Otis G. Pike Wilderness Area
| Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness | |
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IUCN category Ib (wilderness area)
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Fire Island Wilderness
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| Location | Fire Island, New York, USA |
| Nearest city | Brookhaven |
| Coordinates | 40°42′42″N 72°55′42″W / 40.711667°N 72.928333°WCoordinates: 40°42′42″N 72°55′42″W / 40.711667°N 72.928333°W |
| Area | 1,380 acres (5.6 km2) |
| Established | 1980 |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, also known as the Otis G. Pike Wilderness Area or the Fire Island Wilderness, is a federally protected wilderness area located on Fire Island, a barrier island off the south shore of Long Island, New York, United States. The 1,380-acre (5.6 km2; 2.16 sq mi) wilderness is contained within the larger Fire Island National Seashore.
The wilderness area, named for former New York congressman Otis G. Pike, is the only federally designated wilderness area in New York State, and one of the smallest wilderness areas managed by the National Park Service.
The Otis G. Pike Wilderness area is located on Fire Island, a barrier island along Long Island's south shore that is about 32 miles (51 km) long and 0.5 miles (0.80 km) wide at the widest point. The 1,380-acre (5.6 km2; 2.16 sq mi) wilderness area is approximately seven miles (11 km) long and located on the eastern side of Fire Island. As part of the Fire Island National Seashore, it is managed by the National Park Service, and is the only federally designated wilderness in New York State.
The wilderness includes pine forests, grassy wetlands, and dunes that serve as habitat for white-tailed deer, herons and migratory waterfowl. The wilderness area does not technically include the beaches that face the Atlantic Ocean. Hiking, back-country camping, and fishing access are available within the wilderness.
The wilderness is 50 miles (80 km) east of New York City. Access to the Otis G. Pike Wilderness can be obtained either from Watch Hill (which is accessible seasonally by ferry or private boat) or Smith Point County Park, accessible year round by car or bus. The Wilderness Visitor Center is located on the eastern edge of the wilderness, adjacent to Smith Point County Park. Privately owned Bellport Beach is located near the central area of the wilderness.
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Wikipedia