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Lisha Kill Preserve


Highlights:

beautiful forest, small creek, easy walk, close to home
Near:Schenectady, NY
Scenery:
Distance:2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:100 ft
Hike Time:1 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Loop


Summary: The Lisha Kill Preserve, owned by the Nature Conservancy, is a rare example of an old growth forest in a developed area. Some of trees (Eastern white pine and Eastern hemlock) are estimated to be well over 200 years old.
Route 7 was originally slated to pass through this lovely forest. Through the efforts of local residents, it was saved for future generations.
The trail (marked with red) heads south crossing a creek on a small bridge. Soon you reach a T-intersection. Bear right and continue along the top edge of the ravine. The trail drops down to the level of the stream before climbing again and returning you back at the T-intersection. Turn right and head back to the parking area.
A short spur trail (marked with white and blue) leads to a housing development off of Rosendale Rd.

Trailhead: Take I-87 (Northway) to exit 6. Go west on NY Rte 7 for 4.4 miles. Turn right onto Mohawk Road. After 0.7 miles, turn left on Rosendale Rd. Continue for another 1.1 miles to parking area on left side - 0.3 miles past River Rd. Look for the brown sign (Lisha Kill Preserve). Park in the lot on west side of the old garage.
(Lat:42.7965 Lon:-73.8595)

Trail Guides for Lisha Kill Preserve:
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: Nature Conservancy of New York (518) 272-0195
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by George Senft, who has posted  26 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 2 of 3   Submit your own review
Reviewed by EHS on 8/19/2007
What a delightful and rejuvinating sanctuary! We have been enjoying these trails in all seasons and for an area so close to home, so well marked and as lovely as this, it is definitely a first choice for an easy but refreshing walk. We have never been disappointed and relax here often; depending on the time of day/day of the week I have often had the trails to myself. We are truly lucky to be able to reap the benefits of others having saved this neat forest.

Reviewed by Scott on 7/2/2007
This is a very nice place only minutes from the bustle of city life. It's very pleasant as the paths are pretty clear and easy to follow. There's a couple of downed trees along the way but easy enough to just step right over. I did the entire trail set but red & blue in a little less than 1 hour. So if you want a quick hike this is a place to go.

Reviewed by JBW on 3/1/2007
My husband and I snowshoed here last Saturday (2/24). The trail was well used, easy to follow. We had the place to ourselves which is rare. It seems we always see another car in the lot. It was windy that day but not in the woods which was great. I think this is the most beautiful place in Nisky/Sch'dy area. The parking lot was plowed, trails well marked.

Reviewed by rob on 10/21/2006
talk about hidden gems. the trail traverses wooded rolling hills, crosses a small stream and finally follows the meandering lisha kill. there are several excellent vantage points along the way. a gradual descent leads to the water's edge. the trail is well-marked, a saving grace on this fall day, as the path itself was obscured by fallen leaves in several places.

Reviewed by Roone on 9/9/2006
Shhh. Don't tell anyone about this quiet,peaceful place so near to Albany. My favorite spot is where dozens of tall,straight hemlocks and pines provide a high canopy over a garden of green ferns. As I say, don't tell anyone unless you're sure they love nature. Preserve!

Reviewed by Steve on 8/6/2006
We've hiked this trail occasionally over the years. It's an easy walk and the scenery is very pretty. The trail map shown here is not quite accurate for the blue trail, which actually runs in a loop that hangs off of the main red trail. There's an accurate map posted on the sign-in board at the trail head.

Reviewed by Bob on 6/25/2005
I spent an enjoyable hour walking this trail. I only did the red trail, saving the blue for another trip. The water level was pretty low. It is really amazing how quiet it is once you drop off the first ridge. The only sounds I heard were birds and an occassional chipmunk. I will definitely come back to this trail to check it out in other seasons

Reviewed by chris on 4/18/2005
a friend of mine and i ran through the trail for about 35 minutes. a lot of fun and is something i will definitely do again. especially nice alongside the ledge over-looking the creek. a pleasant break from suburbia.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Schenectady County Hiking, Schenectady County Trails, Schenectady County Hikes

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