Long Island Pine Barrens Trail

Long Island’s Pine Barrens Trail network opens up a completely different side of the island—miles of sandy fire roads winding through pitch pine and oak scrubland that feels more like New Jersey’s Pine Barrens than suburban New York. The main route follows old cranberry bog access roads and WWII-era military training paths through the Central Pine Barrens Preserve, passing abandoned foundations from long-gone farming settlements. The deep sand roads demand momentum and technique, while the occasional bog crossing adds a technical element most Long Island residents never knew existed.

High-clearance 2WD can handle most sections in dry conditions, but 4WD makes life easier in the deeper sand pockets and after rain. The sandy surface drains quickly but can get surprisingly soft—momentum is your friend here. Spring and fall offer the best weather and fewer hunters in the woods. No permits needed for the fire roads, but respect private property boundaries that checker the preserve. This isn’t rock crawling, but it’s legitimate backcountry driving just 60 miles from Manhattan, with genuine camping spots that’ll make you forget you’re on Long Island.