11/02/2025
This month, we’re returning to Southaven County Park, a place that the Society has a long history with. In 1993, it was the place where the Pine Barrens Protection Act was signed into law. And in 2023, it was the site of the Society’s celebration of that pivotal law’s thirtieth anniversary. Thus, for anyone who cares about the history of the preservation of the Pine Barrens, it’s a worthwhile place to visit. Beyond its important place in the Society’s history, though, Southaven stands tall as one of the best parks in the Suffolk County system.
Southaven County Park sits in the core of the Pine Barrens. Situated just north of Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, it encompasses much of the Carmans River’s watershed. The river is thus a highlight of the park. Whether you’re a naturalist looking to observe some waterfowl, a sportsman looking for a place to fish, or you’re desperate to get out on the water in a kayak or a canoe, this is the perfect park for you. In the warmer months, you can even rent a kayak if you want to try the activity out for yourself. Few places are better for kayakers of any experience level than the Carmans River, as the water is calm, the scenery is often beautiful, and it’s easy to orient yourself since the river runs north to south. It is that orientation that also makes it easy to navigate Southaven County Park. So long as you know where you are relative to the river, you’ll never lose your sense of direction, even on a cloudy, sunless day.
Much like Belmont Lake State Park to the west, Southaven County Park is one I would call a recreational park first and foremost. The parking area is vast, with room for dozens and dozens of vehicles, and there are several wide-open fields with ample seating. Between a playground and a disc golf course, the park encourages play for kids and adults alike. The paths leading to and from these open spaces are wide and easy to traverse, so anyone can enjoy some much-needed time outside.
The trails which criss-cross the park are decently wide and largely flat. I didn’t notice any root-covered areas that made traversal difficult, so if you’re looking for a more laid-back hike, this is a good place to go. My preferred trail here is one which runs parallel to the Carmans River, as the ease at which you can orient yourself makes up for the sporadic trail markings. Despite the trail’s lower level of difficulty, going at a steady pace means you can get a good workout, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Ecologically, the park is an archetypal Pine Barrens forest. During my hike, the Carmans River was populated chiefly by Canada Geese, swans, and a lone cormorant. Throughout the park, the usual songbirds, such as Tufted Titmice and Black-capped Chickadees, made sporadic appearances. There were also some more elusive species, such as the Brown Creeper, a delightful little bird which blends in remarkably with the trees it skitters along, and the Golden-crowned Kinglet, a beautiful little migratory species, which resides on the Island throughout the winter. The park’s accessibility, openness, and proximity to the river provide ample opportunity for education. You can spend a long time studying small areas, and you can see how the habitat subtly shifts as you move to and from the water.
Southaven County Park is a jewel in the county park system. From its sweeping forest to the extensive opportunities for a wide variety of activities, and its significant history, it’s a park that has something for everyone.
