This beautiful and serene stretch of barrier island off Long Island's south shore is part of the Fire Island National Seashore. Even though it's less than a mile between the ocean and the bay, many different eceosystems exist in this "sandbar". One such place is the unique
Sunken Forest, which contains stunted broafleaf trees, salt marshes, dunes, and an ocean beach on the south side. It is reachable by ferry in summer from Sayville to Sailors Haven, where the boardwalk trail starts to your right (west).
You can also walk here from the east (Cherry Grove) or west (Ocean Beach).
Here's an areal view
And a vegetation map
The boardwalk takes you through the heart of the sunken forest. You can stop at the visitor center for a trail map (right by the ferry dock). The boardwalk begins just to your right (west).
This dwarf forest consists of holly, sassafrass, and some pitch pine trees (more on that later).
The boardwalk winds through here, which reduces the chance of trampling plants and reduces tick contact.
Along the way you will see swamps, such as this one.
Eventually the boardwalk winds north along the bay and the view is nice!
After that you enter a salt marsh environment.
After that it's back into the woods.
Eventually you come out on a sand road, and you will notice more pines, in this photo looking east japanese black pine (an import) grows along the road.
If you venture just a little west there's a path through some pitch pines, which are stunted, like most trees here.
From you can walk along the beach, which is pretty quiet, even in summertime.
Yes, I think that is one of the most beautiful beaches on Long island, due to its lack of foot traffic.
Heading back inland you can take another boardwalk up toward the bluffs. On the way, you will pass through some dwarf pitch pine barrens.
You can also see white tailed deer here grazing.
Heading up the bluff on the boardwalk a beautiful vista opens up of the Atlantic Ocean.
Looking west toward Point "O" Woods and Ocean Beach.
The boardwalk will merge with the one you were on and take you back to where you started at the ferry terminal.
For more information, visit this website.
Fire Island National Seashore - Plan Your Visit: Places To Visit: Sailors Haven/ Sunken Forest
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Fire Island: Sailors Haven and Sunken Forest (photos)
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