Where to Run, Surf, and Hike in Montauk, NY
![Montauk lighthouse view](https://theklubb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Untitled-design-258-1-978x652.png)
Located just three hours from NYC by car or train, Montauk is one of the most convenient ways to immerse yourself in nature outside of the city. With six state parks, numerous trails, and a picturesque lighthouse—commissioned in 1702 by President George Washington—Montauk is also a haven for runners looking for a reprieve from running on city streets. But running is not the only outdoor activity available in Montauk. Below, we’ve outlined where to run, surf, and hike in Montauk.
For the better part of the year, Montauk can be described as a sleepy fishing town at the end of Long Island. But in the high season of summer (June through September) the town comes alive with visitors looking for a bit of nature and a touch of small-town charm. To give you a better idea of the influx that accompanies the summer months, the tally of about 3,000 year-round residents increases to about 30,000 people during the high season. Montauk is popular for a reason and there are a ton of outdoor activities to do year round.
Since you’re already at “the end”, why not take your run next to the ocean? Below are the three best places to run by the ocean in Montauk:
The Camp Hero State Park opened to the public in 2002. From 1942-1981, it was a US military base and some areas are still off limits to the public. For example, the radar tower built during the Cold War to detect Soviet Missiles. Due to its military history, there are still old bunkers and historic buildings scattered around the park. Camp Hero can be accessed from Montauk town on Route 27. Find it on the right as you enter the Montauk Point Lighthouse loop.
Starting near the Lookout Bluff in Camp Hero State Park, run towards the Montauk Lighthouse on the Old Montauk Highway until you get to Montauk Point. Head back on Montauk Highway and turn left when it intersects with Camp Hero Road. Follow Camp Hero Park Road back to the starting point.
This loop is located in the 1,755-acre Hither Hills State Park. The Park is home to a popular ocean-view campsite. It offers fishing, hunting, and recreational activities for locals and visitors year-round.
For this loop, drive to the end of Navy Street. Here you’ll find the trailhead to the Hither Woods Preserve in Eddie Eker Park. The preserve is adjacent to the Hither Hills State Park. Follow the Coastal Trail around until it meets the Old North Road (‘forest section’). Then return to the parking lot at Navy Street. To avoid any “forested” sections, turn back at the end of the Coastal trail for an out-and-back along the water.
Located at the official “end”, Montauk Point State Park is anchored by the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse was commissioned by President George Washington in 1702. This historic State Park has miles of trails with views of the Atlantic Ocean. For more information on visiting the park, see this official guide.
Running is not the only outdoor activity Montauk has to offer. Being a town surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, ocean sports reign supreme and you can enjoy surfing, paddle boarding—along other water-craft sports—throughout every season. Summer brings small waves best for longboarding while larger swells tend to arrive in fall and winter. During this time, waves are consistently in the 3-5 foot range, with the occasional overhead or overhead plus swell. The ideal conditions to look for in Montauk are a SE swell.
Located at the bottom of Montauk’s picturesque bluffs, Ditch Plains is a great spot to surf or hang out at the beach with friends. Arguably the most consistent break in the region, Ditch Plains offers up some fairly cravable A-frames on the right swell. Because of this consistency, it is also one of the most popular spots to surf on Long Island during a swell…even freezing cold ones.
Check the Ditch Plains surf report, here.
The soft rollers that make their way through Trailer Park make this break well-suited for longboarders or stand-up paddle boarders. Its close proximity to the Ditch Plains lineup makes it a great choice on more crowded days. Make sure to watch for the large boulders scattered around this sand and rock bottom break.
Check the Trailer Park surf report, here.
Situated high on the bluffs with picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean, Shadmoor State Park is one of the best places to hike in Montauk. The sandy hike is around 2 miles (round trip) but you can lengthen it by traversing down to the beach and walking east towards Ditch Plains. This hike is super convenient if you’re coming from Montauk town which is only half a mile away. There is also a parking area for hikers. Best time to hike? Early morning.
Located on Napeague Harbor in Hither Hills State Park, the Walking Dunes is part of an extensive trail system and a must-do hike if you’re into birding and hiking. The 4.3-mile loop is open year-round and can be found by heading West from Montauk town on route 27, making a right onto Napeague Harbor Rd after you pass Morty’s Oyster Stand. The trailhead and parking area can be found at the end of the road.
The 2-mile (round trip) Amsterdam Beach Trail is a great option for an easy hiking or trail-running route in Montauk. To find the trailhead, head towards the lighthouse and you’ll come across a small parking area right across from the Montauk County Park. The end of the trail offers views of the ocean from the bluffs above.