The best walks and hikes around Coram

The Cedar Beach Trail offers a delightful, easy escape into coastal nature, perfect for a quick refresh. This 1.0-mile (1.5 km) hiking route guides you through a maritime forest, past salt marshes, and onto a wide, sandy shoreline. With only 99 feet (30 metres) of elevation gain, it's a gentle 25-minute walk that provides scenic views of the Long Island Sound and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Located in the Cedar Beach Town Nature Preserve in Mount Sinai, Long Island, the trailhead is easily accessible with ample parking. The area is well-equipped with amenities like beach access, a fishing pier, and a boardwalk. For the best experience, consider visiting in the late afternoon to catch the highly praised sunset views over the water.

This trail is a gem for birdwatchers and nature photographers, offering glimpses of migratory birds and coastal wildlife. Beyond the trail, the preserve provides a marine environmental stewardship center with educational programs and even a bar/restaurant, Tiki Joe's, on-site, making it a well-rounded destination for a leisurely outing.

Step into a rare natural wonder on the Prosser Pines Loop Trail, an easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hiking route that winds through Long Island's only white pine forest. The path is soft underfoot, cushioned by pine needles, as you pass towering trees that create a serene, quiet atmosphere. You'll feel a world away from the hustle, surrounded by the unique beauty of this historic plantation, with some trees reaching 100 feet into the sky.

This easy trail, with a minimal 62 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 36 minutes, making it perfect for a quick outing. It's accessible year-round and welcomes leashed dogs, offering a peaceful escape for all skill levels. Look for the fun teepee structures made from fallen limbs, which are a highlight for families, and enjoy the unique contrast of the neighboring sod farm, especially calming in winter.

What makes Prosser Pines truly special is its historical significance as one of the oldest surviving white pine plantations in the eastern United States, dating back to 1812. This unique ecosystem provides a distinct natural feature for Suffolk County, offering a tranquil setting for photography or a simple, refreshing walk. It's an ideal spot for beginners or anyone seeking a high-payoff nature experience without a strenuous climb.

The Thomas Muratore Park at Farmingville Hills Blue Trail offers a delightful, undulating journey through mature woodlands, providing a refreshing escape into nature. You'll traverse a mix of sand and dirt paths, experiencing moderate inclines and descents that create an engaging, wave-like topography. This easy 1.3-mile (2.1 km) loop, with just 66 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain, is a perfect way to get your heart rate up without being overly challenging, typically taking around 33 minutes to complete.

Accessing the trail is simple, with a large parking lot conveniently located at the park's entrance. The Blue Trail is exceptionally well-marked, so you won't have to worry about navigation, and it's a fantastic spot to bring your dog, as the park is very pet-friendly. Despite its ease of access, the park often remains quiet, offering a peaceful hiking experience.

This trail is part of a 107-acre park purchased to protect drinking water, and it was renamed in 2022 after Suffolk Legislator Tom Muratore. While the Blue Trail showcases mature woodlands, the broader Farmingville area is also home to distinctive pine forests, including one of the oldest White Pine Plantations on the eastern seaboard. The park's proximity to historical buildings like the Bald Hill Schoolhouse and Terry House adds a touch of local heritage to your visit.

The East Setauket trail system, largely within the Laurel Ridge Setauket Woods Nature Preserve, plunges you into a challenging landscape of dense pine-oak forests and extensive mountain laurel. You'll find yourself on winding singletrack paths, navigating over roots and small rocks, with numerous switchbacks and noticeable climbs. The