Last updated: March 31, 2021
Thing to Do
Hike to the Breach at Old Inlet
NPS/Sucena
As Hurricane Sandy swept across Fire Island, a portion of beach near a site called Old Inlet was breached by ocean waves. The breach remains an exciting and dynamic natural feature as well as a rare opportunity for scientists to better understand barrier island dynamics.
Visitors can take a short hike to the breach from Smith Point County Park. Seasonal parking fees may apply. The breach is approximately 1.7 miles west of the Wilderness Visitor Center. The full round-trip hike may vary, but is typically around 3.4 miles.
Along the way visitors will have a chance to enjoy Fire Island's seasonal bounties. Keep an eye out for Seals, Whales, Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Snowy Owls, comb the beach for beautiful shells, or enjoy a view of the sun setting over the Great South Bay.
Ranger-guided hikes are often offered. Visit our calendar for the most up to date programs.
Visitors can take a short hike to the breach from Smith Point County Park. Seasonal parking fees may apply. The breach is approximately 1.7 miles west of the Wilderness Visitor Center. The full round-trip hike may vary, but is typically around 3.4 miles.
Along the way visitors will have a chance to enjoy Fire Island's seasonal bounties. Keep an eye out for Seals, Whales, Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Snowy Owls, comb the beach for beautiful shells, or enjoy a view of the sun setting over the Great South Bay.
Ranger-guided hikes are often offered. Visit our calendar for the most up to date programs.
Details
Duration
1-4 Hours
This is a mid-distance hike, which can typically take around 2 to three hours.
Activity
Hiking
This comfortable 3.5 mile round-trip hike can be taken on the ocean beach or through backcountry trails in the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness. The hike to the breach at Old Inlet offers abundant opportunities to see wildlife and other natural features. Conditions on the trails may vary seasonally.Visitors should watch out for ticks, mosquitos and poison ivy.
Age(s)
All ages are welcome. Exercise caution with young children.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are welcome on the ocean beach between labor day and March 15th as long as they are on a leash.Pets are not allowed on the ocean beach between March 15th and Labor Day. Pets are allowed on interior trails and bay side beaches year-round. Beware of ticks, mosquitoes and poison ivy.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
The breach at Old Inlet
The breach at Old Inlet is situated just 1.7 miles west of the Fire Island National Seashore Wilderness Visitor Center. Visitors can park at Smith Point County Park (seasonal parking fees may apply).
Wilderness Visitor Center: Take William Floyd Parkway (Route 46) to Smith Point County Park for access to the Wilderness Visitor Center, a small hexagonal building on the right as you are headed south. Parking is available in the Smith Point parking lot just to the east/on the left.
Wilderness Visitor Center: Take William Floyd Parkway (Route 46) to Smith Point County Park for access to the Wilderness Visitor Center, a small hexagonal building on the right as you are headed south. Parking is available in the Smith Point parking lot just to the east/on the left.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Seasonal conditions can vary quite a bit. Hiking during each season can be exciting and new. Beware of ticks, mosquitoes and poison ivy during the warm months, and watch out for off-road vehicle traffic on the ocean beach between September and December.
Time of Day
Any Time
While Fire Island National Seashore and the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness are open to the public 24/7, parking at Smith Point County Park may not be available after sunset.
Accessibility Information
There is a short boardwalk trail through a portion of the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness that is accessible to wheelchairs. Most of the trails through the wilderness and the ocean beach are sandy and may be inaccessible to most wheelchairs. Beach wheelchairs are available from the Wilderness Visitor Center for beach access upon request, however accessing the breach at Old Inlet with a beach wheelchair may still be prohibitively strenuous. Visitors are encouraged to ask Park Rangers for recomendations when planning a hike to the breach. Some additional accommodations may be available.