Smith Point/Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center
Eastern gateway to the 1,300-acre Otis G. Pike Wilderness Area, the only federally-designated wilderness area in New York State, the Smith Point area also offers ocean beaches, a National Park Service Ranger Station and Visitor Center, ranger-led interpretive activities in the fall, winter and spring, a self-guided 4/5 mile nature trail, and permits for backpacking in the Wilderness Area.

Encompassing nearly 8 miles of the island, from Watch Hill to Smith Point, the Wilderness Area offers a sense of what Fire Island looked like before European colonization, and a sense of remoteness that is almost unparalleled in the New York metropolitan region. Wildlife viewing opportunities are many, with plentiful white-tailed deer, red fox, and many species of birds. Backpackers can camp in several locations throughout the Wilderness Area.

Permit Information
Obtain the required wilderness permits at the Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center.

Directions
I-495 or Route 27 to William Floyd Parkway south. Go to the end of the parkway, and bear left at traffic circle to Smith Point County Park lot. Walk west to Fire Island National Seashore visitor center and ocean beach.

Information Center
Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center is open Wednesdays through Sundays, year-round, and provides comprehensive visitor information and services.

Activities