Last updated: May 11, 2023
Thing to Do
Hike Sagamore Hill's Nature Trail
NPS
Take a walk in the footsteps of the Roosevelts and explore the woodlands and beach of Sagamore Hill on the nature trail. The trail is a 0.7 mile loop of easy to moderate difficulty that leads through an oak-tulip forest to a salt marsh and beach. Visitors can see a variety of wildlife such as songbirds, herons, egrets, osprey, bald eagles, fiddler crabs, white-tailed deer, and ducks depending on the season. This short trail includes some steep uphill and downhill sections.
Visitors should remain on trail to avoid poison ivy and ticks. Leashed dogs are allowed on-trail and at the beach. Please pack out all personal belongings, trash, and pet waste, as there are no trash receptacles on the trail. Note that the Cold Spring Harbor beach is for passive recreation only. Swimming, wading, or picnicking is not allowed. Coolers, umbrellas, shelters, children’s beach toys, sunbathing, and any other activity typical of a recreational beach is prohibited. See our page on Visiting Eel Creek and Cold Spring Harbor for more information.
Note on occasional trail flooding: During new and full moon high tides and storm events, the dune area and marsh will flood, limiting access to the beach. During these tides, sea water will wash over the creek’s bank and flood the sandy path that leads from the board walk. Flooding of this type can occur a few times per month. If going to the beach is an important part of your hike, it is suggested that you check a tides table against the moon phase. If high tide is predicted during your time of visit and you are visiting close to a new or full moon, you should plan on visiting another day, as the path may be flooded or closed. There is no alternative route to the beach.
Visitors should remain on trail to avoid poison ivy and ticks. Leashed dogs are allowed on-trail and at the beach. Please pack out all personal belongings, trash, and pet waste, as there are no trash receptacles on the trail. Note that the Cold Spring Harbor beach is for passive recreation only. Swimming, wading, or picnicking is not allowed. Coolers, umbrellas, shelters, children’s beach toys, sunbathing, and any other activity typical of a recreational beach is prohibited. See our page on Visiting Eel Creek and Cold Spring Harbor for more information.
Note on occasional trail flooding: During new and full moon high tides and storm events, the dune area and marsh will flood, limiting access to the beach. During these tides, sea water will wash over the creek’s bank and flood the sandy path that leads from the board walk. Flooding of this type can occur a few times per month. If going to the beach is an important part of your hike, it is suggested that you check a tides table against the moon phase. If high tide is predicted during your time of visit and you are visiting close to a new or full moon, you should plan on visiting another day, as the path may be flooded or closed. There is no alternative route to the beach.
Details
Duration
30-60 Minutes
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets must remain on a six-foot leash at all times. Keep all pets out of the water. Pack out all pet waste and deposit in trash.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Sagamore Hill NHS
The nature trail begins adjacent to Old Orchard Museum.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
The trail is open from dawn to dusk.
Accessibility Information
The trail is 0.7 miles long, about eight feet wide with some steep grades. The trail surface is packed dirt in the woodland section, a boardwalk over the marsh, and loose sand and pebbles on the beach section.