Really cool to get to experience this unique marine forest. Definitely bring some water, but the trees provide some welcome shade. We picked a few blackberries along the way, there's a small visitor's center where you can get a map of the trails. You want to take a water taxi to Sailor's Haven. My husband tried to walk from Ocean Beach, but was thwarted on the bayside path by the gated private Port O Woods community. Apparently, he could have walked over to the beach and continued walking, but he didn't know this, so we picked him up by water taxi in Ocean Bay Park. After the forest, we walked on to Cherry Grove, and then I continued walking to the Pines, which was a lot of walking, but a good way to see the island. read more

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If you come out to Fire Island you really need to make a day trip to the sunken forest. It's one of only two marine forests in the country (the other is Sandy Hook NJ). The well-maintained and beautiful meandering wooden pathways allow you to see all of the beautiful plants and sea peaks of the Bayside as well as the ocean and the dunes. Don't go off the path as there are notices about poison ivy as well as ticks. It's recommended to wear bug lotion when you visit so you don't get bitten. We usually leave the sunken forest and visit Cherry Grove for drinks and food in town. Coming here on an overcast day is probably easier as there are sections that are out in the open and will be very hot. Make sure to bring your garbage with you and leave no trace behind while enjoying this national park treasure. read more

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A friend of mine and I walked here from Ocean Bay Park Beach. It was a journey because the distance was about 2 miles. We could not see the Forest from the entrance because of the dunes by the Atlantic Ocean. This national park , located between the Ocean and and the Great South Bay, appears sunken because it is lower than the beach dunes, from where we entered the park. Then we took a self -guided tour of the Forest as we hiked on the elevated boardwalk. There were no mosquitoes this time of year, in late May. Later on in the summer, mosquito eggs will eventually hatch from the swampland in the forest. We saw lots Sassafras, Poison Ivy and American Holly trees. We also spotted a buck, devouring on some American Holly. Beware of deer ticks, all! Wear long sleeves and pants. The Visitor's Center was closed, so there were no tour guides, literature or maps available. The snack bar was open, and there was plenty of seating for tourists. Our walk ended at the entrance of the Sailor's Haven terminal, where we took a water taxi back to Ocean Bay Park. I highly recommend the Sunken Forest. It is a good place to go with friends and family. It is also ideal for a romantic stroll. read more

If you're on Fire Island plan to visit Sunken Forest. It's tranquil and interesting. It's not an easy walk from all areas, but definitely with the effort to get there. You may want to take a water taxi to Sailor's Haven instead of walking on the beach (around a gated community) for over a mile. Definitely stop at Sailors Haven for a frozen beverage and snack. read more

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While visiting the island we took a stroll though the forest , mid june the weather was just right with barely any bugs or crazy heat. Cool looking forest with a decent trail very easy to follow ... nice walk through checking out the trees & scenery. If u are visiting the island is worth a stroll through good experience for us since no issues with bugs. read more

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This is one of the coolest trails/walks I've been on and that includes the Rhode Island Cliff Walk, which was spectacular. This forest/beach/sand dunes ecosystem is so unique and beautiful. The best part is the boardwalk, concrete paths and encountering no mud or gravel! I did the entire walk in flip flops and was fine! The park itself is free but there's a steep parking fee at the ferry station and the round trip ferry tickets per person. The one place you can get food charges you $11 for 5 little fried shrimp or $10 for 3 chicken strips--no joke. During the walk, we encountered 4 big bucks within 15 feet of where we were standing just merrily chewing some grass. It was majestic and amazing. Definitely bring sunscreen and bug spray because you will get fed upon alive in the shaded foresty regions! The beach area was very clean and beautiful as well. There's also a little visitor center. read more

Beautiful and eerie during the week in October- no one there but us. So glad we made the trek out there from OBP. read more

