New trails open at Hempstead Harbor Woods

A series of mountain biking and hiking trails has been forged in Port Washington by volunteers from the nonprofit Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists (C.L.I.M.B.).

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the opening of the new trails at Hempstead Harbor Woods on Monday, Oct. 21.

“Our alliance with C.L.I.M.B. is a wonderful example of a public-private partnership that benefits everyone,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, who was among the town officials and local cyclists in attendance. “Town residents now gain multi-use trails for both hiking and mountain biking at no cost, and we have added a wonderful recreational aspect to a parcel of town-owned land that previously was difficult to access.”

The organization’s volunteers designed and constructed the trails and will continue to maintain them in the future as part of the partnership. Approximately two miles have been completed so far, with plans to add four more to create a total of six miles of trails.

“This area has a unique history as a former sand mine and the trails will be just as unique due to the glacial influences,” said Michael Vitti, president of C.L.I.M.B. “We designed the trails to be sustainable, meaning they resist the forces of erosion and use but are enjoyable to use.”

A map of the trail can be viewed at trailforks.com/region/hempstead-harbor-woods-32469.