Long Island Central Pine Barrens Trail
Long Island's forgotten wilderness
The Central Pine Barrens preserve some of Long Island’s wildest country, where sandy fire roads wind through dwarf pitch pine forests that have survived since the last ice age. This network of interconnected trails follows old military roads from Camp Upton and fire service routes that snake between kettle hole ponds and cranberry bogs, passing the concrete ruins of Nike missile sites and abandoned Civilian Conservation Corps camps. The infamous “Sand Trap” section near Swan Lake can bury a rig to the frame rails in minutes, and the maze of unmarked intersections has been confusing drivers since the Model T era.
Easy to moderate terrain perfect for stock high-clearance vehicles, though the deep sand sections will test your momentum and tire pressure skills. Spring through fall offers the best conditions, with winter providing surprisingly good traction when the sand freezes. No permits required for the fire roads, and primitive camping is allowed in designated areas. You’ll discover Long Island’s hidden wild side and understand why the Algonquian peoples called this the “land of trembling earth.”
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 400 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Riverhead, NY |
| Land manager | Central Pine Barrens Commission |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | pb.state.ny.us |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock truck or SUV with 2WD handle the sand on this trail?
High-clearance 2WD is the minimum, but airing down your tires to around 20 PSI is strongly advised on the soft sand sections. A 4WD or AWD vehicle gives you more margin if you wander off the firmer tracks. A low-clearance car like a Prius will get buried.
When is the trail closed or in rough shape?
Best window is April through November. Winter isn't an official closure, but frozen and thawed sand can be unpredictable, and some fire roads get gated seasonally. Spring after a wet winter is when you're most likely to find soft, punchy sand.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp out here?
No permit is required to drive the trail, but dispersed camping in the Central Pine Barrens falls under state and local fire regulations — open fires may require a permit or be outright banned depending on fire danger levels. Check current fire restrictions with the Central Pine Barrens Commission at pb.state.ny.us before you go.
What's the hardest section, and what should I actually expect?
This is an easy trail — the hardest thing you'll deal with is deep, loose sand on the unmaintained fire roads, not technical obstacles. The bigger risk is getting complacent and burying a tire because you didn't air down. Elevation change is minimal at 300 feet total over 24 miles.
How far is the nearest gas station, and should I top off before heading in?
Riverhead is the closest town and has multiple gas stations — fill up there before you start. The trail is 24 miles and you won't find fuel in the Pine Barrens itself, so don't count on anything between the trailhead and the far end near the eastern exits.
Trail track
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