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It's really a 4 1/2 but I had to take away a half because a tick landed on my friends tummy n made a home. Don't forget your bug spray!!!! Deep woods it if you can. There are natural alternatives but when it comes to ticks other biting buggies I can't risk it. I was a bit disappointed in some of the litter left. There are literally no garbages and there's always " litter bugs" who are the worst! Signs say if you can bring it in you can bring it out! However there should be some options on the beach since there are seagulls, sand and things can get messy. So the employees or volunteers should clean up what they can. If you do go and care... we can all do our own part and bring a bag to throw our garbage out n even some that others left behind. Overall it is secluded, quiet, and one of a kind. You can feel the history here like the nature is speaking and singing to you! Great place to reboot and save a butterfly read more

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This is hands down my favorite beach in the world. Seriously. It's unreal. Not like any other beach on the eastern seaboard, and I won't go into too much detail, but read up on it. This place is truly unique because it's a forest ON the beach. Go for a whole day and pack plenty of food. There is no snack bar or anything commercial on the actual beach. Also be advised, there are no lifeguards. For once, the beach is just simply beach. Also, it's never crowded here, so if you're looking for some rowdy can-jam or beach volleyball, you're in the wrong place. This is a relaxing spot perfect for anyone looking to escape from the typical long island beach scene. My family and a few others in the know have been going here for years in total peace. I almost didn't want to write a review about it spoiling the secret ;) read more

Such a fun day trip! Come to Sunken forest and walk the wooden deck trails to see really interesting foliage, and maybe some wildlife! Take a boat over, or walk down the beach from whatever town you are staying in. We had an awesome time, but definitely bring snacks if you are walking, it's a bit of a journey! Snack shop and gift shop located on premises as well. ps - wear bug spray. read more

Great nature area and beach. This is Long Island at its best. There is a marina for boats to dock overnight and a ferry that is on a regular schedule. You cannot arrive here by car. The beach is never crowded. The nature trails are well maintained and it is really special to be able to walk over and through the dunes. See the natural vegetation and listen to the birds of Long Island. If you love nature without the crowds, this is the place for you! read more

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It was my first time to sunken forest. it was a good combo for mild hiking/beach day/and a beach town in cherry groove. It was a good walk through the forest. They have guided tour if you are curious about the ecology, plants, nature history of fire island etc. If u want to enjoy on your own, pick up a self guided map from the visit center, which can be educational too. The hike is very mild, about 1 mile long, and mostly in the shaded forest. Most of trail is a broadwalk, which makes it a nice break if you want to go to beach that day too. The beach nearby is clean, not many people comparing to the beaches in queens, but for some reason, have a lot of seaweed and very fluffy sand. I found it very pleasant to walk on. In the nearby town (cherry groove), there are quiet a few restaurants, bars, and places you can rent beach gear too). On the walk between sunken forest and cherry groove community, we even spotted a wild deer and discovered the cutest firefight's truck I'v ever seen. Unfortunately, we have to pay parking at sayville ferry station, and the cost of the ferry to get on sailor heaven or cherry groove, but i think it's worth it! read more

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What a magical place Sunken Forest is! We got there by our boat, docked at Sailors heaven. The entrance is clearly marked and is next to the visitor center. If you can't find it, just ask the attendant at the center. They are very friendly. There's a beautiful breeze in the trail and the combination between the green tree and the blue bay waters are stunning! There are benches from time to time, to sit relax and take a sip of water. It's just so peaceful and relaxing! A must see!! Bring bug spray just in case ( we didn't have a problem with bugs that day) read more

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There is a website out there stating the Sunken Forest have drawn visitors around the world. Well, you don't need to drop what you are doing and head over to Fire Island's Sailor's Shore. Take some time, plan a whole day trip or a weekend and take half day to stroll down the Sunken Forest. Highly recommended since it is a very rare ecological habitat. Read up a bit before going here http://www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/sunken-forest.htm , so you have a better understanding as you go through the area (not just sand, grass, sand, grass, tree and more sand). It is a relatively easy walk. Be sure to bring hat and sunblock most of the traill have no shades to shield you from the Sun. Also bring water!!!! Some light snacks too if you are a weakling like me. P.S. Good place for picture taking. read more

