Yellow Trail, Mashomak Preserve, New York

ACTIVITIES: Hiking LENGTH OF HIKE: 3 miles OUT AND BACK OR LOOP: Loop DIFFICULTY OF TERRAIN: Easy to moderate ELEVATION GAIN: No PARKING FEE/PASS: Only accessible by ferry ($1 walk-on/$17 round-trip vehicle) TOILETS: Yes NURSING BENCHES: Yes DOGS ALLOWED: No BIKES/HORSES/MOTORS ON TRAIL: No CELL RECEPTION: Spotty DRINKING WATER AVAILABLE: No POTENTIAL CHILD OR BABY HAZARDS: Nearby water, ticks GEAR SUGGESTIONS: Tick repellent Looking for a hike that offers a variety of different landscapes? From the classic “forest” hike to overlooking a beach, crossing over boardwalks through a marsh and roaming through big open fields of cotton, this is the place. What makes this hike a winner is that there are no steep inclines, so it’s perfect for young walkers. But there is some distance at 3 miles, so you might do a little carrying or use a jogging stroller. If you feel like you need more distance, you can add other intersecting trails like the Red Trail for 1.5 more miles. Kids love this preserve because it’s set up for little ones. Part of the Red Trail boasts a Kid Scavenger Hunt. Check out the Welcome Center for more info before you head out to the trails. Also, the Nature Conservatory hosts multiple kid events throughout the year. The reason your toddler will love this 2,100-acre preserve is that it’s a breeding and protection habitat for osprey. Established in 1980 to shelter these beautiful birds, the area now has one of the densest populations of these birds on the East Coast. There are also 12 miles of coastline hugging the preserve’s edge, which is a mix of tidal creeks, woodlands, and fields and brings in many other birds and marine life to the area to make this natural space a complex and rich environment. Another fun highlight is to look for an old cemetery on the preserve where you will find the graves of the original European descended settlers. Shelter Island was originally inhabited by the Manhansets, who were part of the widespread Algonquin culture. The area was deeded to a sugar merchant from Barbados by the “chief” of the area in 1653. Fall is the best time to go on this hike because all the leaves on the trees are changing and vibrant with color. Ticks are low at this time, and the cool air makes it feel like you could keep hiking forever. Go on a weekday if you can, and you will have the place all to yourself. INSIDER’S TIP You will need to ride a ferry to get here, so be prepared to wait in line if it’s a busy weekend. The ferry holds around 12 cars.