A Summer Trek Into the Sans Souci Lake Preserve

The Sans Souci Lake Perserve system, that lies north of Montauk Highway and is located in both Bayport and Sayville hamlets, is likely one of the best kept secrets when it comes to county parkland around town.

In an effort to update a story about ATV use on the land Patch spent some time checking out trails, official and unofficial entrances and enjoyed some tranquil time in what is a beautiful park.

According to online resources, Sans Souci is French for "without worry" and that's exactly how one feels in trekking its quiet paths.

The 316 acre nature preserve is a refuge from the sounds and stresses of life. With some quick online searching Patch discovered the lakes were one big body of water until the mid 1800s when dams were built to turn the land into a cranberry farm.

According to information at the Suffolk County Parks Department
Division of Cultural and Historic Services, the lake preserve is actually home for Meadow Croft, on Middle Road in Sayville.

A Google/Flickr search brought up a great shot taken by Morton Fox of the lake system.

Here are some Patch shot this week during a walk. Got your own photos of Sans Souci Lakes? Upload them here.