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Fire Island National Seashore |
Description:
Ocean washed beaches, dunes, maritime forests, the Fire Island Light Station and the nearby William Floyd Estate, make this park a blend of
recreation, natural and cultural resources. Located only one hour east of New York City, the park is a world apart from the bustling communities surrounding it. The 32-mile-long seashore contains natural features such as the Otis Pike Fire Island Wilderness, the only federal wilderness in New York, and the Sunken Forest, a 300-year-old holly forest.
Designations:
Nat'l Register of Historic Places: Floyd Estate (October 1980)
Federal Wilderness Area (1981)
Nat'l Register of Historic Places: Lighthouse (September 1981)
Accessibility:
In each area of the park, sections of trail are wheelchair accessible and other sections are not. As boardwalk is replaced, we build it to standards for universal accessibility. It is best to call the specific site for particulars. We have available at our island sites the use of a special wheelchair, which enables beach travel. Use of the wheelchair must be reserved in advance. Phone the site you are visiting a few days ahead of your visit, if possible.
As the William Floyd Estate and the Fire Island lighthouse, only the first floor is accessible to wheelchairs. At both these sites, exhibits are concentrated on the first floors. At the William Floyd Estate, a photograph album depicts the rooms on the second floor for those unable to reach it physically. At the Fire island Lighthouse Keepers' Quarters, a filmed version of the Lighthouse tower tour is available to view.
With advance notice, individualized programs may be arranged for groups or individuals with special educational needs or mental challenges. Call park headquarters for information and scheduling.
Getting Around:
There are no public roads on Fire Island so, upon arrival, you may explore the park on foot or transfer to other park sites via water taxis.
Activites:
Boating | Camping | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Hunting | Swimming | Wilderness Area | Wildlife Viewing | Backpacking | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Stargazing | Kayaking | Snorkeling | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Restaurant or Snack Bar | Picnic Areas | Groceries or Supplies | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | Medical Services | And more.
Nature: Endangered Animals | And more.
Directions to Fire Island National Seashore
Plane:
You can fly into LaGuardia or Kennedy Airports in New York City or Islip Macarthur Airport on Long Island, then use a rental car, taxi, or train to your destination.
Car:
There are only two bridges to Fire Island National Seashore. The Robert Moses Causeway on the western end of the island leads to Robert Moses State Park. There are parking lots there. The William Floyd Parkway leads to Smith Point County Park on the eastern end of the island, where there are also parking lots. Parking fees are charged at both lots. There are no public roads on the island itself.
Public Transportation
By train: Long Island railroad stations are near three ferry terminals: Patchogue, Sayville, and Bay Shore. Contact the Long Island Railroad for train schedules. http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/lirr/aboutlirr.htm Ferries to Fire Island depart from the following locations: Patchogue, Sayville, and Bay Shore.
Many Fire Island sites can be reached by private boat from the Great South Bay, with marinas at Watch Hill, Sailors Haven and most island communities. The bay is shallow, and boaters occasionally moor offshore near park sites. When on Fire Island, water taxis can shuttle you from point to point.
Attractions:
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge
Phone:631/286-0485
New York State Parks
Phone:1-800-456-CAMP
Suffolk County Parks
Phone:631/854-4949
Montauk Point Lighthouse
Phone:1/888-MTK-POINT
Nearby Parks:
Gateway National Recreation Area (35 miles)
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site (15 miles)
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