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The Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest includes nearly 6,000 acres of Pine Barrens and open lands. The area was once operated by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) as a global communications center, but that function became obsolete with the arrival of earth orbiting communication satellites. Within Rocky Point, access by daily permit is required Nov. 1 - Dec. 31 and within January Deer Season (reservations are required for weekends, holidays and January Deer Season). A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is also required for Jan. 2 - Oct. 31. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.

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

There are 12.2 miles of trails that provide excellent hiking opportunities. The Red and Blue trails create a loop of 10.2 miles. There is a Demonstration Forest along Paumanok Path (leaves DEC website). Users are reminded that a DEC permit is required while using hiking trails. Call (631) 444-0270 for info.

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.

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

Users are reminded that helmet, eye protection, and a DEC permit are required while using designated bicycle trails. Call (631) 444-0270 for info.

Beginner family trails are marked with WHITE markers. Leveled one and two-way segments of trail appropriate for beginners.

Intermediate & advanced yellow trails are marked with YELLOW markers. Main Loop -11.2 Miles Optional Westside Loop -3.4 Miles.

Advanced Black Diamond Loops always start and return to the Main Loop. Challenging one-way with several uphill climbs and numerous turns.

Additional Rules for Bicyclists

Wildlife Management Unit: 1C

General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & 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.

General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.

General information on horseback riding includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations. Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses and out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate.

There are 19.6 miles of trails that offer horseback riding opportunities. Call (631) 444-0270 for info. There is an accessible mounting platform located at the Whiskey Road horse trailer parking area.

General information on watchable wildlife includes tips for viewing wildlife and links to other watchable wildlife locations

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.

There are 2.12 miles of trails, Firestone Road and Woods Road, in the middle section of the forest that allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

The 0.5-mile Accessible Trail, which is in full compliance with ADA requirements, is located in the southern section of the property.

The Whiskey Road horse trailer parking area provides an accessible mounting platform for horseback riding assistance.

From the Long Island Expressway, take Exit 67N (County Rte. 21 - Rocky Point Road). Follow north 6 miles to Whiskey Road. Turn right on Whiskey Road, main entrance to property on left. Parking areas are located on Route 25A in Rocky Point, Rocky Point Road (bike trail access only), and Whiskey Road. Permit station for property is located at the Ridge Conservation Area.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

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 Rocky Point 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.

A seasonal access permit is required for all activities on all NYSDEC managed lands on Long Island with the exception of the Ridge Conservation Area.

Within the Rocky Point State Forest, access by daily permit is required Nov. 1 - Dec. 31 & within January Deer Season (reservations are required for weekends, holidays and January Deer Season). Access by seasonal permit Jan. 2 - Oct. 31.

Recreationists must observe regulations for use of NYSDEC managed lands in Suffolk County.

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 the UMP process, please email us [email protected].

Additional Information on Management of Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest

The property includes a demonstration forest that is used to educate the public and conduct scientific research on fire as a management tool against southern pine beetle (SPB). The demonstration forest is made up of two locations. Demonstration Forest part 1 is located south of Wading River Hollow Road and consists of a cut and leave method. Demonstration Forest part 2 consists of cut and remove method to mimic a logging operation. Both parts were established after SPB was found at the property in 2015.

In April of 2019, DEC contracted fire break construction and maintenance on old historical fire breaks on Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest. The work took place primarily on southern portions of this property that are both north and south of Whiskey Road. Funding for this work is through the Southern Pine Beetle line item of the Environmental Protection Fund. Fire breaks were selected to protect private properties from wildfire risk by creating defensible space and access for fire fighters and fire trucks.

In April of 2021, DEC and volunteers conducted the first prescribed burn of the demonstration forest part 2 at the corner of Whiskey Road and Miller Place Yaphank Road. Prescribed fire is necessary to promote and maintain the Long Island Pine Barrens ecosystem. These fires benefit the forest in many ways:

Nassau County Tourism (leaves DEC website) and 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.