David A. Sarnoff 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 Southampton, Suffolk County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 1C
- Map: GeoPDF Instructions - David A. Sarnoff Pine Barrens State Forest Map (GeoPDF) || David A. Sarnoff Hunting Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The pine barrens includes more than 2,700 acres of upland, mixed oak and pine woodland. The property features trails through classic pine barrens habitat with opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and seasonal hunting for small and big game.
A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is also required for using 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
General information on hunting 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, including in the neighboring Suffolk County Parks Cooperative Hunting Area, except on the 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.
Hiking is allowed on all trails and roads on the property. All trails and roads on the property are closed during shotgun season, which begins on the first Sunday in January and continues through the remainder of the month.
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 allowed on all trails and roads on the property.
Watchable Wildlife
General information on watchable wildlife includes tips for viewing wildlife and links to other watchable wildlife locations.
This designated Bird Conservation Area is one of the largest undisturbed pine barrens on Long Island.
Wildlife to Watch
- Eastern towhee
- Common nighthawk
- Whip-poor-will
- Brown thrasher
- Blue-winged warbler
- White-tailed deer
- Red foxes
- Box turtles
Where to Watch
- Enjoy a hike on the 9-mile long loop trail
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
Field Trail Road, which begins on Route 104 (Riverleigh Ave.) in the northern part of the property, is one of the Department's Motorized Access Program for People With Disabilities (MAPPWD) routes on Long Island.
Directions
The preserve is located north of Sunrise Highway, with Quogue Riverhead Road running through the middle of it. From Route 495 (Long Island Expressway), take exit 71 and then continue east on Route 24 toward Riverhead. After about 4 miles, turn right onto Route 104 South (Riverleigh Ave.) at the traffic circle in Riverhead. The preserve begins 3/4 of a mile further down this road.
There are numerous parking areas located throughout - see map for locations. The preserve is located at 40.905807°N, 72.655193°W (Google Maps - leaves DEC website).
During hunting season, these parking areas are only available for use by hunters. During the rest of the year, they can be used by all visitors to the property for any kind of recreation.
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 the David A. Sarnoff 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.
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
- Eastport Pine Barrens State Forest
- Henrys Hollow Pine Barrens State Forest
- Otis Pike Preserve
- Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve
- Wildwood Lake Boat Launch
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, supplies, dining and 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.
