The Meat Rack — Fire Island
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Fire Island, NY, New York, 11782, United States
The wooded Carrington Tract linking Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines — officially the Judy Garland Memorial Pathway — is one of America's most storied outdoor cruising areas, active since the 1950s. The Fire Island Pines Historical Society documents its role as a refuge where anonymity rules ("no lights, no talking") once prevailed; Suffolk County police raids were frequent through the 1960s. Reach it on foot between the two hamlets via ferry from Sayville. Summer weekends and events like Pines Party still draw crowds. Fire Island National Seashore woodland — bring mosquito spray and respect federal land rules.
Getting there
Ferry from Sayville to Cherry Grove or the Pines, then walk. The Carrington Tract between the two hamlets is the Meat Rack; the path is also called the Judy Garland Memorial Pathway.
When it's active
Summer weekends and event weeks, including around the Pines Party. In winter there is no scene, because there is barely a town.
What to know
Federal land, mosquitoes, and no cars. Bring repellent, and do not expect the 1960s rules of silence to be how the path works now.
Location
Coordinates: 40.66194, -73.08056