The Southampton Trails Preservation Society (STPS) was founded in 1986 by a group of horseback riders when they discovered that the scenic trails they rode were being lost to development. Many other community members recognized the importance of preserving the Town of Southampton’s walking and hiking trails and joined this preservation effort.
Since its beginning, STPS has worked actively with the Town of Southampton government, other government bodies, neighboring trail groups, and environmental organizations to promote and develop a system of public-use trails. STPS helped amend the Southampton Town Code to establish parameters for trail preservation and use. STPS was also instrumental in creating the Southampton Town Trails Advisory Board, which makes recommendations to the Southampton Town Planning Board on opportunities for trail easements within subdivisions.

Today, STPS is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to protecting historic trails, preserving greenbelts and open space, and creating new trail systems. STPS also includes Horses on Trails (HOT), which encourages recreational horseback riding on trails. We originated and annually participate in The Great East End Cleanup and in South Fork Trails Day weekend (in October).  Over the course of four decades, the Southampton Trails Preservation Society has sponsored thousands of free weekend hikes led by experienced volunteers. Some particular favorites: Daffodils blooming at Morton Wildlife Preserve at the end of March…Laurel blooming at Laurel Valley County Park in June…Walk-it-off hike on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Hike notices are sent regularly to members via Constant Contact, listed in local newspapers, and available here at www.southamptontrails.org.