Eastport Pine Barrens State Forest
- Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 1 Stony Brook Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (631) 444-0270; R1info@dec.ny.gov
- Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)
A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
- Location: Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 1C
- Map: GeoPDF Instructions - Eastport Pine Barrens State Forest Map (GeoPDF) || Eastport Bike Trail Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Eastport Pine Barrens State Forest is a 647-acre undeveloped property consisting of pine barrens habitat. It is located south of the Long Island Expressway between Moriches-Riverhead Road and Captain Daniel Roe Highway/Route 111. The area is open to hunting, trapping, biking, hiking, skiing and wildlife viewing.
A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is required to use this property. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.
Users must observe regulations for use of DEC-managed lands in Suffolk County.
Featured Activities
Hunting and Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Hunt for both small and big game. Hunting is allowed anywhere on the property, except on areas marked as restricted or excluded. Please abide by all hunting regulations. Consult hunting on Long Island for information on hunting opportunities and obtaining hunting permits.
See Long Island Public Hunting Areas for specifics on the types of hunting that are allowed on this property. Eastport falls under the hunting dates for the Otis Pike Preserve Cooperative Hunting Area.
For questions related to hunting on this property, call the Stony Brook office at (631) 444-0310.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There is a 9-mile long one-way single track trail that loops through the eastern part of the property that runs next to Moriches-Riverhead Road. The trail is mostly flat and crosses through both woods and open fields. This trail is maintained by Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists (CLIMB) (leaves DEC website).
Additional Rules for Bicyclists
- Bicycling is permitted on Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest, Otis Pike Preserve, Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve, Eastport Pine Barrens State Forest and Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest.
- Bicycling is allowed only on marked bicycling trails, except on the Otis Pike Preserve where only established roads may be used.
- Cyclists must wear hard-shell helmets and eye protection and shall yield to official vehicles and equipment, horseback riders and hikers.
- Bicycling is permitted on Rocky Point from April 1st through April 30th; May 1st through May 31st, after noon only; and June 1st through October 31st.
- Bicycling is permitted on Otis Pike April 1st through April 30th; May 1st through May 31st, after noon only; and June 1st through October 31st except on the Eastport section where it is permitted April 1st through April 30th; May 1st through May 31st, after noon only; and June 1st through December 31st, or as otherwise posted. Trails at these four properties may remain closed until as late as April 1,or as posted, due to excessive impacts from the late winter freeze and thaw cycles.
- Mountain biking is allowed year-round on DEC's Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve.
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The trails on the property can be used for hiking and other recreational activities.
Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
A variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians use the unique habitats of the pine barrens. Animals you might find here include white-tailed deer, red fox, opossum, Eastern cottontail, red-tailed hawk, osprey, pine warbler, turkey, bald eagle, Eastern box turtle and Eastern hognose snake.
Directions
The property is located south of the Long Island Expressway between Moriches-Riverhead Road and Captain Daniel Roe Highway/Route 111 in the Town of Brookhaven. There is one main parking area that provides access.
- Moriches-Riverhead Road parking area (40.849498°N, 72.733490°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
During hunting season, there are several other parking areas that are only available for use by hunters.
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.
All users of Eastport Pine Barrens State Forest must follow all DEC Suffolk County Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
Planning and Management
DEC is developing a management plan which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at R1.UMP@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Calverton, Eastport, Manorville and Riverhead.
- Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Eastport, Manorville and Riverhead.
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Calverton, Eastport, Manorville and Riverhead.
- Lodging can be found in the nearby community of Riverhead.
Discover Long Island (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.
Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.
Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.
Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.