Last updated: June 5, 2021
Thing to Do
Visit Eel Creek and Cold Spring Harbor
NPS/Laurel Brierly
It's hard to imagine now, but when Theodore Roosevelt first built his home at Sagamore Hill, Cold Spring Harbor would have been visible from the top of the hill, as would Oyster Bay and Connecticut to the west and northwest! Now, some of these views require a little more walking on the Nature Trail (through our deciduous forest), but it's well worth the trip.
As you cross Eel Creek Bridge, the fantastic view of Cold Spring Harbor will stretch in front of you. When you reach the beach, turn and look towards the north for the view of Connecticut across Long Island Sound.
While in this area of the park, please remember how fragile this ecosystem is. As with most Long Island beaches, please stay off the dunes to ensure that beach grass remains intact to prevent erosion. We also ask you to please stay out of the precious, protected waters of the salt marsh and Cold Spring Harbor. To swim or play in the sand, please visit other beaches nearby.
Also, be careful if you notice flooding! Tidal flow can be unpredictable. If the path to the beach is flooded, please turn back and visit the beach at another time. Remember: Going off-trail is never permitted, even to avoid tidal floods!
As you cross Eel Creek Bridge, the fantastic view of Cold Spring Harbor will stretch in front of you. When you reach the beach, turn and look towards the north for the view of Connecticut across Long Island Sound.
While in this area of the park, please remember how fragile this ecosystem is. As with most Long Island beaches, please stay off the dunes to ensure that beach grass remains intact to prevent erosion. We also ask you to please stay out of the precious, protected waters of the salt marsh and Cold Spring Harbor. To swim or play in the sand, please visit other beaches nearby.
Also, be careful if you notice flooding! Tidal flow can be unpredictable. If the path to the beach is flooded, please turn back and visit the beach at another time. Remember: Going off-trail is never permitted, even to avoid tidal floods!
Details
Duration
60-120 Minutes
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes
You're welcome to bring your dog along, but please keep them on a 6-foot leash throughout your visit.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Eel Creek and Cold Spring Harbor at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Sagamore Hill is closed from 30 minutes after sunset until sunrise.
Accessibility Information
To visit Eel Creek and Cold Spring Harbor, you'll hike down the Nature Trail, which is not accessible.
The trail is 0.7 miles long, about eight feet wide with some steep grades. The trail surface is packed dirt in the woodland section, a boardwalk over the marsh, and loose sand and pebbles on the beach section.
The trail is 0.7 miles long, about eight feet wide with some steep grades. The trail surface is packed dirt in the woodland section, a boardwalk over the marsh, and loose sand and pebbles on the beach section.