Linda Gronlund Memorial State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 1 Stony Brook Office (M-F 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (631) 444-0270; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit. 
• Location: Town of East Hampton, Suffolk County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 1C
• Map: GeoPDF Instructions - Linda Gronlund Memorial Nature Preserve Hunting Map (GeoPDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Consisting of more than five hundred acres of coastal and pine barrens habitat, this unspoiled, wooded peninsula in the Peconic Bay is rimmed with a sandy beach and encompasses Little Northwest Creek, a high-quality tidal wetland.

Directions

The property is located on Route 114, five miles north of Main Street (Route 27/Montauk Highway) in East Hampton and two miles south of Main Street in Sag Harbor. The Preserve shares an entrance with Sag Harbor State Golf Course (40.992051°N, 72.268383°W) Google Maps. Coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

There are no official parking areas on the property, however, roadside parking is permitted. Please do so carefully and respectfully.

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 Linda Gronlund Memorial Nature 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.

Specific Rules

A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is also required for all activities on all NYSDEC managed lands on Long Island with the exception of the Ridge Conservation Area. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.

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

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed on the property's hiking trails but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

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 this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

The forest was named after Sag Harbor resident Linda Gronlund who was aboard the flight that crashed in Pennsylvania during the 9-11 attacks. It was dedicated by DEC on September 11, 2004.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

Stand Lands and Facilities

• Cedar Point County Park
• David A. Sarnoff Preserve
• Henrys Hollow Pine Barrens State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining, and lodging may be found in the nearby community of Sag Harbor

Suffolk County Tourism, Discover Long Island, and ILOVENY 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.