Fire Island's Sunken Forest is a unique Maritime Holly Forest situated in Sailor’s Haven on Fire Island. Named for its unusual location, the Sunken Forest is situated in the lee of the sand dunes that run along the shoreline, giving it the appearance of being below sea level. The New York Natural Heritage Program has ranked this maritime forest as "globally rare," and it is one of only six forest types in the world.

The Sunken Forest is located within the Sunken Forest Preserve, which was established in the 1950s to protect the 50-acre tract of the beach, dunes, and ancient holly forest just east of Point O'Wood and this rare ecological phenomenon. Visitors can explore the woods, which are home to a wide of variety of plant and animal species, from May to October on self-guided walks or daily ranger-guided tours.

Address: Sunken Forest, Fire Island National Seashore, 120 Laurel Street, Patchogue, NY 11772-3596, 631-687-4750

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.