The Blueway Trail offers a wide variety of trip experiences for all skill levels. Trip options range from one‐hour, half‐day, to multi‐site, multi‐day paddling experiences. Most day paddle trips take place within a 5‐mile radius of the launch site. Knowledge of the tide timing is critical to safely navigate the shallow tidal flats of the western bays. A kayak or canoe is a perfect way to explore West Hempstead Bay. Take in Osprey nests and wildlife viewing along the marsh islands, paddle past Bay Houses or land and rent a bike on Long Beach. The lights of the New York City skyline are visible at dusk from the marshy waters in the western part of the bay. The Village of Freeport is the focal point of Middle Bay, home to the shellfishing fleet, fishmongers and the Nautical Mile stretch of restaurants and shops. The entirety of Middle Bay is fish and wildlife habitat, a wetlands conservation area featuring open water, undeveloped salt marsh, tidal flats and islands.
