A True Hidden Gem, The 6,000-Acre Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest Is Perfect For New York Nature Lovers
By Christy Articola|Published October 07, 2022
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
If you’re looking for a real hidden gem for nature lovers in New York, then head on out to Rocky Point in Suffolk County on Long Island and check out the Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest. You’ll be amazed at the beauty and remoteness of this 6,000-acre state forest that you’ve probably never heard of before. This state forest preserve has hiking trails, mountain biking trails, abundant wildlife, and lots and lots of trees and silence. You’ll love it. Read on to learn more.
You're going to love the Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest. Lots of people don't even know that this place exists, including people who live close by.
For many years, this area was operated by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) as a global communications center. However, due to advancements in communications technology such as satellites, this space is no longer needed for that purpose. That's why today, it's undeveloped, protected, and open to the general public.
What are pine barrens, anyway? A pine barrens is an ecosystem that has sandy, nutrient poor soils, acidic water, and plants and soil that is adapted to fire. Long ago, this area was the ocean floor.
You'll also see abundant wildlife here. White-tailed deer are only the beginning. Opossums, raccoons, woodchucks, owls, herons, and a wide variety of songbirds all live in this forest.
You're going to love your visit and exploration of this amazing and diverse state forest. If you find yourself in Suffolk County, and realize you just want to get away from it all, there's no better place than the Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest.
Many people don’t realize that there are so many incredible parks and open, quiet spaces on Long Island – including many of the people who live on Long Island. If you are a Long Island resident or visit this area, get out and explore it. You’ll be amazed at what you find!
