The Woods At Cherry Creek

Riverhead sits at the fork where Long Island splits into its North and South Forks, a town that trades more in farm stands and vineyards than in country clubs — which makes finding a full 18-hole layout here a welcome surprise for golfers exploring the East End before or after a wine trail detour.

The Woods at Cherry Creek, as the name suggests, plays through a heavily wooded setting, the kind of tree-lined terrain that defines much of Long Island's interior golf. That canopy creates a course that feels removed from the surrounding flatlands, with shots that demand precision off the tee rather than pure power. Par 71 layouts often hide a sting or 2 in the short game — expect a mix of shorter par 4s where position matters more than distance.

This is everyday public golf, the sort of unpretentious track that serves local players and visiting tourists alike. If you're making your way out to the Hamptons or the North Fork wine country, it's a practical and scenic stop worth building a tee time around.