West Neck Beach

After a day of rain and wind on Saturday, we were itching to get out of the house. Luckily, Sunday was gorgeous and we headed to Caumsett State Park, and then to West Neck Beach.

Like most North Shore beaches, West Neck has its share of rocks and shells along the shoreline, but we like this beach for swimming, paddle surfing and kayaking. West Neck beach is not as protected as some other North Shore beaches because it opens directly into the sound. This makes for a few more waves (definitely not like the South Shore but perfect for getting some exercise). 

The surrounding area is also great for walking, biking or running. Directly outside of West Neck Beach there is a walking path that goes along the causway that leads to Caumsett. The walk provides great views of beautiful birds on both sides (like Egrets and Osprey) as well as nice views of the water. On sunny days folks are almost always fishing on the rocks. 

A walk on the causway, along the beach or in Caumsett State Park is a great activity for any time of the year but, at least for now, we're holding on to summer as long as we can. 

WEST NECK BEACH LOCATION:

off West Neck Road

Lloyd Harbor, NY 11724

631-261-7574

Row Your Boat

If you like to kayak, there are many great kayaking spots on Long Island. Depending upon the route (and your mood), the trip can be a couple of hours or an entire day. Today we're going to tell you about an approximately two-hour scenic trip. Keep in mind it could be longer if the current is strong or you can't resist stopping at a secluded beach area to enjoy the wildlife, lay out in the sun or swim.

Begin at Gold Star Battalion Beach in Huntington. If you haven't got a green pass or town sticker, you'll need to pay. We think the fee is between $5.00 and $10.00, but contact the beach at 631-261-7574. Goldstar is a great starting point because there is plenty of room to unload the kayak and park the car in the fairly large lot. 

Once in the water, paddle north, toward the channel. Take a quick break at the mouth of the channel to check out the ruins of the old lighthouse (you'll also see the newer lighthouse across the harbor). Staying on the west side of the shore, continue north and pass the interesting homes along the way. Also be sure to look for the osprey nest at the top of the channel marker. If you're there on the right day, you also may see a World War II plane flying overhead.  In the water, check out the horseshoe crabs, waterfowl and jellyfish. The scenery is beautiful and can be distracting so also be mindful of the rocks on this side of the channel. They're fairly obvious, especially when the tide is low, but it's important to be aware of them, particularly if the current is strong.

Head past the rocks to approach the more open water of the Long Island Sound. While staying along the west side of the shore, continue north and eventually come to Target Rock's half-mile rocky beach. Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge is an 80-acre park containing several ponds and an oak-hickory forest. A variety of songbirds, ducks, fish, reptiles and mammals call this area home. The piping plover forages here and an occasional harbor seal may be seen at the right time of year (between January and the end of April).

When you're ready to head back to Goldstar Battalion Beach, you may decide to paddle around the renovated Huntington Lighthouse before heading into the channel. If you're too tired, you can always come back again. Boat tours of the lighthouse are provided by the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society, the non-profit group that restored the lighthouse. 

 

Daytrippin in Caumsett State Park

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located on Long Island's North Shore, in the village of Lloyd Harbor, Caumsett (meaning "place of sharp rock,") is the perfect daytrip destination. With over 1,700 acres, there are plenty of places to hike, bike, relax or reflect. The problem - with only 12 hours in the day, it's difficult to do everything!

Before giving you some ideas, we're providing some background. This is for the history buffs (and you know who you are). 

In 1654, 3,000 acres of present-day Lloyd Harbor was sold to English settlers by the Matinecock Indians. In 1676, James Lloyd purchased the land. His son farmed there and built a home that still stands today. Then, Lloyd's grandson eventually erected the Joseph Lloyd Manor house, where he remained until he was forced away by the British during the Revolutionary War. The last of the Lloyds to own the estate, around 1841, was Henry Lloyd IV.  

By the 1880's visitors from New York City arrived in Lloyd Harbor by steamboat. In the 1900's wealthy families began building their Gold Coast estates. In 1921, 1,750 acres of land was purchased by Marshall Field III. He built the estate he named "Caumsett." The park was aquired by New York State in 1961. 

In the twenty-first century, visitors (that includes you), can come to the park to cross-country ski in winter, scuba dive and fish (with a permit) in summer, view rehabilitated wildlife at the rescue center, or bike, walk and hike anytime.  Choose to remain on the park's main, paived road or venture on to one of the many off-road trails. 

Also look for the Willow Tree Farm Equestrian Center, which provides lessons and boarding at the polo pony barn. For further information about this, you can call 631-423-1770. 

For all of you planners, there is also a calendar of organized events. Some of these include wilderness survival classes, evening hikes to search for owls, fox and deer and the Caumsett Cultural Arts Festival. 

If you come for the day, you can bring your lunch and eat on the green or at the beach. After leaving the park, stop in neighboring Huntington Village or Cold Spring Harbor for a bite to eat at one of the many top-notch restaurants.

PARK LOCATION:

25 Lloyd Harbor Road 

Huntington, NY 11743

631-423-1770

New York State Parks

caumsettfoundation.org