#86-- Take a Hike to a Cranberry Bog
East End hidden treasure includes fresh cranberries, 80 foot dunes and a mysterious phantom forest.
A year round 3/4 mile scenic walking trail within Hither Hills State Park in Montauk becomes a cranberry seeker's paradise in October and November. The unique combination of wetlands and forest with breathtaking views of Napeague Harbor is surely a treasure worth visiting.
The dunes are called "Walking Dunes" because strong winds cause them to move. The sand has killed most of the forest plants and trees, and it is thought that eventually this forest will become completely buried. The existing forest has found its way with its deep roots finding ground water deep beneath the sand.
A large freshwater wetland in the center of the tall dunes holds cranberry plants, which many visitors make an annual trip for in preparation for Thanksgiving.
When people are not around, the scenery is enjoyed by foxes, mice, deer and a wide variety of birds. Walkers are advised to stay on the trail due to hazards such as Poison Ivy and ticks.
Hungry Naturalist
11:58 am on Thursday, November 17, 2011
Hither Hills State Park is a beautiful spot! When visiting, keep in mind that it is illegal to collect plants (or berries) there.
New York State Parks Rules & Regulations Part 375.1(e) Injury to property. No person shall make an excavation on or injure, destroy, deface, remove, fill in, tamper with or cut any real or personal property, tree or other plant life.
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/publications/documents/NYSParksRulesRegulations.pdf
Taylor K. Vecsey
12:03 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thanks for the info!
Elaine Jones
6:03 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2011
When I was a little girl Taylor, my family used to go right to Beach Hampton and pick cranberries, blueberries, even wild grapes for jelly, blackberries. My mother used to make the best blueberry muffins from the wild blueberries. There were barely any houses in the dunes then. I have watched it grow.
PJ Delia
8:03 am on Friday, November 18, 2011
I used to just about live there at the Walking Dunes when I was a teenager. We hung out, tumbled down the dunes and enjoyed the spectacular views.
Thanks for reminding us what is right in our backyard, Carrie Ann.
Carrie Ann Salvi
12:09 am on Monday, November 21, 2011
Lucky you! i could go there every day. It really is spectacular and peaceful there.
Carrie Ann Salvi
11:58 pm on Sunday, November 20, 2011
Oops! Didn't know about the illegal cranberry picking thing.