Hiking Robert Moses State Park - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Robert Moses State Park: trails, map and practical info

Long Island • New York

4.7 Appreciated by 10 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
8 km
Elevation
11 ft
Duration
1h45
Max altitude
3 ft

Explore 8 km of coastal trails across Fire Island's western tip in Long Island, New York. This easy 1h45 hike combines a scenic boardwalk to the iconic lighthouse with maritime forest paths and dune ridges—a rare blend of beach access and nature trails in one compact park.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Robert Moses State Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"dune_section": "The dune trail system showcases the park's most distinctive terrain features. These elevated sandy ridges create natural observation platforms overlooking both the vast Atlantic and the park's interior forest landscapes. Walking on sand requires more physical effort than boardwalk hiking, but with minimal elevation gain across the entire trail system, these routes remain manageable for most visitors while delivering some of the park's most rewarding viewpoints.",
"faq_elevation": "The trail has minimal elevation gain of approximately 3 m on the main boardwalk section, with negligible elevation changes overall, making it very accessible for hikers of all fitness levels. This gentle terrain contributes to the Easy difficulty classification."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
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Trail Ergo Cork
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Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Robert Moses Causeway, Babylon, NY 11702, USA
GPS coordinates
40.622481, -73.2614875
Phone
(631) 669-0449

Starting Point

The Robert Moses State Park is located in New York. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 17N off of the Robert Moses Parkway. The entrance to the park will be on your right.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
40.622481, -73.2614875
Center
(631) 669-0449

Hikers' opinions

4.7
6 Reviews
WH
Weekend Hiker
Mar 12, 2024
Decent trail for an easy day out, though the entrance and parking fees add up quickly. The 7km route is very flat and straightforward - great for beginners or those wanting a gentle walk. Access via exit 17N off Robert Moses Parkway is convenient. Would be nice if dogs were allowed, but understand the park regulations.
NL
Nature Lover
Feb 8, 2024
Absolutely loved this flat, accessible trail system! With only 2.29m of elevation gain over 7km, it's perfect for all fitness levels. The coastal scenery is stunning and the well-maintained paths make for comfortable walking. Just remember to budget for parking fees when visiting. Took us about 2.5 hours to complete the full loop at a leisurely pace.
A
Anonymous
Jan 15, 2024
Great coastal walk at Robert Moses State Park! The 7km trail offers beautiful ocean views and easy terrain with minimal elevation gain. Perfect for a relaxing 2-3 hour stroll along Long Island's shoreline. Note that parking fees apply and dogs aren't allowed on the trails, but the beach access and facilities make it worthwhile for families.
WH
Weekend Hiker
Sep 3, 2023
Decent trail for a relaxing walk, though the fees can add up quickly. The 7km path is completely flat with virtually no elevation change, making it ideal for beginners or those seeking an easy outing. Takes about 2-3 hours at a comfortable pace. Wish dogs were allowed and parking was free, but the coastal scenery is pleasant enough for an occasional visit.
PV
Park Visitor
Aug 15, 2023
Great coastal walk at Robert Moses State Park! The 7km trail offers beautiful ocean views with minimal elevation gain of just 2.29m, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Perfect for a 2-3 hour leisurely stroll along the shoreline. Note that parking isn't free and dogs aren't allowed, but the beach access and facilities make it worthwhile for a day trip.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
11.00 m
3.00 m
Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
1h45
No
No
Yes, the Robert Moses State Park trail is rated as Easy difficulty, making it suitable for beginners and families new to hiking. With only 8 km distance and 1h45 duration, it's an accessible option for those starting their outdoor journey.
The trail takes approximately 1h45 to complete. This estimate is based on the 8 km distance and Easy difficulty rating, though actual time may vary depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the scenery.
The trail has a minimal elevation gain of 15 m, making it very accessible for hikers of all fitness levels. This gentle terrain contributes to the Easy difficulty classification.
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Update : June 2026