With Kids: Five local hikes for all levels and ages

Walking in nature is encouraged year-round, not only for the physical benefits but also for mental wellness and connectedness to the local land. In our family, we aim for at least one hike per week (year-round!) but have found that the more time walking through the various North Fork trails, the better — we always end happier and more grounded than we started.

Winter is the perfect season for hiking on the North Fork. Although there is less sunlight, there are also fewer ticks, clearer paths, and often, more plentiful water views. There are dozens of walking trails on the North Fork but these are our top five family-friendly picks for hiking locally in winter. Oh, and don’t forget to bundle those kids up properly for the most enjoyable hike for all. See you on the trails!

Wolf Preserve, Southold

Families with strollers or wheelchairs, this gem is for you! Nestled on the Main Bayview Peninsula in Southold, this Peconic Land Trust property is comprised of 23 acres with three nature trails winding throughout: the Western Trail, the Eastern Trail, and the new North Bayview Trail, which connects Wolf Preserve with the neighboring Reese Preserve. Each trail option is unique in its offering. The Western Trail is a favorite during early fall but is closed from Oct. 1 through Jan. 31 while the Wildlife Management Program is underway. During this time, we’d recommend the Eastern Trail loop (⅓ miles) and a stroll around the meadow loop. This hiking destination is open to the public and provides a small parking lot at the trail head.

11613-12455 Main Bayview Road, Southold

Downs Farm Preserve, Cutchogue

Of all the North Fork walking trails, Downs Farm Preserve may be the best for families with younger kids. Perfect for older toddlers who refuse the stroller or hiking backpack and demand to walk on their own, this less-than-one-mile loop trail is the ideal walk for little legs. The terrain is mostly flat with few obstructions. While you can view Downs Creek from the trail, there are no water access points that could tempt the smallest hikers to go for a swim. Catch a view of the McCall cattle and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife that surrounds. Special events and walks are often coordinated by Group for the East End. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk, daily. Town of Southold parking permits are required to park though not strictly enforced in the off-season.

23800 Main Road, Cutchogue

Arshamomaque Preserve, Greenport

This preserve holds a secret at the mid-point of the trail that leaves us squealing with excitement each time we discover it… a tower (aka “treehouse”) that you can climb to overlook beautiful Arshamomaque Pond, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of an otter. Arshamomaque Preserve’s full trail loop is 1.2 miles long and is comprised of mostly flat terrain and diverse landscapes. There are also a few walking bridges that carry you over the wetlands which add a bit of excitement for younger hikers as well. Town of Southold parking permits are required to park though not strictly enforced in the off-season. 

920 Chapel Lane, Greenport

Sound View Dunes Park, Southold

A favorite for its many diverse habitats and terrains such as beaches, dunes, forests, and wetlands. Sound View Dunes Park checks all of the boxes. The full trail is moderately challenging with more hills than most North Fork trails. Still determined-kid-friendly, this trail consists of a 1.6-mile loop with views of the Long Island Sound and direct beach access. The trail is well-maintained and clean with multiple small walking bridges. Town of Southold parking permits are required to park though not strictly enforced in the off-season. 

4201 Soundview Ave., Southold

Hallock State Park Preserve, Riverhead

This NY State Park is open year-round to the public with direct beach access to the Long Island Sound making it an ideal spot to visit if you’re day-tripping on the North Fork. What we like most about Hallock State Park Preserve is that you can create your own journey depending on how you and your petite crew are feeling at the moment. Excited and eager? Commit to the full blue trail, a 1.1-mile walk around the full preserve (plus the gravel trail at .02 miles). Or if you are in the mood for the same level of beauty but need a shorter hike, the yellow trail is the way to go at only .2 miles (note: you’ll have to walk part of the blue trail as well as the gravel trail at .2 miles to make this a loop trail but it’s still very doable with children) The gravel trail, which extends northeast from the parking lot, not only leads you to the start of the blue trail but also to the red trail which is the trail that delivers direct beach access to a stretch of serene Long Island Sound shorefront. The preserve’s terrain is diverse offering dunes, forests, and wetlands. And while the preserve’s trails are considered moderately challenging for the hills and dunes they’re still hikeable for young, determined hikers. 

6062 Sound Ave., Riverhead