Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year round, except for shotgun season (first Sunday in January to January 31st); Refer to hunting section for hunting access limitations
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 1 Stony Brook Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (631) 444-0270; [email protected]
- 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: Towns of Riverhead and Brookhaven, Suffolk County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 1C
- Map: GeoPDF Instructions - Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forests (GeoPDF) || Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest - East and Canoe Lake (GeoPDF) || Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest - Fresh Pond (GeoPDF) || Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest - South River Road and Nugent Drive (GeoPDF) || Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest - Toppings Path (GeoPDF) || Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest - West (GeoPDF) || Otis Pike Cooperative Hunting Area map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The Otis Pike Preserve Complex consists of approximately 5,400 acres of mixed oak, pine barrens and open habitat. This cooperative hunting area includes DEC's Otis Pike Preserve and Eastport Pine Barrens State Forest as well as neighboring county lands. The Peconic River runs through the area and there are many small ponds.
DEC's Otis Pike Preserve contains 3,801 acres made up of a number smaller parcels that are in close proximity to one another. The Canoe Lake (37.39 acres), East (818 acres), West (855 acres), Toppings Path (1,164 acres), Nugent Drive (266 acres), Fresh Pond (492 acres) and South River Road (169 acres) parcels are all unique and offer various recreational opportunities.
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 & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations.
The Otis Pike Cooperative Hunting Area (see map, PDF) provides a cohesive area for hunters to access public hunting lands across ownership. Please be sure to check the map to make sure you do not enter a "Restricted - No Hunting" area. Long Island Public Hunting Areas, Public Hunting Opportunities in Suffolk County Long Island and January Firearms Deer Hunting Season in Suffolk County will provide more information on the hunting opportunities for this area.
Please check Public Hunting Opportunities in Suffolk County Long Island for permit information.
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
The Otis Pike Preserve complex of properties contains more than 30 miles of paved roads, unpaved Public Forest Access Roads, trails and rights-of-way that may be used for hiking and exploring. All trails and roads on the Otis Pike complex or properties are closed during shotgun season, which begins on the first Sunday in January and continues through January 31.
Paddling
General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
There are 4 launches located on the East parcel. The Connecticut Ave, River Road West, River Road East and Mill Road sites are all hand carry launches that provide access to the Peconic River.
For more information on these launches including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Suffolk County page.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules & regulations.
The Otis Pike Ponds are 8 small undeveloped ponds that offer the closest thing to wilderness fishing on Long Island.
Long Island/NYC Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Bicycling is allowed only on marked bicycling trails, except on the Otis Pike Preserve where only established roads may be used.
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.
- 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 Viewing
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.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
An accessible trail and duck blind are located on the East parcel, at Hunting Spot 17 on Grumman Blvd, just past River Road. Trail to duck blind is approximately 1,000 feet and overlooks the Peconic River. Accessible parking is available at the trail head. The Peconic River (Upper) Hand Launch at Edwards Avenue on Mill Road is an accessible hand launch with privy and loading dock. A free special access permit is required from the DEC Region 1 Office.
Directions
From Route 495 (L.I.E.), take exit 69 north and continue for 2 miles north on Schultz Road. Permit station for property is located at the Ridge Conservation Area.
Parking Areas
- Big Field South Parking Area (40.89510833°N, 72.82378337°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Dog Ponds Parking Area (40.89361009°N, 72.82314774°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Hand Launches
- Connecticut Ave Canoe Launch (40.90060491°N, 72.77360034°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- River Road West (40.904500°N, 72.769321°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- River Road East (40.904322°N, 72.766242°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Mill Road (40.901101°N, 72.752536°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Edwards Ave. Canoe Portage (40.90547431°N, 72.74327163°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website). Parking at this site to access Otis Pike is PROHIBITED.
- Edwards Ave. Canoe Launch (40.90338854°N, 72.74678522°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website). Parking at this site to access Otis Pike is PROHIBITED.
- Forge Pond Fishing Access site (40.90812472°N, 72.73085759°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website). Parking for access to the adjacent Otis Pike property for any reason other than fishing or launching a boat is PROHIBITED.
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 Otis Pike Preserve 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.
Specific Rules
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed when conditions permit (outside of the January hunting season) but none of the trails are maintained for these activities.
Horseback riding and bicycling are permitted on the property. Both are restricted to the established roads only. Horseback riders must yield to official vehicles and equipment on roads and trails. Cyclists must wear hard-shell helmets and eye protection and shall yield to official vehicles and equipment, horseback riders and hikers. Horseback riding and bicycling are not permitted November 1 through January 31 or as posted.
A free seasonal access permit is required for using this property.
Users must observe regulations for use of DEC-managed lands in Suffolk County.
Planning and Management
The Peconic Headwaters Natural Resources Management Area (PHNRMA) UMP (PDF) provides the basis for managing the Otis Pike Preserve and several other parcels of State land within the Long Island Central Pine Barrens Preserve core area. The planning unit consists of approximately 5,000 acres in the unincorporated areas of the Towns of Riverhead and Brookhaven, County of Suffolk. The area is approximately sixty five (65) miles east of New York City, about midway between the north and south shores of Long Island. The plan includes recommendations to protect the area's diverse forest, grassland, wetland and riverine communities while providing compatible outdoor recreational opportunities.
Requests for copies of the UMP may be faxed to: DEC Forestry at (631) 444-0272, or mailed to: NYS DEC Forestry, SUNY @ Stony Brook, 50 Circle Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790-3409.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us [email protected].
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- David A. Sarnoff Preserve
- Eastport Pine Barrens State Forest
- Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest
- Panamoka Pine Barrens State Forest
- Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest
- Ridge Conservation Area
- Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve
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, Calverton, 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.