The Meat Rack

The Meat Rack is the stretch of woods and dunes between Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines, on Fire Island National Seashore land. It has been the island's best-known gay cruising ground since at least the 1950s. You can walk between the two communities through it in about 15 minutes, along the beach or on sandy paths. The National Park Service has posted clothing-required signs, and rangers do sometimes patrol. Stay on the paths, carry a light after dark, and check for ticks, since Lyme disease is common on the island. Activity varies a lot with season and weather.