Fall is here, and with it comes crisp days and all the pleasures of the new season.
Apple and pumpkin picking is on top of our list as a favorite activity to partake in during this time of the year, and the Hamptons is home to several farms where you can get in on the fun.
Hank's Pumpkintown grows a variety of apples and also has corn mazes and other activities that are great for families. 240 Montauk Highway, Water Mill. 631-726-4667
Harbes Family Farm offers apple and pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides and even a spooky night maze. 5698 Sound Avenue, Riverhead. 631-369-1111
Milk Pail has a diverse range of apples from Honeycrisps to ginger golds. The farm also offers pumpkin and squash picking- the latter includes butternut and spaghetti squash. 1346 Montauk Highway, Water Mill. 631-537-2565
Hiking is another fall highlight. It can be too hot to enjoy in the summer, but the cooler days change this perspective. The East End has dozens of hikes to pick from for people of all ages and fitness levels. We at The Roundtree love the following three: Elizabeth A Morton National Wildlife Refuge: Located in Sag Harbor, this 187-acre peninsula is full of sandy and rocky beaches, ponds, forest and wildlife such as painted turtles, long-tailed ducks and chipmunks. You can do several hikes here spanning from one mile to eight, and the trails are well marked. The shorter ones are a hit with younger children who get a thrill out of spotting the various animals: try the 1.2 mile long Wild Birds Nature Trail. You can download a complete list online.
Montauk Point State Park:It’s worth coming to this overlooked state park for the views alone: you’ll get to see where the Atlantic Ocean meets Block Island and can also visit the historic Montauk Lighthouse. Hiking-wise, you’ll find six trails, ranging from 1.5 to more than six miles long. They’re all relatively flat and easy and offer stunning vistas. All Trails has a complete list. The highlight for us is the 6.2 mile long Montauk Point Loop, which traverses around the entire park and is set along the water most of the way. You might even see a seal or two while you walk.
Quogue Wildlife Refuge: This 300-acre nature preserve and non-profit boasts an abundance of wildlife from owls and falcons to foxes and waterfowls. There are 7 miles of trails, and the website has detailed information on the choices.