Hike the Keleher Preserve Loop
Added by Amy Bennett
447 acres of diverse forest landscape on historic farmland with a light climb to a secluded overlook of the valley. The best view is situated on the steepest slope of the hillside, winding around to a sturdy bench for relaxing and taking it in. An all-season hike in pretty New York countryside.
The historic preserve is operated by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, so trails are clearly marked and extremely well maintained. There are features of the original farm that the land was used for from the 18th Century, including hand-thrown stone walls and an old logging road that cuts through the top of the hill. Great open spaces dot along the trails to stop for a picnic. The scenery changes as the trails wrap around the hillside as well, and wildlife is never too far away. Keep an eye out for porcupines sleeping in the trees during the day, and remember coyotes and black bears are a possibility in this environment. Easy parking and a trailhead with a ton of info and maps makes this great for everyone, dogs included! You're far enough out in rural Upstate, New York that the sounds of civilization are silenced. It's wonderful.
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Somewhat Misleading
This was my first time hiking the Keleher Preserve Loop. I don't see myself going back anytime soon. It started off as a family hike, like any other, but soon turned into a tiresome and -at times- annoying adventure. Most of the hike is well maintained, the parts that are not ruined the experience. For example: The map that is presented at the beginning of the trails is not completely accurate. Also, the trails are marked by color coded ribbons and then, at times, switch to spray paint. The colors are: orange, blue, and white. I am disappointed that the Mohawk Hudson land Conservancy decided to use white paint to mark a trail. Of course, this is not my first time seeing white paint to mark a trail. Dried tree sap and white spray paint can look very similar at times. The overlook was more a cliff edge than a steep slope (If you were to slip, you are going to plummet to your death, not tumble). Also, there is only two to three feet of space between the path and the overlook. There is a bench, and the stone walls are cool to see. Would I bring my kids here again? No. There are better hikes in the area.
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