Autumn is cool because of both its temperatures and its colorful foliage. Boaters* love taking to the water to check out Long Island’s most scenic tree-lined shores.
*Some spots are accessible by bigger vessels, but kayaks, canoes, and SUPs get you so much closer. Take it slow and wave to shoreline inhabitants from a distance. Obey all posted signs, follow regulations, don’t disturb anything or anyone, and wear sunscreen and a life jacket.
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve and Nissequogue River State Park
The Nissequogue River has tidal and freshwater wetland habitats and hardwood forests.
Captree Basin
Access the Fire Island Inlet from the Captree launch site. Caution: strong currents make it recommended for only the most experienced paddlers.
Carman’s River
Carman’s River begins as a freshwater spring near Route 25 in Middle Island and flows south through protected lands, including the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley.
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
Glimpse woodlands, meadows, and salt marshes from this scenic peninsula in Lloyd Neck along the Long Island Sound.
Connetquot River
The Connetquot River begins as a spring in Lakeland County Park in Islandia and flows south through the Connetquot River State Park Preserve in Oakdale. It widens and empties into the Great South Bay.
Fire Island National Seashore
Ferry service may be reduced just as fall colors abound, so check the ferry schedule if you want to paddle or row around the area. We hear that the island was named for the flame-red color that its poison ivy turns to each autumn — you’ve been warned!
Fort Pond
Located in the center of the Village of Montauk.
Garvies Point Preserve
This waterside preserve in Glen Cove has 62 acres, including beach bluffs, freshwater springs, and impressive forests.
Heckscher State Park
Heckscher State Park is along the Great South Bay.
Mashomack Preserve
This Shelter Island gem has 2,000 acres of marshes, ponds, and creeks that are home to many species.
Northport Harbor
A usually calm area off the Long Island Sound.
Peconic River
Long Island’s longest river flows from the William Floyd Parkway near the Brookhaven National Laboratory east to Flanders Bay. The river is tidal and is a great spot for beginners.
Setauket Harbor
Quiet before it joins very busy Port Jefferson Harbor.
Smith Point
Narrow Bay and Bellport Bay may be challenging.
South Shore Blueway Trail
The trail extends 18 miles from the western border of the Town of Hempstead to the border of Nassau and Suffolk counties along the south shore.
Stony Brook Harbor
While Stony Brook Harbor is fairly quiet and serene, its mouth can have strong currents.
Swan River and the Great South Bay
The Swan River can be calm but wind conditions and boat traffic may cause the Great South Bay to become choppy.
For peak leaf viewing, visit https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/fall/foliage-report/.
