Linda Gronlund Memorial 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 East Hampton, Suffolk County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 1C
- Map: GeoPDF Instructions - Linda Gronlund Memorial Nature Preserve Hunting Map (GeoPDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Consisting of more than five hundred acres of coastal and pine barrens habitat, this unspoiled, wooded peninsula in the Peconic Bay is rimmed with a sandy beach and encompasses Little Northwest Creek, a high-quality tidal wetland.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The blue-blazed foot trail provides an easy 4- to 5-mile loop hike. Be sure to climb one of several hills that provide scenic vistas.
Paddling
General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no official boat launches on the property, however, small boats can be hand launched from the shoreline.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
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.
Hunting & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Consult hunting on Long Island for information on hunting opportunities and obtaining hunting permits.
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.
Diamond-back terrapin and Southern leopard frogs live here, along with white-tailed deer, red fox and a host of other native wildlife.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
There are 2 routes, Trustee Road West (1 mile) and Trustee Road East (1.73 miles), that run along the eastern and western shore lines of the property that allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.
Directions
The property is located on Route 114, five miles north of Main Street (Route 27/Montauk Highway) in East Hampton and two miles south of Main Street in Sag Harbor. The Preserve shares an entrance with Sag Harbor State Golf Course (40.992051°N, 72.268383°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website). Coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
There are no official parking areas on the property, however, roadside parking is permitted. Please do so carefully and respectfully.
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 Linda Gronlund Memorial Nature 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
A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is also required for all activities on all NYSDEC managed lands on Long Island with the exception of the Ridge Conservation Area. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.
Recreationists must observe regulations for use of DEC managed lands in Suffolk County.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed on the property's hiking trails but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
Planning and Management
DEC is developing a unit management plan (UMP) 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 & human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more. If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at R1info@dec.ny.gov.
The forest was named after Sag Harbor resident Linda Gronlund who was aboard the flight that crashed in Pennsylvania during the 9-11 attacks. It was dedicated by DEC on September 11, 2004.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
Stand Lands and Facilities
- Cedar Point County Park (leaves DEC website)
- David A. Sarnoff Preserve
- Henrys Hollow Pine Barrens State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food, dining, and lodging may be found in the nearby community of Sag Harbor
Suffolk County Tourism (leaves DEC website), Discover Long Island (leaves DEC website), and ILOVENY (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.
