Tranquil nature preserve with trails to a rocky beach, plus a 50-foot bluff with views of the sound.
At a glance
Rating breakdown
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5 ★71%
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4 ★22%
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3 ★4%
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2 ★1%
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1 ★2%
Quick facts
- What is the rating of The David Weld Sanctuary?
- The David Weld Sanctuary is rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 185 reviews.
- Where is The David Weld Sanctuary located?
- 687 Short Beach Rd, St James, NY 11780, United States
- How can I contact The David Weld Sanctuary?
- Phone: +1 212-997-1880 · Website: nature.org
What a great discovery of a very limited access park...worth a chance of getting in if you are local to it.
Gorgeous place to hike. It really is a hidden gem! Got lost a few times myself but found my way back to the trail easily. Saw a herd of deer galloping in unison, which left me in awe and so many beautiful birds, plus baby turtles (sadly, not pictured) 10/10 would recommend. PSA: I did see quite a few trashies along the trail and this lovely couple coming to the rescue with a trash bag & grabbers please always remember to leave nothing but footprints 🤌🏽
Got here at 430pm on a Monday and discovered gates lock at 5pm for the small parking lot so didn't get to explore much, especially since trail markings are not good and do not align with the map on the board - map has colors, but some markings are colors and some are yellow and green tags with different trail names
While the trails and meadows of the sanctuary are more impressive in summer / early fall, the Sound views are beautiful in all seasons. This time I have also checked Valley trail to Boney Ln and found it overgrown with greenbrier vines and some fallen trees, quite a difference with well maintained and more popular Meadows and Bluffs trails. Parking capacity is definitely a problem with only 6 parking spots and no street parking in the village.
What a hidden gem! So many beautiful trails. The best trail is the one that takes you to the Sound. So quiet and peaceful. Beware: There are only 6 parking spots. Sign says: First come First Served
Nice quiet place, very buggy and trails seem like they haven't been maintained in forever. I love the quietness and beauty of nature. There are only 6 parking spots so first come first serve. I truly loved the beauty of the north shore water and cliffs near the beach.
Update: lost a star due to heavy tick larva/possibly fleas. Major bites... Headed to dermatologist today. Love the park but won't be back until winter.
I love this park... It feels like a hug. Small parking lot which holds six cars. Well marked trails... The grass paths are nicely kept... There are several paths that all kind of intersect at one point or another. One leads to the beach, another past a small pond. Some hills, grass, dirt, stumps. Love how quiet and peaceful it is... Lots of birds and deer. A perfect sanctuary.
8/27/2022 Update: still beautiful but experienced a lot of nymph ticks this time out. Spray was useless/stayed on path and still my ankles were covered in them. Ugg. see you after first frost.
I love this park... It feels like a hug. Small parking lot which holds six cars. Well marked trails... The grass paths are nicely kept... There are several paths that all kind of intersect at one point or another. One leads to the beach, another past a small pond. Some hills, grass, dirt, stumps. Love how quiet and peaceful it is... Lots of birds and deer. A perfect sanctuary.
8/27/2022 Update: still beautiful but experienced a lot of nymph ticks this time out. Spray was useless/stayed on path and still my ankles were covered in them. Ugg. see you after first frost.
Extremely quiet and peaceful morning was spent at the David Weld Sanctuary. Parking only holds 6 cars we only saw 2 other people. Lots of birds and deer...after a short walk on trail beautiful views of the Long Island sound
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