Facility Activities

Fishing

Anglers line the shore hoping to snag a bite from the surf
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Fishing is allowed from the shoreline. A free New York state salt water fishing license is required. Common fish species include striped bass (striper or rockfish), weakfish, summer flounder (fluke), bluefish, blackfish (tautog) and porgy (scup).

Please clean your fish at home. The refuge does NOT maintain a fish cleaning station.

Wildlife Viewing

Most wildlife viewing is done from one of three hiking trails. The one mile Warbler’s Loop Trail winds through the forest that were once home to the previous owner’s formal gardens. Spring and summer showcase its magnificent beauty, while a variety of songbirds find important cover from predators and the weather. Catbirds, cardinals, common yellowthroats and Carolina wrens use the dense understory formed by azaleas, rhododendrons and yews.

An extension of the Warbler’s Loop Trail, the Rocky Beach Trail brings you down to the rocky shoreline of Long Island’s north shore.

Refuge volunteer lead an education program
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A stroll down the shortest trail, Gardener’s Path, is where you will find interpretative signs describing the area’s wildlife species and their habitats.

Interpretation

Limited interactive, family orientated activities are offered. Please contact the headquarters office in order to set up programming for your private group. (631) 286-0485.

Environmental Education

Limited interactive, student orientated activities are offered. Please contact the headquarters office in order to set up programming for your private group. (631) 286-0485.

A photo blind looks over a marsh
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Photography

Nature based photography is permitted along any of the trails and along the beach. Please stay on marked trails and do not disturb resting wildlife.

Fishing

Sport fishing in Huntington Bay is permitted from the refuge shoreline when the refuge is open to visitors. Available species include striped bass, weakfish, tautog, porgy, bluefish and flounder.

Beach combing
Looking for seashells is a popular pastime at many coastal Fish and Wildlife Service sites. But some ban collecting of anything, including empty seashells. Some states, like Florida, prohibit removing any live creatures.
Birding
From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Hiking
Take your pick of 2,100 miles of refreshing trails and boardwalks. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you want. Some trails are paved and universally accessible. Some trails include displays on visual arts, local history and culture or environmental education.
Painting and drawing
Painting and sketching in nature is possible at nearly all sites open to the public. Sometimes, sites host public displays of artworks created on the refuge.
Wildlife watching
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.