Dunes are a dominant feature of Fire Island, and dune ecosystems cover much of its terrain. Trees on Fire Island include pitch pines, black oak, red cedar, American holly, sassafras, and black cherry. Underneath Fire Island is a body of water, called a lens, that floats on top of saltwater. This freshwater may extend as deep as 120 feet or more below sea level. In many places on Fire Island, including the Sunken Forest, the groundwater comes right to the surface, which results in the formation of wetlands and bogs, complete with sphagnum, ferns, mosses, cattails, rushes and other wetland species.

In 1964, Congress declared 26 miles of the island and surrounding waters to be a part of the National Park System. In 1980, Congress designated a 7-mile stretch on the eastern portion of the island as a federal wilderness area. Within the park are 15 hamlets and 2 incorporated villages that will remain in the park in perpetuity.

The seventeen private communities on Fire Island offer a variety of attractions such as restaurants and stores. Visit the Fire Island Tourism Bureau web site or call them at (631) 563-8448 for further information about lodgings and services available in communities.

It is possible to walk nearly the entire length of the island on the Burma Road, which diminishes to an overgrown track through the Wilderness Area. Most visitors prefer to walk the beaches, which are passable the entire length of the island.

Nearby attractions: There are a number of museums and state and county parks on Long Island.