Shirley: Discover Nature on the Carmans River

Shirley combines an expansive natural area with several ways to enjoy the outdoors. At Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, the 2,550-acre area protects land on Long Island’s south shore; the Carmans River runs through the refuge. Waterfowl, shorebirds, birds of prey, and songbirds find habitat here. The river, Pine Barrens forests, and wildlife give a stay a variety of natural highlights—from walking the trails to wildlife watching and nature photography.

Experience the River Landscape and Wildlife

At Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, nearly six miles of trails run through Pine Barrens forests and along the Carmans River. This makes the river and forest defining features of the routes. Those interested in birds will find habitat for several groups: waterfowl, shorebirds, birds of prey, and songbirds. Wildlife watching and nature photography are also among the refuge’s recreational activities. You can shape your stay around the landscape and its inhabitants or more active pursuits.

Trails of Different Lengths

Patriots Preserve in Shirley also offers trails. The preserve lists a 3/4-mile hiking trail and a 1.03-mile multi-use fitness trail. The two routes differ both in their stated lengths and in how they are described. Together with the nearly six miles of trails at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, they offer a practical comparison for planning your day: here, there are two routes with specified lengths; there, a longer trail network through the forest and alongside the river. The trails at Wertheim Refuge are open daily from sunrise to sunset. As operating hours can change, please check the current hours before your visit.

More Activities in the Refuges and Parks

Public recreational opportunities at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge include hunting, fishing, and paddling, as well as hiking. Other options include wildlife watching, nature photography, interpretive programs, and environmental education. At Southaven County Park in Shirley, activities range from hiking, birdwatching, and freshwater fishing to rowing, picnicking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, and canoeing. Individual activities may be subject to local rules or conditions. By comparison, Wertheim places a clear emphasis on wildlife watching and environmental education; Southaven pairs outdoor recreation not only with trails but also offers other activities. This makes it easier to identify the focus you want for your stay.

Exhibits and Practical Visit Planning

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge has an interactive exhibit hall featuring dioramas of Long Island’s ecosystems, a Discovery Island Touch Table, and a Night Room. These different exhibits complement outdoor nature experiences with insights into the island’s ecosystems. The visitor center is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; please check current opening hours before your visit. The refuge also has a nature shop operated by the nonprofit Friends of Wertheim Refuge. As the shop’s operations may change, please check before making plans.

Choose a Vacation Rental Based on Your Travel Interests

When searching for a vacation rental in Shirley, you can first consider which experiences you want to shape your stay: trails and river scenery, wildlife watching and nature photography, or activities such as rowing, horseback riding, and camping. If you’re planning a trip with children or people with different interests, this comparison can help you focus on the activities you want to include each day, rather than relying on a general idea of the destination. The right combination for your trip depends on the interests of your fellow travelers.

Discover more destinations: East Hampton, Fishers Island, East Marion, Medford, Melville, Bohemia, Greenport, Huntington.

For the broader travel guide: Suffolk.