Beautiful National Park that preserves a unique barrier island habitat. Gorgeous beach. Decent shower facilities. But my favorite recreational activity here is walking along the elevated boardwalk throughout the forest to observe nature and take photos. This spot is a treasure. It's doable as a day trip from Manhattan. Ask for the special discount that includes the railroad, shuttle, and ferry to Cherry Grove, all for a fixed price. The Sunken Forest Park itself is free. read more

Sunken Forest is a fairly decent sized park and recreational center located in a very nice neighborhood in the charming and lively area in Fire Island, NY. This park can be accessible from Robert Mosses Causeway or Ocean Parkway. Perfectly nestled between Great South Bay. Sunken Forest features many engaging amenities, programs and water activities for all ages. This park features opens fields, courts and paved pathways for outdoor activities such as walking, biking, skating, jogging, strolling, soccer and baseball. Also, this park features scenic and picturesque waterfront and skyline views. Walkways are surrounded by stunning setting of water and wildlife. read more

Beautiful beach with a walk through the Sunken forest. This place is truly unique with the forest on the beach. The wooden broad walk through forest makes it very easy to go through the forest and back to the beach. Very pretty!! But you have to bring bug spray, there are alot of mosquitoes in the forest we almost had to run out of there. The place was not crowded with no lifeguard. This is very relaxing and quiet a nice getaway from the city. read more

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I came here with my boyfriend and it was very nice. All the locals told us it was a must see. It was a long walk from the ocean beach which was the down side. However, it was great! It was the way Fire Island used to look before development! It was a once in a lifetime experience. Its a must see if you go to Fire Island. However, you can take a water taxi. From Ocean Beach its $14 a person. read more

Take a relaxing ferry ride from Sayville to Sailor's Haven and walk west -- be prepared to walk slowly and take in the scenery -- the views of the bay are amazing and the trees are quite lovely. It's interesting to see how the boardwalk has been built to work with the forest and how the forest has adapted to the boardwalk. When you're done walking the forest Cherry Grove is a relatively easy walk east... of course you could just hit the lifeguard monitored beach at Sailor's Haven or hop a water taxi over to Ocean Beach if you want to hit the bar! read more

Fantastic place for a day trip. Carpool to save at parking as it is expensive! $13 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, $7 rest of the week. Boat fare/ entrance fee will set you back another $13 round trip. Facilities are what you would expect for a beach / national park. That being said, there is nowhere as cool as this place. Over a mile of boardwalk thru the sunken forest. There is a very nice sandy beach on the ocean side of the island for sunbathing and swimming. Very low key and relaxing. Concession stand CASH only. read more

The Sunken Sailor bar and grill at Sailor's Haven is a treasure! Frozen drinks are generous, delicious and reasonably priced. Captain's Plates dinners rival any mainland restaurant. Staff is friendly, knowledgeable and fun!! Come one, come all! read more

If you want to go the a beautiful, Mo frills back to nature ocean beach, this is for you. Access is only by ferry or private boat. That helps keep the crowds small. read more

What a total waste of time. Absolutely no signs or anything to tell you where this place is. We walked from Ocean Beach to Cherry Grove without even knowing where Sunken Forest was. Our whole objective was to get to Sunken Forest. So we finally were directed the right way by some nice beachgoers. And guess what we get there and what the hell. Small crappy little hike, all along a boardwalk and the mosquitoes. Oh god the Mosquitoes. My wife and I had about 20 bites each. What a waste of time and what a scam Fire Island is. $40 total for the ferries then you also pay $20 for the parking all day. And then $50 for the bike rentals, to do what with the bikes??? You can barely even ride the bikes around anywhere. Never ever going to Fire Island again. What a waste of time. read more

I'm not sure if the Sunken Forest was nice or not! After walking almost 3 miles from where we were staying to get there, we couldn't get into the forest because a cloud of mosquitoes descended upon our bodies as soon as we got near the entrance. We were wearing bug spray, but it wasn't keeping them away. So we fled to the beach and walked back. The beach was beautiful though! read more

Beautiful walk through the Sunken Forest! We attempted to walk from Cherry Grove to Ocean Beach via the Sunken Forest but the path is cut off at a certain point as it was damaged from Hurricane Sandy, which was okay for us as the walk was much longer than expected. Got some great pictures though! read more