Recreational activities in Montauk

It's not just the lighthouse, state parks and beaches in Montauk. There's plenty more fun to be had from an athletic and recreational standpoint.

The overwhelming majority of streets are designed for both motorists and cyclists. On any given day, you'll likely see several picks of bicyclists pedaling up and down the hills. Oh yes, it's true. Long Island isn't all flat ground. Just wait until you get near the Montauk Lighthouse on your bike and you're staring at the asphalt version of the monster wave at the end of "The Perfect Storm."

Montauk Bike Shop rents various types of bikes as low as $8 an hour. There's a two-hour minimum, with half-day, full-day and weekly packages available. They also carry all the necessary bike paraphernalia just in case you blow out a tire or the chain falls off your bike. Sorry for that whammy, but these things happen.

Given its proximity to water and the wide roads to accommodate bikers and runners, Montauk hosts sprint triathlons and Ironman triathlons every summer and autumn.

Hiking Trails

The Hither Hills West Overlook on Montauk Highway serves as a starting point for more than a dozen hiking trails. For the most part, these trails are narrow and somewhat rugged, with nature dominating in some areas. Be safe, wear pants.

Along Second House Road near Fort Pond, there's the Montauk Mountain Preserve. The six-acre area, maintained by the Nature Conservancy, begins with a steep climb.

Camp Hero State Park and Shadmoor State Park also have several trails worth your while.

Horseback riding

Saddle up for a walk around the trail or even the beach at Rita's Stables off West Lake Drive.

A half-hour jaunt on horseback will take you around the stables' perimeter, and a one-hour ride will put you, the horse and your friends on a trail. Beach rides are possible for groups. It's by appointment only, so call 631-668-5453 before you show up.

Pony rides and a petting farm make the kids happy, too.

Surfing

Ditch Plains is the place to catch waves. A jetty at Ditch Plains creates longboard waves, making a great spot for surfers. There's also Turtle Cove, right next to Montauk State Park.

Ditch Plains (surf report) is free to town residents; Turtle Cove has no public parking, it's foot-path only.

Don't forget the Alamo, another popular break off Montauk.

Swing through Air and Speed on Main Street for all the necessary surfer gear.

Montauk Downs State Park

If traditional sports are more your bag, head to the golf course at Montauk Downs considered to be among the best golf courses in the country and voted as No. 2 by ExploreLI.com.

The park also has several tennis courts available. Call ahead to reserve a court, at a cost of roughly $16 an hour. Courts open Memorial Day weekend.

The pool usually opens around the end of June, with daily admission of $3.50 for adults and $2 for seniors and kids 6-11. Those under 6 are admitted free. Summer passes are also available.

More Tennis

Should the tennis courts at Montauk Downs be booked, hop back in the car and take a very short drive to West Lake Drive. The Town of East Hampton has six soft courts available for public use. But be alert. They're tucked away on an unnamed street and situated in between Steppingstone at Montauk, a private community, and another private road.

There are two more courts at the end of South Erie Avenue. And if you're staying at Montauk Manor, well, you've got yourself another three courts at your disposal.

Lions Field Park

On one side of Flamingo Road, along South Erie Avenue, is an open field perfect for soccer, football and lacrosse. On the other side of Flamingo Road, there are two fields ideal for softball and Little League baseball.

Essex Street

On Essex Street, just north of Main Street, there's a park with a basketball court, roller hockey rink and two in-ground pools for skateboarders.

State Parks

One of the true beauties of Montauk is its natural scenery. Beaches and bluffs, lakes and hills, all in the same small area. Not bad, huh?

Where nature looms, so too, do state and county parks. Montauk has quite a few, including Montauk Downs, Hither Hills, Shadmoor, Camp Hero, Montauk Point and Theodore Roosevelt County Park.