East Hampton Trails Preservation Society

First a howling blizzard woke us,

Then the rain came down to soak us,

And now before the eye can focus

Crocus

 (Thanks to Graham Williams, New Zealand tour guide)

This month we will march along with a new spring in our step.   For additional information about any of the scheduled hikes, please call 329-4227. The next meeting will be held on March 1st at 7:30 P.M. in Ashawagh Hall.

March 3, Wednesday 10 A.M.  CAMP HERO TO TURTLE COVE (3 plus miles)

Natural beauty combined with man-made structures of historical interest makes this a unique hiking experience.  Meet at Camp Hero Rd in Montauk, a right turn off Rt. 27 about 1 mile east of Deep Hollow Ranch. 

Leader: Jim Rice  668-2170

March 6, Saturday 10 A.M.  JACOB’S FARM TRAIL  (2 miles)

One of our newest trails, this is fast becoming one of the most popular. Come and find out why. Meet on Red Dirt Road, off Accabonac Hwy in the Springs.

Leaders: Niki and Joe Lombardi  324-3474

March 10, Wednesday   10 A.M.  JUMP TRAIL  (4 miles)                                                            

This hike will take us on trails of the Northwest Woods and past Grassy Hollow on our way into the Grace Estate.  Meet at the intersection of Hands Creek Road and Van Scoy’s Path in East Hampton. (4 miles) 

 Leaders:  Steve and Laurie Tamber  329-3201

March 13, Saturday 10 A.M.   MERRILL LAKE (2 to 3 miles)

We start with a stroll through the Nature Conservancy’s Merrill Lake Sanctuary. (Wear boots. It may be wet.)  We then explore neighborhood trails in the Springs Woodblock area.  Meet at the Merrill Lake Sanctuary on the eastern side of Springs Fireplace Rd, just north of Talmage Farm Lane. 

Leader: Nancy Kane 324-5799

March 17, Wednesday   10 A.M.   OYSTER POND  (3 - 4 miles)

A somewhat hilly hike, this trail through the County Park offers some spectacular views of Oyster Pond and Block Island Sound.  Meet at Third House in Theodore Roosevelt County Park in Montauk.

Leader: Ed Porco  668-2093

March 20, Saturday 10 A.M.  HITHER WOODS DUEL DISTANCE (10 or 4 miles)

Celebrate the first day of spring in Hither Woods, the largest piece of protected land on the South Fork.  Walk the entire preserve (10 miles) or as far as the beautiful Fresh Pond and back (4 miles). Long hikers should bring water and lunch.  Meet at the end of Navy Rd in Montauk. Directions: Take Rt. 27 east to Second House Rd. Go north (left turn) about 1 mile. Cross the LIRR tracks and make a left onto Navy Rd; follow the road to the parking lot.

Leader: Richard Lupoletti  324-1127

March 21, Sunday 10 A.M. EAST HAMPTON WOODLAND RAMBLE (6-8 miles)

Join a quick-stepping hike centered in East Hampton’s Northwest Woods.  The exact route will depend on your experienced leader, but expect to be surprised and enlightened.  Meet at Edwards Hole Rd and Rt. 114. Hike should last three to four hours, so bring food and water. 

Leader: Rick Whalen 267-6608

March 24, Wednesday 1 P.M.   SEAL HAUL-OUT TRAIL  (2.5 miles)

This early afternoon hike takes us along an easy wooded trail to the shores of Block Island Sound. If conditions are right, we will find seals sunning themselves on the rocks near the shore.  Dress warmly with proper footgear for weather conditions. Don’t forget binoculars. Meet at Camp Hero Rd in Montauk, a right turn off Rt. 27 about 1 mile east of Deep Hollow Ranch.

Leader: Ray Hartjen  324-2490

March 27, Saturday    10 A.M.STONY HILL/SPRINGS ADVENTURE (3 OR 5 mi.)

Combining two new additions to our trail system, this hike offers a choice of 3 or 5 miles (without moving cars), featuring beech forests, kettle holes, holly trees, and glacial erratics. Meet on Red Dirt Road about ¼ mile from the intersection with Accabonac Rd. 

Leader: Gene Makl  324-8662

March 31, Wednesday   10 A.M.    RIGHT OF WAY TRAIL (4 miles)

An easy walk along a “hidden” trail leads to a scenic lakeshore. Boots are recommended, as parts of the trail may be muddy. Meet at the Montauk Library just east of the village.

Leader: Eva Moore  668-9223  

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