two of them stand out for their beauty and diversity: Laurel Lake Preserve and North Fork Preserve County Park. These two preserves have different trails, wildlife, and views that will make you admire the beauty and diversity of this region.

Laurel Lake Preserve

Laurel Lake Preserve is a 500-acre property that has a 30-acre lake that was created by a large kettle hole more than 10,000 years ago. The lake has a variety of fish species, such as largemouth bass and rainbow trout, as well as ducks, bullfrogs, snapping turtles and even otters. You can also fish or ice fish on the lake, depending on the season.

The preserve also has 14 miles of hiking trails that go through a hardwood forest dominated by oaks, hickories, beeches, and maples. The trails offer a chance to see a variety of wildlife, such as owls, foxes, woodchucks, deer and squirrels. You can also spot birds such as downy and red-bellied woodpeckers, red tailed and fish hawks, great crested flycatcher, eastern phoebe, blue winged warbler, and northern parula.

To access the trails, you can park at the trailhead located at 5501 NY-25 in Laurel. There are maps and signs to guide you along the way. The trails are open from dawn to dusk year-round.

Some of the highlights of the trails are:

• The Laurel Loop Trail, which is a 2-mile loop that goes around the lake and offers scenic views of the water and the surrounding forest.
• The Cedar Trail, which is a 0.6-mile trail that connects the Laurel Loop Trail to the Main Road Trailhead. It passes through a cedar grove and crosses a small stream.
• The Dogwood Trail, which is a 0.4-mile trail that branches off from the Laurel Loop Trail and leads to a dogwood grove that blooms in spring.
• The Laurel Trail, which is a 0.3-mile trail that branches off from the Laurel Loop Trail and leads to a laurel grove that blooms in late spring or early summer.

North Fork Preserve County Park

North Fork Preserve County Park is a 306-acre park that was acquired by Suffolk County and the Town of Riverhead in 2011. The park is divided into two sections: the northern 125 acres are designated for passive recreation only, while the southern 175 acres are planned for active recreation.

The passive recreation section features wetlands, woodlands, and fields that provide habitat for various plants and animals. You can explore the trails that go around Inlet Pond, a freshwater pond with a muskrat den, or walk along the sandy beach of Long Island Sound. You can also enjoy birdwatching or photography in this peaceful setting.

The active recreation section is still under development, but plans include an area for recreational vehicle camping, tent camping, youth camping, cabins, picnic area, playing fields and basketball courts. The park will also have restrooms and showers for visitors.

To access the park, you can park at 349 Pennys Rd in Riverhead. The park is open from sunrise to sunset year-round.

Some of the attractions of the park are:

• The Inlet Pond Trail, which is a 1.5-mile loop that goes around Inlet Pond and offers views of the pond and its wildlife. You can also see an old hunting cabin along the way.
• The Sound Shore Trail, which is a 0.8-mile trail that goes along the shore of Long Island Sound and offers views of the water and its wildlife. You can also see an old duck blind along the way.
• The Wetlands Trail, which is a 0.6-mile trail that goes through the wetlands and offers views of the marsh and its wildlife. You can also see an old hunting lodge along the way.

Conclusion

Laurel Lake Preserve and North Fork Preserve County Park are two gems on the North Fork that offer a range of outdoor activities for all ages and interests. Whether you want to hike, bike, fish, camp or just enjoy nature, you will find something to suit your taste at these preserves. So grab your gear and head out to these wonderful destinations for a day of walking and exploring!