Shadmoor State Park

Shadmoor State Park is a 99-acre coastal preserve in Montauk, located about a quarter-mile east of the village center. The park protects more than 2,400 feet of Atlantic Ocean shoreline along with high bluffs, freshwater wetlands, open fields, coastal vegetation, and a network of hiking trails.

Unlike some of the larger recreational parks on the East End, Shadmoor is primarily a place for walking, nature observation, shoreline views, fishing, and exploring the landscape. Two stairways descend from the bluffs to the ocean beach, while elevated viewing platforms provide additional vantage points over the coastline.

The preserve also contains an unusual piece of Long Island military history. Two concrete bunkers built during World War II remain within the park, reminders of the coastal defenses established around Montauk when the eastern end of Long Island was considered strategically important to the protection of New York and the surrounding coastline.

Trails, Bluffs and Ocean Views

Shadmoor State Park has several interconnected trails that cross the preserve between Montauk Highway and the ocean bluffs. The principal marked route is the approximately 1.2-mile Roosevelt’s Run Trail. Shorter routes shown on the state park trail map include Shad Lane, Bunker Lane, and additional unmarked paths that provide access to the shoreline, overlooks, wetlands, and historic bunker areas.

The elevated terrain is one of the park’s defining features. Visitors can walk along portions of the bluff overlooking the Atlantic, use observation platforms for birdwatching and coastal views, or descend the stairways to the beach below. Because the shoreline and bluff environment can change with storms and erosion, visitors should remain on designated paths and observe posted conditions and restrictions.

Wildlife and Coastal Habitat

The park protects several different coastal habitats within a relatively small area, including maritime bluffs, freshwater wetlands, shrublands, and shoreline. Black cherry trees and shadbush grow within the preserve, and the park is also known for populations of the rare federally endangered sandplain gerardia.

Birdwatching is popular throughout the property, particularly from the elevated viewing areas. The mixture of open land, wetlands, vegetation, and oceanfront habitat also makes Shadmoor an interesting stop for visitors exploring the natural landscapes of the South Fork.

World War II Bunkers

Two concrete military bunkers remain within Shadmoor State Park. Built during World War II as part of the coastal defense system around Montauk, the structures are now surrounded by the park’s vegetation and trail system. They add a historic element to a preserve otherwise known primarily for its natural scenery and oceanfront landscape.

Visiting Shadmoor State Park

Shadmoor State Park is located at 900 Montauk Highway and is open year-round, seven days a week. New York State Parks does not charge for parking at Shadmoor. Activities listed by the state include hiking, biking, saltwater fishing, picnicking, birdwatching, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing when conditions permit.

Pets are permitted in designated day-use areas subject to New York State Parks rules. A maximum of two pets is generally allowed, and pets must be supervised and either crated or kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Visitors traveling with pets should check current park rules and posted restrictions before entering particular areas.

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Shadmoor State Park

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Key Facts & Details

Feature	Details
Location	Montauk, Suffolk County, New York
Address	900 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
Park Size	99 acres
Shoreline	More than 2,400 feet of Atlantic Ocean beach
Beach Access	Two stairways descend from the bluffs to the shoreline
Popular Activities	Hiking, birdwatching, saltwater fishing, picnicking, biking, and nature observation
Trails	Roosevelt’s Run, Shad Lane, Bunker Lane, and additional paths
Historic Features	Two World War II-era concrete coastal defense bunkers
Natural Features	Ocean bluffs, freshwater wetlands, coastal vegetation, and sandplain gerardia habitat
Parking	Free
Hours	Open year-round, seven days a week
Phone	(631) 668-3781
Official Website	New York State Parks

Shadmoor State Park combines several of the features that make Montauk distinctive within a compact coastal preserve. Its bluff-top trails, Atlantic shoreline, wetlands, rare plant habitat, elevated viewpoints, and surviving World War II bunkers make it worthwhile for visitors looking to experience both the natural landscape and history of Long Island’s eastern end.