🚴 2,500 Acres of Pine Barrens on Long Island — New York City’s Biggest Backyard Trail System — Brookhaven State Park in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York, 2,532 acres of Pine Barrens ecosystem, 30+ miles of mountain biking trails, hiking, horseback riding, camping (seasonal), pitch pine-oak forest, rare ecology, largest undeveloped state parkland on Long Island — Suffolk County, NY
An hour east of Manhattan, Long Island’s Pine Barrens survive. 2,532 acres of pitch pine, scrub oak, and sandy trails — an ecosystem that once covered much of the island before suburbs and strip malls replaced it. Brookhaven State Park is the largest undeveloped state parkland on Long Island.
The park is known for one thing above all: mountain biking. 30+ miles of singletrack wind through the Pine Barrens — sandy, rooted, technical, and within commuting distance of 8 million people. On weekends, the parking lot fills with bikes on racks and riders in kit. But walk 10 minutes into the forest and the silence of the Pine Barrens takes over.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Mountain Biking | 30+ miles of singletrack trails through the Pine Barrens. Sandy soil, pine roots, technical sections, and flowing berms. Maintained by local trail-building organizations. Mix of beginner to advanced terrain. The best mountain biking on Long Island |
| Hiking | Multi-use trails through pitch pine and scrub oak forest. Flat terrain but interesting ecology — the Pine Barrens are a globally rare ecosystem. Interpretive trails explain the fire ecology and rare species |
| Horseback Riding | Equestrian trails through the park. The sandy, flat terrain is excellent for horseback riding. Bring your own horse — no rentals on-site |
| Pine Barrens Ecology | The Long Island Pine Barrens are a globally rare ecosystem — pitch pine and scrub oak adapted to sandy, nutrient-poor soil and periodic fire. The Pine Barrens host rare species including the buck moth and eastern hognose snake |
| Camping | Seasonal camping available. Walk-in tent sites in the Pine Barrens forest. No hookups. A genuinely wild camping experience less than 60 miles from Times Square |
The Pine Barrens
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| The Ecosystem | Pine Barrens are fire-dependent ecosystems where pitch pine and scrub oak thrive on sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil. They need periodic fire to regenerate — the pines have evolved to survive and even require burns. Without fire, hardwoods take over |
| Global Rarity | Pine Barrens ecosystems exist in only a few places worldwide — Long Island, New Jersey, Cape Cod, and scattered patches elsewhere. The Long Island Central Pine Barrens are protected by a 1993 state law covering ~100,000 acres |
| Rare Species | The Pine Barrens host species found nowhere else on Long Island: buck moth (larvae feed on oak), eastern box turtle, eastern hognose snake, and numerous rare plants adapted to sandy, fire-dependent habitats |
| The Aquifer | Beneath the Pine Barrens lies Long Island’s primary drinking water aquifer. The sandy, porous soil filters rainwater into the aquifer — making the Pine Barrens not just ecologically but hydrologically essential for the 2.8 million people of Long Island |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 🍂 Best riding conditions — cooler temps, dry sandy trails, autumn light through the pines. Fewer bugs. The oaks turning color against the evergreen pines |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 🌸 Pine Barrens wildflowers. Migrating warblers. Trails drying out. Mountain biking season starting. The forest waking up |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Hot and sandy. Ticks at peak (Lyme disease country — check yourself). Long days for riding. Shade under the pine canopy provides some relief |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | The pines stay green. Sandy trails drain well — rideable even after rain. Quiet. Cold but manageable for riding. No crowds |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really good mountain biking?
Yes — Brookhaven is widely considered the best mountain biking on Long Island and among the best in the NYC metro area. The sandy, rooted terrain provides natural technical features. The trail network is well-maintained by an active riding community.
Should I worry about ticks?
Yes — Long Island is a Lyme disease hotspot. The Pine Barrens have dense tick populations. Wear long pants, use DEET or permethrin, and do a thorough tick check after every visit. This is not optional — it’s essential.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Wildwood State Park (a short drive away) and Connetquot River State Park Preserve (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for New York state parks online at newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🚴 2,500 Acres of Pine Barrens. 30 Miles of Singletrack. An Hour from Manhattan.
A globally rare ecosystem that filters Long Island’s drinking water. 30+ miles of mountain bike trails through pitch pine forest. And the kind of wildness that shouldn’t exist 60 miles from Times Square — but does.
Wildlife & Nature
Brookhaven State Park — 2,300+ acres on Long Island — is one of the largest undeveloped parcels on Long Island, preserving pine barrens habitat — a globally rare ecosystem. The Long Island Pine Barrens support unique species adapted to fire including pitch pine, scrub oak, and blueberry. Eastern towhees scratch in the leaf litter. Pine Barrens tree frogs (endangered) may inhabit the wetlands.
Nearby Attractions
Wading River — adjacent. Wildwood State Park — 5 miles east — has Long Island Sound beach. Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant — nearby — has the never-opened nuclear plant. Port Jefferson — 10 miles west — has the ferry to Connecticut.
