A Short Hike Through Prosser Pines Nature Preserve: History and a Few Mushrooms

Found a vibrant Chicken of the Woods while hiking Poser Pines in Middle Island! 🍄✨ #NatureFinds

A Short Hike Through Prosser Pines Nature Preserve: History and a Few Mushrooms

Hi this is Brian Smith here with another Park Trekker adventure. Last weekend, I took a quick hike through Prosser Pines Nature Preserve in Middle Island, a small Suffolk County park that’s perfect for an easy escape. This 56-acre spot is quiet, (was 150) full of tall pines, and has a cool story behind it. I filmed a 6-minute video of the trip (link below), and I want to share the park’s history, the trail, and a few mushrooms I spotted along the way. Nothing too fancy—just a nice walk in the woods.

The History of Prosser Pines

Prosser Pines started back in 1812 when a farmer named William Dayton planted white pine seedlings on his Middle Island land, near what’s now Yaphank-Middle Island Road. He got the idea from earlier pine groves in the area, hoping to grow strong trees for ship masts. Those pines spread, creating a 15-acre forest—the biggest white pine stand on Long Island. By 1889, the land was sold to George Prosser, who cared for the trees and kept the area private, letting only a few visitors like school groups or artists explore it. In 1967, Suffolk County bought the land to protect it from development, turning it into Prosser Pines Nature Preserve, next to Cathedral Pines County Park. It’s now a peaceful spot managed by the county, with trails that let you enjoy the pines and the nearby Carmans River headwaters. It’s a simple place with a long history of people working to keep it natural.

The Hike and Some Mushrooms

I parked at the small lot off Yaphank-Middle Island Road—no fee, just a few spaces, the park is never busy. The trail is an easy 0.7-mile loop, flat and covered in pine needles, taking about 20-30 minutes if you’re strolling. The pines tower overhead, some nearly 100 feet tall, and the air smells fresh with a hint of earth. It’s a great spot for a quick hike, with open paths and a calm vibe.

While walking, I noticed some mushrooms popping up on the forest floor. There was chicken of the woods, bright orange and growing on a fallen log—edible if you know what you’re doing, but I left it alone. I also saw a yellow-capped Amanita Muscaria with white spots, pretty but not for eating. A cluster of honey mushrooms showed up on a stump, small and golden, popular with foragers if you can ID them right. I spotted false turkey tails too, those flat, brownish green brackets on logs, helping break down the wood. I’m no mushroom expert—just thought they were neat to see—but it added a little fun to the walk.

Why Visit Prosser Pines

Prosser Pines is a great spot for a short, relaxing hike. The history of those old pines and the quiet trails make it special, and it’s close to most of Long Island. Check out my 6-minute video [here] to see it for yourself. If you’ve got a favorite local park, let me know in the comments. Happy hiking!

Brian Smith, Park Trekker. More trails to come.