Makamah Nature Preserve
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Makamah Nature Preserve

4.5
·166 reviews·Fort Salonga, United States

Discover a wild, natural escape with diverse wildlife and birdwatching opportunities at Makamah Nature Preserve.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more wildlife

CrowdLow
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Makamah Nature Preserve

Makamah Nature Preserve

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more wildlife

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a wild, natural escape with diverse wildlife and birdwatching opportunities at Makamah Nature Preserve. Instagram

4.5
(166 reviews)

"A nice wild feel with opportunities for bird watching and wildlife sightings. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear sturdy shoes

Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential. :athletic_shoe:

Check trail markers

Trail markings can be inconsistent. Pay attention to signs to avoid private property. 🧭

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 166 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for diverse bird species and even deer. It's a prime habitat for owls and other woodland creatures.

Instagram
Scenic Loop Trails

Scenic Loop Trails

Enjoy a roughly 2-mile loop hike through dry and wet woodlands, offering beautiful natural views.

Instagram
Crab Meadow Marsh Views

Crab Meadow Marsh Views

The preserve embraces the tranquil Crab Meadow Marsh, providing serene waterfront scenery.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Trail Conditions & Maintenance

While some visitors find Makamah Nature Preserve clean and well-maintained, others report poorly marked trails, trash, and erosion. Be prepared for a wilder experience and consider bringing a bag for litter if you're inclined to help. Reddit

Parking & Accessibility

Parking at Makamah Nature Preserve is limited, accommodating only about 6-7 cars. Some trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain, so wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Crowd
Low
When
After rain (with caution)
Why
Lush greenery, but trails can be slippery
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A breath of fresh air in #northport . Makamah Nature preserve is an oasis filled with hiking and biking trails to explore.. all within the scenic maritime village of Northport NY . Take a stroll through the preserve then immerse yourself in the idyllic downtown mainstreet while visiting our diverse community of local businesses! . #northportny #makamah #hiddengem #explorenorthport
northportchamberofcommerce
284 likes • 5.5K views

Wear sturdy shoes

Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Check trail markers

Trail markings can be inconsistent. Pay attention to signs to avoid private property. Reddit 🧭

We hiked 2.45 miles at Makamah Nature Preserve located at Fort Salonga Road, Fort Salonga. It is part of Suffolk County. They are three parks that surround this nature trail( Jerome A. Ambro Memorial Wetland, David’s Brickman Preserve, and Fuch Pond). It’s near the Golf Course. • • • • • • • • • #hikingdogs #dogsofinstagram #hikingdogsofinstagram #hikingwithdogs #hiking #dogsthathike #hikingdog ...
dustytaxi
21 likes • 457 views
🌿 Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create • • 🌿The perfect day for hiking & smoothies • • • 🌸A fun local adventure to check out this week: • • - 2.4 mile trail at Makamah Nature Preserve in Northport (lots of wildlife & beautiful views-kid friendly, easy trail) -Smoothies, tea & the BEST cauliflower at @thepurpleelephantrestaurant ( great vegan options & healthy cocktails too...
ames_adventure_
0 likes • 1.8K views

Limited parking

Arrive early as parking is very limited, fitting only about 6-7 cars. Reddit 🚗

Bring a trash bag

Some visitors note trash; consider helping keep it clean. Reddit ♻️

Earth Day Clean-up at Makamah Nature Preserve. 🌎🌳
stephanie_bontempi
8 likes • 116 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear sturdy shoes

Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Check trail markers

Trail markings can be inconsistent. Pay attention to signs to avoid private property. Reddit 🧭

Limited parking

Arrive early as parking is very limited, fitting only about 6-7 cars. Reddit 🚗

Bring a trash bag

Some visitors note trash; consider helping keep it clean. Reddit ♻️

Dog-friendly hikes

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. InstagramReddit 🐕

What Travellers Say

4.5
(166 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Makamah Nature Preserve offers a wild, natural escape with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. While some visitors appreciate its untamed beauty and quiet atmosphere, others point to issues with trail maintenance, poor markings, and limited parking. It's a good option for a casual hike if you're in the area, but may not be a destination for those seeking perfectly groomed paths. Reddit+2

"I'm from Nassau county so Suffolk Parks feel very different, especially ones that aren't really groomed or kept to look a certain way. This park has a nice wild feel for me. I almost walked into a buck one morning coming through One of the little side trails."

