How to Hike the Fire Island Lighthouse and Climb to the Top
- Emmeline
- Sep 1, 2024
- 3 min read
If there’s one thing I’ve learned since moving to Long Island, it’s that this place is full of historical lighthouses, just waiting to be explored. One of my absolute favorites? The Fire Island Lighthouse. Located on Robert Moses State Park of Fire Island, this beauty not only offers a picture-perfect hike to reach it but also has the best 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Great South Bay, and Fire Island. I recently tackled the climb to the top for the first time, and I was in awe—wondering why I hadn’t done this sooner. Don’t be like me and wait another moment to experience the breathtaking views from the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse. You won’t regret it!
Your adventure begins at Field 5 of Robert Moses State Park. Make sure to include "Field 5" to your GPS, it's the last parking lot on the road to the beach. The toll booth collects $10 for cars on Monday-Friday until 4pm, and then until 6pm on Saturday and Sundays, after that, parking is free (but be mindful the lighthouse closes at 5pm). You might want to look into getting an Empire Pass if you don't already have one and plan to be a frequent adventurer on New York State parks. You pay a one time fee for the year, and then parking is free at all state parks.
Once you enter Field 5, take the roundabout and park in the lot to the left—you’ll spot the lighthouse from there. Head to the far left of the lot, where the trail begins. The entire trail is a boardwalk. I’ve comfortably walked it in flip-flops, however, if you plan on climbing the lighthouse, I’d recommend wearing sneakers.
The trail is a beautiful, winding path that welcomes you in with sand dunes on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The salty sea breeze, the sound of waves crashing, and the occasional sight of a deer make this hike a wonderful experience. It’s the kind of place where you can truly disconnect and soak in the beauty of Robert Moses State Park—though, if you’re like me, you’ll still be picking up your phone to snap a picture or two (or two thousand).
The hike is just under a mile to reach the lighthouse. Once inside, you’ll discover a beautiful museum that highlights the history of this structure. The Fire Island Lighthouse has been guiding ships to shore since 1858. The museum features plenty of displays and photographs showcasing its construction, the dedicated lighthouse keepers, and the local Long Islanders who fought to preserve this historic building.
It’s $10 for adults to get a ticket to climb to the top. The staff running the lighthouse were incredibly friendly and polite, making the experience even more memorable. As you ascend the 182 steps, the anticipation builds with every twist of the spiral staircase. There are plenty of resting stops along the way up the lighthouse to peak out at the view and read up on interesting facts. And then, you reach the summit.
The view from the top is nothing short of breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see for miles—including glimpses of Manhattan, which unfortunately we couldn't see as it was a cloudy day. As I stood there, taking it all in, I thought about the generations of lighthouse keepers who made that climb every day. Their job wasn’t easy, but it was vital, and being in their footsteps gave me a new appreciation for this piece of Long Island’s history.
When you reach the bottom, you’re awarded a Certification of Completion. Congratulations! At this point, you can either take the path leading to the beach and relax by the ocean, or you can explore the Great South Bay and discover the trails on the other side of the lighthouse. You can even walk all the way to Kismet on Fire Island for beach views and a bite to eat at their town’s only restaurant (I haven’t done this yet, but I plan to! Maybe it’ll be in my next blog...).
If you’re up for an adventure that combines a good workout, stunning scenery, and a little slice of history, the Fire Island Lighthouse Trail should be at the top of your list. I have done this walk with family, dates, and friends from out of town to impress them. All have been enjoyable experiences and everyone who I brought has loved it. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a new way to spend a Saturday, this trail has something for everyone. And trust me, the view from the top is worth every step.
Comments