Amsterdam Beach Preserve

The Amsterdam Beach Preserve loop offers a delightful journey through diverse coastal landscapes, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll wander through coastal forests with impressive holly trees and wetlands, cross wooden bridges, and traverse open meadows before reaching a beautiful, rocky shoreline. The changing scenery, from woodlands to ocean views, makes this an engaging and visually rewarding hike.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as there are no permits or entrance fees required for this state park. The trailhead is easily found off Montauk Highway, across from Deep Hollow Ranch, with a small parking area available. This easy 2.0-mile (3.2 km) route, with only 55 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 49 minutes, making it ideal for a quick escape. Spring and fall are excellent times to visit for comfortable temperatures, but summer also provides refreshing sea breezes.

This family-friendly and dog-friendly trail (dogs must be leashed) is part of a 199-acre preserve dedicated to natural habitat preservation. It's a tranquil spot, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly birds and rabbits, within its varied ecosystems. The preserve's connection to the Long Island Greenway also hints at broader exploration possibilities for those looking to extend their adventure beyond this charming loop.