🏔hikingEasy

Hamptons Coastal & Nature Reserve Loop

P
Planned by Pedro Ferras

Explore the scenic beauty of eastern Long Island with this 2-day hiking adventure through the Hamptons, featuring pristine beaches, coastal trails, and protected nature reserves. Discover salt marshes, maritime forests, and Atlantic Ocean vistas while visiting some of the East End's most accessible and rewarding trails.

18 km
Distance
120 m
Elevation gain
2 days
Duration
Easy
Difficulty

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Montauk Point Lighthouse & Vicinity

8 km60 m~3 hrs

Start at Montauk Point State Park, the easternmost tip of Long Island. Walk the rocky shoreline around the iconic 1797 lighthouse, exploring tide pools and dramatic bluff-top views. The trail winds along the Atlantic coast with Atlantic Ocean vistas to the east and north. This area offers excellent geology exposure with glacial erratics and wave-cut platforms. Visit the nearby Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum. The terrain is mostly level coastal walking with some uneven rocky sections.

Montauk Point LighthouseRocky shoreline tide pool areasBluff-top overlooksLighthouse Museum

🏠 Montauk Manor Hotel or East End Camping

Day 2

Napeague State Park & Hither Hills Loop

10 km60 m~3.5 hrs

Hike through Hither Hills State Park, featuring rare sand dunes and maritime forest. The trail traverses the Old Montauk Highway alignment through protected habitat, offering views of Napeague Bay and the Atlantic. Walk along Napeague State Park's pristine sandy shoreline and explore the salt marsh ecosystem. This area is important breeding ground for piping plovers and least terns. Stay on marked trails to protect nesting birds. The terrain includes sandy dunes, forest paths, and beach walking with minimal elevation change.

Hither Hills State Park entranceSand dune overlooksMaritime forest sectionsNapeague Bay viewpointBeach access area

🏠 Montauk Manor Hotel or return to East End Camping

Conditions

Best season: April–October (June–September warmest; May and September ideal for moderate weather)

Trails are well-maintained and family-friendly. Bring extra water due to sandy terrain and limited water sources. Peak season (summer weekends) can be crowded; arrive early or visit May/September for better conditions. Tide pools best explored 1-2 hours before/after low tide. Beach driving is prohibited on most sections. No backcountry camping; day hiking or stay in nearby accommodations.

⚠️Strong Atlantic winds and rip currents if swimming
⚠️Intense sun exposure on open beaches and dunes
⚠️Poison ivy in maritime forests — learn to identify and avoid
⚠️Nesting bird closure areas (April–August) — stay on marked trails
⚠️Sandy terrain causes slower walking and can tire legs quickly
⚠️Limited shade on beach sections

1 Comment

Log in to comment.

P

Hey! This trip looks sweet!

Plan your own adventure

Davai uses AI to generate full itineraries, gear lists, conditions, and permit info for any outdoor adventure.

Get started freeFind a guide