Shadmoor State Park

Parking is free here, which is a nice treat compared to most of the other beaches and parks in the area. This park has a loop trail from the parking lot down through serviceberry trees to the bluffs, along the bluffs through shrubs and wildflowers, and then back to the parking lot through low forest. The bluffs area is beautiful due to the cliffs and hoodoo formations which are found only in this area. Follow the bluffs trail long enough and you will find a spot where you can access Ditch Plains beach.
However, be sure to take the tick advisory seriously. We were very careful to avoid touching the brush on the side of the trail but still found tiny tick nymphs on us at the end of the hike. Tickborne disease is no joke, so take precautions.

Our waitress at the MTK Café in Montauk clued us in on her favorite state park in the area during a recent weekend getaway. Yes, Camp Hero is fine and so is the ride out to the Montauk Lighthouse but on the way there be sure to stop at Shadmoor.
At first hearing Shagmoor, the obvious Austin Powers reference crossed my mind until I realized it’s Shadmoor – shadadelic!
Anyway, the park is right along Route 27, about 5 minutes outside the Village of Montauk. If driving, the sign will sneak up on you as I had to back up a few hundred feet to enter. Fortunately empty east end roads make that driving maneuver possible.
The park is named for the shadbush that is abundant here. You’ll also find plenty of butterflies, birds, bluffs and bunkers.
Bunkers? Yes, WWII era bunkers that are now abandoned by still visible.
You’ll find a Theodore Roosevelt Running Trail along that circles the park. There’s a second trail that will lead to the several scenic views of the bluffs and cliffs. You’ll have a great view of nearby Ditch Plains beach.
The trail from parking lot to scenic viewpoint is only about a 20 minute walk. You won’t spend that much time here but for me that was part of the appeal: a brief walk through interesting terrain that doesn’t exhaust or demand too much of me. Hey, I was working off a huge pancake breakfast!
If visiting Montauk, I’d recommend stopping by this lesser known state park en route to the Lighthouse and Camp Hero.