State Land

Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Pine Barrens State Forest

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  • Open for Recreation: Year-round
Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve location

Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve is a 788-acre undeveloped property consisting of the globally rare dwarf pine barrens habitat. It is located south of Sunrise Highway and north of the Francis S. Gabreski Airport, between Old Riverhead Road and Quogue Riverhead Road. The area is open to hunting, trapping, hiking and wildlife viewing.

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 1C

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, except on 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.

Wildlife Management Unit: 1C

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

For questions related to trapping on this property, call the Stony Brook office at (631) 444-0310.

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

Several trails and roads that run through the property can be used for hiking. 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 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.

Directions

The property is located south of Sunrise Highway and north of the Francis S. Gabreski Airport, between Old Riverhead Road and Quogue Riverhead Road in the Town of Southampton. There are several parking areas that provide access to the property.

  • Old Riverhead Road parking area (40.863939°N, 72.646571°W) Google Maps.
  • Suffolk County Water Authority parking area and trailhead (40.863193°N, 72.646079°W) Google Maps.
  • North Perimeter Road parking area (40.850776°N, 72.631564°W) Google Maps. During hunting season, this parking area is only available for use by hunters. During the rest of the year, it 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 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 Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains 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 [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Eastport, Quogue and Riverhead.
  • Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Quogue, Riverhead and Westhampton Beach.
  • Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Hampton Bays, Quogue, Riverhead and Westhampton Beach.
  • Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Hampton Bays, Quogue, Riverhead and Westhampton Beach.

Discover Long Island 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 for information on outdoor guides.

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Region 1 - Long Island
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