Cori VB

"Limited parking, 6-7 cars at max. Past reviews said it was dirty and full of trash. I didn't see any garbage. Was very clean and well maintained. It isn't anything that's going to wow you. Simple 2 mile loop hike. Some light elevation. Nice if in area but nothing to go out of your way for to be honest."

George Cali

"The trails are poorly marked, poorly maintained, and loads of trash. A total lack of trail maintenance makes several of the trails you find unpassable. This has caused quite a bit of trailblazing and subsequent erosion. I wish I'd brought a bag to help carry out some of the trash. Also, it's interesting to be on one of the few marked trails, only to run into a sign claiming I was about to enter private property, with a threat of prosecution. I'm not sure how that happens in county owned land. Trail marking needs improvement and consistency. Anyway, it was good to get out in the woods for a hike, and an additional workout swatting bugs."

Rex D

What People Like

Wild, natural feel
Birdwatching opportunities
Dog-friendly trails

What People Dislike

Poor trail maintenance
Inconsistent trail markings
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Makamah Nature Preserve is located in Fort Salonga, NY, near Northport. It's part of Suffolk County and is situated near a golf course. Specific directions can be found using GPS, but be aware of limited parking. Instagram

Information on public transportation options directly to Makamah Nature Preserve is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. Reddit

Parking is very limited, typically accommodating only 6-7 cars. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak seasons. Reddit

While the preserve is in a known area, some visitors have noted that trail markers can be inconsistent, so using a GPS or map is helpful. Reddit

Originally known as Crab Meadow Park East Watershed, Makamah Nature Preserve was acquired by Suffolk County in 1973. It encompasses diverse habitats including woodlands and marshland. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Makamah Nature Preserve is a Suffolk County park, and typically, county parks offer free admission. There is no mention of an entrance fee in visitor feedback. Reddit

Operating hours for Makamah Nature Preserve are not explicitly stated in visitor content. However, as a nature preserve, it's generally assumed to be open during daylight hours. Reddit

No advance booking or tickets are required for Makamah Nature Preserve, as it is a public park. Reddit

While not frequently mentioned, an Earth Day clean-up event was noted, suggesting occasional community activities. Check local listings for any upcoming events. Instagram

Yes, Makamah Nature Preserve is dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash. InstagramReddit

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The preserve offers approximately a 2-mile loop trail with some light elevation. Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain, and some may be poorly marked or maintained. InstagramReddit

Yes, Makamah Nature Preserve is excellent for bird watching. It's reported that 94 species of birds have been recorded here, and it's a prime habitat for owls. InstagramReddit

Visitors have reported seeing deer and a wide variety of bird species. It's known to be a prime habitat for owls and other woodland creatures. InstagramReddit

Some visitors have requested benches along the trails for resting, especially on steeper sections. It's advisable to be prepared for a hike without many resting spots. Reddit

The terrain includes dry and wet woodlands, as well as marsh areas. Some trails are steep and can become slippery when wet. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Crab Meadow Marsh offers serene waterfront views, and the woodlands provide opportunities for capturing wildlife and natural landscapes. Look for interesting flora and fauna. Instagram+1

Absolutely. With its diverse habitats, birdlife, and potential for deer sightings, it's a great location for nature photographers. InstagramReddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, especially for wildlife. The golden hour can enhance the marsh views. Reddit

No specific restrictions on photography have been mentioned. However, always be mindful of wildlife and avoid disturbing their habitats. Reddit

A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, such as a telephoto zoom, would be beneficial. A wide-angle lens can capture the marsh views effectively. Instagram+1

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