Located ten feet away from Shelter Rock Road, this rock is 1800 tons and has a 30 foot overhang. It is 55 feet high and 35 feet wide. It was deposited here from 20,000 to 11,000 years ago. It is the largest boulder on Long Island and it might just be the largest in New York State.
Several legends surround this boulder, first known as Milestone Rock, also known as Manhasset Rock. The Matinecocks had a settlement nearby and there is one tale of a young soldier who ran away with a beautiful Indian maid, but was pierced with arrows before he could reach the protection of Shelter Rock. Cowkeepers would often use the overhang as protection against the rain, while the cattle grazed over the pastureland.
Supposedly, there is buried treasure on this site as well, although the treasure was never found. Another tale has the Matinecocks taking shelter during their hunts.
Shelter Rock is located on the property of Greentree, the former Whitney estate and the top is visible from the road. It is not readily accessible to the public, however tours are arranged to accommodate scouts, school and other small groups from time to time.
Wikipedia article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelter_Rock
Article from the Suffolk Gem and Mineral Club where I borrowed most of the information from.
http://www.suffolkgem.com/Shelterrock.htm
Another glacial erratic Madison Boulder, Madison, NH
http://clydesguides.blogspot.com/2011/02/mt-willard-and-madison-boulder-crawford.html
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