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Politics & Government

The Great Escape: Teddy's Trail

Venture over to Sagamore Hill and you will find more than just house tours.

Today's escape will take us down to the water's edge by way of in Cove Neck. 

Almost any day of the week from sunrise to sunset you can take a trail to a beach leading out to Cold Spring Harbor. But first park your car at the far end of the lot and follow the gravel path to the Old Orchard Museum. Head along the right side of the building and you will see signs directing you to the wooded loop trail.

Although this was not usually the path the Roosevelt's took, they did go to this harbor by way of their next-door neighbor's home, who also happened to be family, for some swimming and rowing.

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For this .7 mile Oak-Tulip-Hickory Forest Loop Trail bring a camera and binoculars for birding. Also wear comfortable walking shoes and carry along some bug spray. There are a few steep areas but generally this trail is easy to navigate.

Informative signs are posted throughout along with a list of rules such as: Whatever you bring in, take it out; stay on the trail; there is no swimming, wading or fishing as this is part of the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge. 

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The Roosevelt's were very fond of their pets so in keeping with tradition this national park is uniquely dog friendly. Animals should be leashed at all times, they are not permitted in the water, and whatever they leave behind has to be collected and deposited in a trash receptacle. 

As you come to the bottom of the hill you will see a boardwalk stretching above Eel Creek, a tidal salt marsh. This productive ecosystem is the habitat for many species including herons, egrets, and various shellfish. Stop along the boardwalk to take in the sights and sounds.

Approaching the end of the boardwalk is the shoreline by the harbor.  To the north is Oyster Bay Harbor and beyond that is the Sound. You can sit along the rocky beach and enjoy the vista. But if you do happen upon a horseshoe crab wading along the shoreline with a tag, take note of the tag shape and number and click here. Small rewards are given to those who contact the Maryland Fishery Resources Office with the information they seek.

Returning to the trail, continue around the loop up the hill, in the distance you will get a peek through the trees of an amazing Asian garden belonging to the Wang estate. Do stay on the trail and be respectful of this private home.

On your way back stop in to the Old Orchard Museum to cool off, grab a sip of water at the fountain, watch the video about the family, and explore the exhibits, all for free from 9am until 5pm. Donations are appreciated.

New maps are available in the Visitors Center illustrating the topography of the area with identification of the deciduous and evergreen trees. 

Take note: Come this fall, Sagamore Hill is planning on conducting outdoor tours every Sunday, weather permitting, starting with the pasture and open field leading to the loop trail and beyond. Call ahead or check the website.

If you are roaming the property you may be lucky enough to see a  rafter of resident wild turkeys. Although they may seem friendly, as with any wild animal, keep a healthy distance.

 Address:  20 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay

 Phone:  516-922-4788

 Fee:  Free, except for tours of the home.

*Note: Sagamore Hill will most likely be closed on Monday, Aug. 29. because of Hurricane Irene, according to their website.

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