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Health & Fitness

Hiking for Fun and Exercise

There are hiking paths all across the Island to enjoy time with nature and get healthy.

Hiking, Biking, Rock Climbing... Oh My!

All these activities keep you young. Last weekend I spent the weekend on Shelter Island actively engaging in all of the above and more. Once a runner and although I still remember the glory - I no longer feel compelled to stress my body to that extreme.

Love biking, but after a cycling accident last year I have a fear of speed and being out there alone. So, I have taken up hiking and it is rewarding in so many ways.

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Before last fall, I had hiked once or twice (totally turned around and lost once) but I am game for any activity with my feet on the ground. So a friend and I investigated the Greenbelt Trail from Hauppauge and found it interesting. The next week we investigated Caleb Smith Park - and found a jewel right in Smithtown. On our third adventure we followed the Greenbelt Trail from Smithtown Landing toward Sunken Meadow - up to a 3 hour hike with a few wrong turns (that's what happens when you are so engrossed in a conversation you don't look for markings) on our fourth we returned to the Smithtown Landing/Greenbelt area and made it all the way to Sunken Meadow and back in 4 hours no wrong turns. Beautiful! We learned to pay attention and how to read the white (hash marks) on the trees.

We found an activity that has so much potential. You can decide whether you want to go for a 2 hour walk in the park on flat terrain or challenge yourself to time increase or terrain change or both - and see how much this beautiful Island has to offer. We have now crossed the entire Greenbelt from Hecksher to Sunken Meadow (in pieces) - what an accomplishment. We have been on organized hikes and just out on our own - both have advantages.

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Last weekend we hiked the Mashomack Preserve, the "Jewel of the Peconic,"  on Shelter Island - we had a late start so only did 6 of the 10 mile trail - but definitely will go back to finish it all. In the preserve there was no road noise at all - a treasure for bird watchers if your hikers are quiet. I am confident the wildlife was more aware of us then we were of their whereabouts.

Although we did not see any wildlife in Mashomack we did see the black egrets and deer on our bike ride. On other occasions we saw a harbor seal in Hecksher and fox in Hauppauge and deer more often in Hecksher. What can be better?! So much fun and all you need is a walking stick or two (preferred) and hiking boots to keep your ankles safe. You may pass a group or two but most of all you are alone in nature and the views on Long Island are outstanding and so quiet!

The Greenbelt trail has so much to offer you can be busy for the year. There are 200 miles of the Greenbelt Trail with guided hikes of all levels for those who are concerned about getting lost or those who are less adventurous (or smarter) about investigating an activity.

Go take a hike - you will enjoy it!

Of course I am considering a hiking fundraiser for Strength for Life - I believe it is the perfect activity. We are about promoting exercise and what better way than getting involved in a new sport that anyone can do.

"Take only pictures; leave only footprints." ~Anonymous

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