There and Back Again: Hiking the Sunken Forest at Sailors Haven on Fire Island
- Emmeline
- Aug 24, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 28, 2024
If you take a peek at any Long Islander's bucket list, you'll likely find "Hike Sunken Forest" right at the top. This hidden gem, located on a car-free region, is only accessible by a ferry ride and leads to one of the most breathtaking beaches I've ever seen (think white sands and crashing waves). It's no wonder this enchanting forest is a must-do for so many. Recently, I finally crossed this off my own "Still To Do on Long Island" list, and now I'm excited to share my experience with you, so you can plan the perfect outing to Sailors Haven, Fire Island.
First, let's talk location. The Sunken Forest is on Fire Island, a barrier island just off the southern shore of Long Island. Fire Island is famed for its incredible beaches, lively nightlife, postcard-worthy sunsets, and its signature drink—Rocket Fuel (trust me, one is all you need). The best part? Fire Island is completely car-free. So the only way us locals get around is by hopping on and off ferries and exploring on foot. The Sunken Forest itself is a maritime wonder and a centuries-old ecological treasure. This unique forest is alive and kicking thanks to the protective dune system that shields it from the harsh winds and sea. You'll find the Sunken Forest in Sailors Haven, tucked between Ocean Bay Park and Cherry Grove.
There are several ferries that connect you to various communities on Fire Island, but for this blog, we’ll focus on Sayville Ferries, which provide service to Cherry Grove, The Pines, and Sailors Haven. Like many Long Island adventures, my morning began with a stop at my local bagel shop for a classic BEC (bacon, egg & cheese) sandwich—one for me and one for my friend, who I’d be meeting in Sayville. The Sayville Ferry terminal is located on River Road, with daily parking available in a lot across the street for $22. Once we parked, we made our way to the Sailors Haven ferry (just follow the signs) and got in line to purchase tickets ($18 for a round trip). There’s something so darn charming and romantic about the ferry ride to Fire Island. The moment you step onto that boat, it feels like you’re leaving all your troubles on the mainland, ready to enjoy a carefree day under the sun.
Let’s take a moment to go over what I packed for this trip: sunscreen, bug spray, a light long-sleeve shirt (for sun protection while hiking), a baseball cap, a beach towel, two water bottles, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a portable phone charger, and my wallet. Sailors Haven has water refill stations, as well as a gift shop where you can pick up snacks and extra water bottles if needed.
We reached the Sailors Haven Marina in about 20 minutes, and it felt like we had arrived in another world. As soon as you step off the ferry, you’ll notice a visitor center to your left, along with a snack bar and gift shop. If you forgot anything at home, like water, bug spray, or sunscreen, the gift shop has you covered. We arrived around 11 a.m., and the snack bar was already serving up all kinds of delicious breakfast options.
To your right is the entrance to the Sunken Forest, but before you hit the trail, be sure to use the restrooms, which are just up ahead along the path toward the beach.
Left: Go straight down the path off the boat on the boardwalk to use the restroom first.
Right: The entrance to the Sunken Forest which will be on the right side of the path, off the ferry.
Now, for the long-awaited hike! Stepping onto the trail felt like entering a breathtaking scene straight out of Lord of the Rings or Narnia. Tall trees lined both sides of the boardwalk, as if they were welcoming us into their enchanted home. Just a few steps in, we reached a beautiful viewing area overlooking the bay. The entire hike is on a boardwalk, so while I preferred wearing sneakers, comfortable sandals would work just as well.
The trail is 1.5 miles long and takes about an hour to complete. Along the way, you’ll encounter a diverse array of trees and plants that make the journey even more enjoyable. About halfway through, we came across a small center with benches and a path leading down to the bay. This area, known as the "Heart of the Maritime Forest," offered a perfect spot to sit, relax, and soak in the beauty and calming nature of the woods. We chose to take the scenic route down to the bay overlook, and it was absolutely worth it for the stunning views.
If you continue following the path from the bay overlook, it eventually merges with the main boardwalk trail, leading you to the ultimate reward for your efforts—the ocean. The beach was secluded and felt wonderfully private, with only two other families nearby. It was the perfect spot to enjoy the ocean breeze and the salty waves while savoring my PB&J and gazing out at the horizon.
To return to the Sailors Haven marina, you can either retrace your steps through the Sunken Forest or walk along the beach to the boardwalk that leads back to the visitor center. We chose to stroll through the forest once more, enjoying its beauty one last time. It felt much quicker on the way back!
After the hike, you can grab a bite at the snack bar on the marina, where they serve burgers, chicken tenders, and other lunch options. I treated myself to their fried pickles, followed by a refreshing scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream—it really hit the spot. For an after-hike celebratory drink, you can also swing by The Sunken Sailor bar.
Take a look at the ferry schedule when you plan your trip here—we took the last ferry back, which was at 5:50 p.m. The quaint ferry ride felt like an extra treat after a long day of hiking. As we sailed away from Fire Island, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s adventure. Every moment was a reminder of why Fire Island is such a special place. Where else can you walk through a centuries-old forest, and come out the other side to a secluded beach that looks like paradise? Whether you’re looking for a new spot to explore or a visitor wanting to experience the natural beauty of Fire Island, a trip to Sailors Haven is well worth adding to your list.
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