The best walks and hikes in Robert Cushman Murphy County Park

Accessing the park can be tricky as GPS sometimes leads to private property. A reliable starting point is the Pine Barrens Trail Center. There are several informal parking areas along River Road, but they can be small and unmarked. It's best to plan your route in advance and identify your intended trailhead.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed in Robert Cushman Murphy County Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to help preserve the park's natural environment.

Yes, the park offers some easier options suitable for families. For a relatively flat and manageable walk, consider the Wildwood State Park loop from Woodcliff Park. It's a shorter route that still provides a great experience of the area's natural beauty.

The park offers a mix of trail types. While there are excellent circular routes that bring you back to your starting point, many trails are point-to-point, especially those connecting to the larger Paumanok Path network. You can find both loop and linear options to suit your hiking plans.

The Paumanok Path is a long-distance trail that stretches across Long Island, and yes, a significant section of its white-blazed route runs directly through Robert Cushman Murphy County Park. You can hike segments of it within the park, such as the trail connecting the Panamoka Pine Barrens State Forest to Otis Pike Preserve.

The park is a rich habitat for a variety of wildlife. Birdwatching is particularly popular, with sightings of red-tailed hawks, tree swallows, and various sparrows. Along the trails, you might also spot signs of foxes, and the ponds are home to bluegills and largemouth bass.

Trail conditions vary. The main Paumanok Path sections are typically well-marked with white blazes. However, many of the park's other trails are more rugged and can be unmarked, offering a sense of adventure. It's highly recommended to use a GPS device or a reliable trail app like komoot to navigate.

For those seeking a longer, more challenging day out, the Paunamok Path loop — Manorville Hills County Park offers a 7.5-mile (12 km) trek. It involves more elevation change than other trails in the immediate area and explores the adjacent Manorville Hills.

The trails in Robert Cushman Murphy County Park are well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the serene woodland environment, the beautiful scenery around the coastal ponds, and the sense of quiet immersion in nature.

The park is primarily focused on hiking and nature observation. While some trails may be suitable for trail running, dedicated mountain biking trails are not a feature. Boating, particularly non-motorized boats like canoes and kayaks, is permitted on the ponds within the Peconic River Watershed.

The park's landscape is defined by its Pine Barrens ecosystem. You'll hike through forests of pitch pines, white oaks, and red maples. The terrain is mostly flat, with trails winding past a series of unique and protected coastal plain ponds like Peasys, Sandy, and Grassy Ponds.