Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest

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• 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 Riverhead, Suffolk County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 1C
• Map: GeoPDF Instructions - Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest Map (GeoPDF) || Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest Hunting Map || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest is a 191-acre undeveloped property consisting of pine barrens habitat. It is located to the east of William Floyd Parkway and north of Middle Country Road/Route 25 in the Town of Riverhead. The area is open to hunting, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, biking 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

Wildlife Management Unit: 1C

General information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Hunt for big game only; small game hunting is not allowed. 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.

Special regulations that relate to this property are in effect for the January firearms deer hunting season.

For questions related to hunting on this property, call the Stony Brook office at (631) 444-0310.

Hiking

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Numerous 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.

Biking

General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

There is a beginner to intermediate single track 8.5-mile loop bike trail with 1.5 miles of optional advanced hill climbs. These trails are maintained by Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists (CLIMB) (leaves DEC website), along with a map of the trails.

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.

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 to the east of William Floyd Parkway and north of Middle Country Road/Route 25 in the Town of Riverhead. There is one main parking area that provides access to the property.

• Middle Country Road parking area (40.919932°N, 72.823879°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).

During hunting season, this parking area is only available for use by hunters. During the rest of the year, it can be used by all visitors to the property for any kind of recreation. There are also two one-car parking areas on Kay Road along the west side of the property that are only available during hunting season 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 Calverton 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

• Brookhaven State Park (leaves DEC website)
• Brookhaven Pine Barrens State Forest
• East Bartlett Pine Barrens State Forest
• Longwood Pine Barrens State Forest
• Otis Pike Preserve
• Panamoka Pine Barrens State Forest
• Ridge Conservation Area
• Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest
• Wildwood State Park (leaves DEC website)

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Middle Island, Ridge, Rocky Point and Wading River.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Middle Island, Rocky Point and Wading River.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Middle Island, Ridge, Riverhead, Rocky Point, Shoreham and Wading River.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Medford, Riverhead, Rocky Point and Wading River.

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.