Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 1 Stony Brook Office (M-F, 8:30am - 4:45pm), (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 Brookhaven, Suffolk County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 1C
• Map: Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest Hiking Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest Mountain Biking Map (GeoPDF) || Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest Horse Riding Map (GeoPDF) || Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest Hunting Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

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. A free 3-year Managed Land Access Permit is required for access to this property. Visit DEC’s Conditions web page for additional information on use restrictions during hunting seasons and hunting reservation requirements. Visit DEC's nForm page if you need information on how to obtain a NY.gov account, which is required for these permits.

Accessible Features

From the Middle Country Road Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Hiking trail

The yellow trail is 0.5 mile one way and has a gentle grade (max. slope 5%), wide tread (min. width 4 feet), and firm crushed stone surface.

From the Whiskey Road Horse Trail Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Equestrian mounting platform

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities.

Directions

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.

• North Hiking Trailhead Parking Lot (40.9444771°N, 72.9489441°W) Google Maps
• Bypass parking area west (40.9455872°N, 72.9302292°W) Google Maps
• Bypass parking area east (40.9458771°N, 72.9194489°W) Google Maps
• Whiskey Road Horse Trail Parking Lot (40.9082451°N, 72.9482651°W) Google Maps
• Demonstration Forest Parking Lot (40.906877°N, 72.915063°W) Google Maps
• South Bicycle Trailhead Parking Lot (40.9114075°N, 72.9417725°W) Google Maps 

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 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.

Specific Rules

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.

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 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:

• They improve habitat for the many unique, rare, threatened, and endangered plants and animals that live in the pine barrens.
• They reduce highly combustible fuel loads that could potentially feed a wildland fire.
• They increase space between trees, which disrupts SPB pheromone communication and decreases the chance of a future SPB attack.
• They are a valuable training opportunity for local firefighters who develop skills needed to fight wildland fires.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Ridge Conservation Area
• Panamoka Pine Barrens State Forest
• Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest
• Otis Pike Preserve

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining opportunities, lodging and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Rocky Point.

Nassau County Tourism and 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.