My family and I have always liked going on nature walks and hikes. It has been a bit of a challenge when my kids were smaller, but they have gotten better and better! I am so grateful to have so many wonderful places to go and stretch our legs and reconnect with nature. Now more than ever it is important to get outside and breathe the fresh air. Since we have been to quite a few places around Long Island, I thought it would be a great idea to give some tips and suggestions for other families so you too can get out there and enjoy! First up in this article series is: Quogue Wildlife Refuge
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, hours and amenities may be affected. Please check the status of your intended destination before visiting.
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge is in (you guessed it!) Quogue! It is about a 35-40 minute drive from Miller Place, which is totally worth it. This beautiful refuge has rescue animals to see as well as a beautiful walk in the forest around Old Ice Pond. There are many different paths to choose from so no matter if you are bringing a tiny tike or are looking for a long nature walk, there is plenty to pick from.
Trails
- Green Trail 0.8 miles
- Yellow Trail 1.4 miles
- Blue Trail 2.5 miles
- Red 3.1 miles
When you first arrive, you park across the street. As you enter, you are greeted by their rescue animals, an ice harvesting museum, and the beautiful pond. The animals at QWR are all rescue animals who are no longer able to be released into the wild. We love seeing their owls, turkey, and American Kestrel. But our favorites are the red fox and the tortoises. Just beyond the outdoor animal enclosures is a greenhouse where the tortoises live. These guys are huge and are always fun to visit. Next to the greenhouse is a bathroom that is open for visitors.
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We have a routine of then starting off on the yellow trail and merging back to the green trail. Crossing the bridge on the green trail is always a fun highlight. There are no rails on this bridge, so hold little ones by the hand carefully.
There really are no steps around QWR that I had noticed. There are ramps that help make this nature walk handicapped and stroller friendly, provided that you are able to go over pine needle covered dirt. There were not many tree roots that jetted into the path and I would imagine they would be relatively easily avoided.
There are occasional benches and beautiful overlooks of the ponds which make for a great place for a rest or snack break.
Normally, their Nature Center is open which has small creatures and has an amazing panorama view of the pond. However, due to COVID, the Nature Center is closed. They normally have a lot of wonderful programming as well, which has been limited as well. However, programming is still happening and they are making it work! Check out their upcoming programs on their website.
This upcoming weekend, my husband and I will be going to their Light the Night family walk (members only). I think this will be so cathartic. Sunday is my mother-in-law's memorial service and what would have been my dog's 14th birthday (who just passed last weekend). I can't wait to see the forest lit up at night!
I highly recommend the Quogue Wildlife Refuge for your family to explore!
QUOGUE WILDLIFE REFUGE RUNDOWN
- Trails are open 365 days a year
- 7 miles of nature trails ranging from 0.8 miles to 3.1 miles in length
- Rescued animals are fun for the kids to see
- FREE parking and entrance (donations accepted)
- Bathrooms available just past the greenhouse
- Varying environments making it fun for the family to explore (pond, forest, bridges etc)
- Paths have little to no tree roots making them accessible to wheelchairs and strollers capable of going over dirt paths
- Social distancing is required and if you cannot then mask up. Almost everyone I saw was following the proper protocols.
- Occasional benches for resting or snack time
- Dogs and picnicking are not allowed
Connect with the Quogue Wildlife Refuge
Website | Facebook | Instagram
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Mt Sinai Macaroni Kid is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in the Greater Mt Sinai area specifically: Mt Sinai, Miller Place, Sound Beach, Rocky Point, Shoreham, Ridge, & Middle Island. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, event and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides and more.
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