Smith Point County Park on Long Island, New York: A Response

After reading Smith Point County Park on Long Island NY, I thought to respond. I hope I can offer a different perspective of Smith Point County Park. I also live on Long Island and enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors.

TWA Flight 800 Memorial
No matter what you think about the crowds and large parking area of Smith Point's main Pavilion, you must stop by to visit the TWA Flight 800 Memorial. This is a world class memorial which honors 230 people who lost their lives on July 17, 1996. I remember that day. I was hiking at the Pine Barrens with a group of friends when we heard the crash, but that's another story. I would recommend anyone to go and see this memorial. It is a beautiful and restful place where people and nature coincide. It is a place where you can feel at peace.

Fire Island National Seashore
Smith Point is a great jumping off point to explore Fire Island National Seashore and it's wilderness areas. Our favorite hike is to walk a mile or so behind the dunes on Burma Road and back on the ocean side. The old road leads up to Old Inlet. We return with an ocean side walk. Along the way you can spot deer, pick beach plums during the right season, listen to birds and explore several pine groves. We often take a thermos of hot tea with us and some snacks. You may spot hunters but they will not bother you! On the ocean side, you can feel the ocean breeze, look out for beach erosion, and see what has washed up to shore on the wrack line.

On Going To The Beach - No Lifeguards
On hot summer days, I must confess that lately we take the Sayville Ferries over to Fire Island. We've found driving out east to be too far. But if we do go to Smith Point County Park, we again head over to the Fire Island National Seashore. It is just west of the large parking lot and there's a way to short cut over there just be careful when crossing. With no lifeguards there, however, you must be careful swimming . Swim at your own risk. If the surf's too rough, play in the waves breaking on the shore line.