Residents emerge from their cozy homes to enjoy the great outdoors as the weather warms up in the Hamptons. For many, this means hitting the beach, indulging in al fresco dining, surfing, boating, or golfing. However, there is a secret tribe of Hamptonites who adore hiking in the woods, and it seems I have now joined their ranks.

Last Tuesday, as the thermometer climbed to a balmy 70 degrees, the idea of a woodland hike with the family struck like a revelation. Despite not being the most outdoorsy type, I eagerly pitched the idea to my wife, Alena, who responded with a hint of skepticism. But with the promise of a new adventure and a chance to bond with nature, our family set off on their trek.

To embark on this family adventure, some precautions were needed. As a confessed, health-conscious individual, I douse myself, my clothes, and my shoes with generous amounts of bug spray to ward off any potential health risks. I recommend using a permethrin-based product on clothes and shoes and a DEET-based product on the skin. With these safeguards, our family felt ready to tackle the great outdoors.

We chose the trails by Barcelona Neck in Sag Harbor for our expedition. To our delight, we discovered a breathtaking landscape that offered a completely different experience to a beach walk. The marked state trails provided a sense of solitude and immersion in nature, akin to being transported to another world.

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Towering trees shaded the path, creating a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight and provided a serene atmosphere. The trail was alive with the symphony of birdsong, the rustle of leaves, and the gentle babble of nearby streams, offering a soothing soundtrack to our journey. The various hues of green and earthy browns, punctuated by vibrant wildflowers, painted a picture-perfect backdrop for our adventure.

Within a mere 20 minutes, I was utterly captivated by the experience, exclaiming to my wife, “We should do this all the time!” However, our two-and-a-half-year-old daughter soon decided she no longer wanted to walk and must be carried.

Despite the added challenge of carrying our daughter, we pressed on for another 40 minutes, laughing and sweating as we navigated the now-treacherous trails of the Hamptons. Along the way, we encountered curious deer, spotted colorful birds, and marveled at the occasional stunning vista that revealed itself through the trees.

As we reached the end of our hike, we declared, “Next time, we are bringing a stroller!” But even with the added exertion of carrying our daughter, we agreed that the experience had been well worth the effort.

For those who wish to embark on their own Hamptons hiking adventure, there are numerous magnificent trail systems to explore. Check out the following links for more information:

So, as the season of sun and surf approaches, why not trade in your umbrella and iPhone for a pair of hiking boots and a walk on the wild side? With so many stunning trails to discover, the secret tribe of Hampton’s hikers might welcome a few more members into their fold.