THE PECONIC BLUEWAY PROPOSAL
The Peconic Estuary Program and Group for the East End are partnering with local community groups to develop the idea of a blueway trail for the Peconic Estuary. The Peconic Blueway is a proposed recreational paddling area located between the north and south forks on eastern Long Island. It would span 45 miles between Riverhead and Montauk Point and encompass the Peconic Bay - Gardiners Bay - Block Island Sound estuary. This complex system of bays, harbors, coves, creeks and salt ponds has more than 1,000 miles of shoreline navigable by paddlecraft and a wealth of cultural, historical, scenic and ecological attributes.
The Peconic Blueway offers something for paddlers of all abilities and interests. Many of the region's small tidal creeks and harbors are very sheltered from the wind and waves, and are perfect for beginner and novice paddlers. For the more experienced adventurous paddlers, a circumnavigation of one of the Blueway's islands (Robins, Shelter, Gardiners) or a trip from Orient Point along the Plum Island-Gull Island - Little Gull Island archipelago is a challenging day trip.
For campers, many exciting day trip destinations - including Shelter Island and the north fork - are possible based from Cedar Point County Park's campground in East Hampton. Exciting multi-day, point-to-point trips can be planed utilizing waterfront inns, B&Bs and motels.
Exploring a quiet backwater of the estuary is an excellent way to observe wildlife and view the east end's magnificent scenery. There are many pretty stretches of water with no motorized boat traffic that are ideal for an evening sunset or moonlit excurison. An added bonus is that you will not have to worry about ticks while on the water!
Blueways, or water trails, differ from hiking trails in that the former do not have defined and marked routes. Instead, water accesses and points of interest are labeled on the blueway maps and charts, and paddlers determine their route based on that information and tide, wind and weather conditions. Both greenbelt (hiking) trails and blueway (paddling) trails share several important goals. One is to provide public access to interesting natural areas. Another is to educate trail users through interpretive programs, and develop among them an ethic of low-impact use and stewardship of the lands and waters through which they travel. The latter is the most important and significant long-term impact of creating trails.
Examples of other blueway trails throughout the country:
Maine Island Trail Association
The Great Calusa Blueway
Mohawk River/Erie Canal Blueway Trail
Explore Rhode Island's Blueways and Greenways
New York City Water Trail
