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Rocky Point Natural Resource Management Area

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Rocky Point locator map

The Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area includes nearly 6,000 acres of pine-oak forest and open lands in the Town of Brookhaven in north-central Suffolk County. The area was once operated by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) as a global communications center but that function became obsolete with the arrival of earth orbiting communication satellites. The Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area also includes the nearby Ridge Conservation Area described below.

Recreation

The Rocky Point Natural Resource Management Area provides miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails as well as dog training and a variety of seasonal hunting opportunities. The 20 mile mountain bike trail is especially popular. Links to recreational maps are at the top of this page.

A seasonal access permit is required for all activities on all NYSDEC managed lands on Long Island with the exception of the Ridge Conservation Area.

Within the Rocky Point Natural Resource Management Area, access by daily permit is required Nov. 1 - Dec. 31 & within January Deer Season (reservations are required for weekends, holidays and January Deer Season). Access by seasonal permit Jan. 2 - Oct. 31.

Consult hunting on Long Island for information on hunting opportunities and obtaining hunting permits.

Recreationists must observe regulations for use of NYSDEC managed lands in Suffolk County.

Ridge Conservation Area

Wooden pier stretching out into Randall Pond
Fishing pier at Randall Pond

This area includes the Ridge Hunter Check Station and Randall Pond Nature Trail.

  • Randall Pond Nature Trail: 184 acres of mixed wooded and open habitats. Marked trails and a descriptive brochure help visitors explore the property that includes 81 acres of reverting farm fields, 85 acres of forest, and 4 acres of fishable ponds. Hiking, fishing, dog training, and falconry areas are available.
  • Ridge Hunter Check Station serves as a check point for hunters using DEC property under a daily access permit, and to check game taken on these properties. The check station is open Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00 - 6:00 PM from October 1 thru the end of October. It is open from 45 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, 7 days a week from November 1 through December 31 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). It is open Monday through Friday, 45 minutes before sunrise to 6 pm for the days of the January Firearms deer season.

See information on Watchable Wildlife at Ridge Conservation Area.

See information on fishing Randall Pond.

Directions to Ridge Conservation Area: Rt. 495 (L.I.E.) exit 68, north on William Floyd Parkway (CR 46) to Rt. 25 west, 1/4 mile to right turn on Randall Road, entrance 300' on left side.

Ridge Conservation Area Hours: Trail open daily 8:30 AM to 5PM

Ridge Conservation Area Permits: Permits required for activities other than hiking and fishing. Call the Ridge Check Station at (631) 924-3156 (November - January) or see the Important Links section at the right for more information on permits.

Accessible Features

accessible recreation logo

Randall Pond at Ridge Conservation Area

The Randall Pond site features several accessible features. A picnic area is located near the DEC field headquarters. A trail runs around Randall Pond, with designated parking at each end. There are three accessible fishing piers dispersed along the trail. For directions, see above.

Full listing of DEC's Accessible Recreation Destinations.

Field Notes

The lands of the Rocky Point Natural Management Area are comprised primarily of oak woodland and pine barrens habitat.

Tips for Using State Forests

Familiarize yourself with state forest rules and regulations which protect the forest and the environment.

Driving Directions

From the Long Island Expressway, take Exit 67N (County Rte. 21 - Rocky Point Road). Follow north 6 miles to Whiskey Road. Turn right on Whiskey Road, main entrance to property on left. Parking areas are located on Route 25A in Rocky Point, Rocky Point Road (bike trail access only), and Whiskey Road. Permit station for property is located at the Ridge Conservation Area.


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