Let's Hike Mashomack Preserve and Explore Shelter Island

Let's take a leisurely hike at Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island, reachable on Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and local Uber and taxi. Total mileage is about 10-11 miles. Apres hike, we'll explore Shelter Island itself. There'll be opportunity to take a swim at a Shelter Island beach.

About the Preserve: Edged by 10 miles of coastline, Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island is just 90 miles from New York city and encompasses tidal creeks, mature oak woodlands, fields and freshwater and saltwater marshes. From pristine shores, watch osprey dive for fish. Nearly 200 bird species, including endangered piping plover and least tern, have been recorded. Read more about the Preserve ====> HERE and HERE

GETTING THERE: In the morning, LIRR to BRIDGEHAMPTON. At the end of the day we'll be coming back from GREENPORT LIRR STATION

• If you are taking LIRR from Penn Station: LIRR train leaves at 7:47AM, transfer at Jamaica at 8:14AM and arrives in BRIDGEHAMPTON at 10:20AM.
• If you are taking LIRR from Jamaica Station: LIRR train leaves at 8:14AM and arrives in BRIDGEHAMPTON at 10:20AM.
• For other LIRR stations check MTA Schedule

Once we arrive at Bridgehampton station at 10:20AM, we'll share an Uber to the South Ferry Terminal in Sag Harbor. It's a 12-min ride where we will pick up the next available ferry to Shelter Island. Ferry ride is 5 mins

• South Ferry schedule: https://www.southferry.com/schedule
• Ferry cost is $2.00 CASH ONLY

AGENDA: Once on Shelter Island we'll share another Uber ride to Mashomack Preserve. Or we can walk to the Preserve.

Trail map: https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/Mashomack-Trail-Map-Summer-2021-r.pdf

MILEAGE: About 11 MILES

PACE: We hike at LEISURELY PACE AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.

If we finish hiking early, there are lots of things to see and do on Shelter Island: https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-things-to-do-in-shelter-island-5072540

Once we finish the hike, we'll make our way to Shelter Island Heights, which is the center of town. We'll explore town and grab dinner here before we make our way to the North Ferry which will take us to GREENPORT to pick up the next LIRR back to NYC.

North Ferry schedule from Shelter Island to Greenport: https://northferry.com/schedule.html

• Ferry leaves every 10-20 mins. Ferry fare is $3.00 CASH ONLY. Pay when you get there.
• the North Ferry terminal is a 2-minute walk from the GREENPORT LIRR station
• We'll be at Greenport LIRR station in time for the 4:39pm train back to NYC
• If you want to stay longer to explore Greenport and have dinner in the area, we can catch the 8:41pm train back to NYC.

NOTE: Agenda is not written in stone. Come with an open mind for flexibility and adventure for whatever the day might bring

DURATION: This is an all-day event

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR:

• Dress for the weather.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring lunch and snacks and beverage for yourself.
• Bring sunscreen, bug spray, head cover
• Bring sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home.

WEATHER: Rain cancels!

LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable, etc. etc.