The weather has been cooling down, and we took the opportunity to check out some new trails. We decided to visit the Moccasin Kill Sanctuary, located in Rotterdam, NY in early September 2018.
Finding the sanctuary was easy, and we found the parking area without any problems using Google Maps.
There is space for about 2-3 cars, and there is a sign on the road that clearly marks the sanctuary.
There is also a trailhead with a map, which is useful to have (I recommend taking a photo on your phone, or downloading a trail map here).
The trail is pretty easy, winding through the forest. It does go up and down a bit, but nothing too strenuous.
There were plenty of trail markers along the way, for both orange and blue.
We did wander the wrong direction a few times, but didn’t get far before making it back to the trail because we found trail markers.
The trail seemed well-maintained, and was mostly dry, although I’m guessing it could be pretty muddy at other times and may involve crossing wet areas like parts of the stream.
In early September 2018, there were only a few muddy spots, and they were avoidable since the water levels were so low.
My daughter found some cute toads along the trail.
We enjoyed flipping some rocks in the stream, looking for signs of aquatic life.
The kids were excited to find some little crayfish.
The trails meander around the Moccasin Kill, and it was nice to explore. I thought the rock formations were interesting and would like to see the preserve when water levels are higher. I noticed a lot of mushrooms growing around the preserve that seemed to be dried out from the dry weather.
We went in the beginning of September, and found most of the stream to be dried up with the exception of some small areas. I imagine this would be pretty nice when the water is flowing. I would go back again when water levels are higher and also be prepared for the possibility of a muddy trail.
There are two loop trails – the red and blue trail – and we did both. Each was under a mile and the kids had no problem doing both. I don’t think I saw any garbage while I was here either, and it’s nice to see a place that is clean with trails that are maintained.
Visit the Nature Conservancy page for the Moccasin Kill Sanctuary HERE.
Also check out our other local hikes in Upstate New York HERE.
Check out the other local trails we have hiked:
Albany Pine Bush, NY
Bozen Kill Preserve, Altamont, NY
Christman Sanctuary, Duanesburg, NY
Hannacroix Ravine Preserve, Voorheesville, NY
Hyuck Preserve, Rensselaerville, NY
Indian Kill Preserve, Schenectady, NY
Landis Arboretum, Esperance, NY
Limestone Rise Preserve, NY
Moccasin Kill Sanctuary, Schenectady, NY
Thacher Park Indian Ladder Trail, Voorheesville, NY
Vosburgh Trails, Guilderland, NY
Wolf Creek Falls Preserve, Altamont/Knox, NY
Woodlawn Nature Preserve, Schenectady, NY
As a fellow lover of the great outdoors, I have to say, I do the same thing with taking phone photos of the trail maps! It’s saved us from getting lost a few times. Cool spot to take kids!
I absolutely love going hiking with my family and soaking in the outdoors. Such a smart idea to take a picture of the trail map on your way in – I’m going to start doing that!
I used to love going hiking with my dad. This is a beautiful park!
Looks like you guys had a great time!!
This sounded like such a fun adventure. I am hoping to do some more outdoorsy stuff soon myself.
I didn’t know of this park in New York. If I did, I would have visited this place! It’s a beautiful piece of nature. I can’t do much anymore, but I can still walk! I like the name too. Thank you for sharing for sharing!
This looks like a neat place to explore. Those rock formations are cool!
My boys would love this place. They would love catching the frogs.
Wow! That sounds so much fun! I really love and enjoy hiking at my young age. Such a really amazing place!
The toad and crayfish are so cute. I bet my son would pick them up too if they see them.
This must be a fun place to visit, I must keep this for my next adventure or vacation.
This looks like a beautiful place to go hiking. I miss going to colorado and hiking the trails.
This looks like a cool place to go hiking! My daughter would love seeing the critters!
This looks like the perfect place for an easy hike! My kids always loved finding wildlife along the trails.
Discover new places and the nature with kids it’s so special. I love how they are curious about the world around us!
I have been wanting to visit for a while. This isn’t that far from where I live.
You lone the great outdoors like me and my family do! We are doing some hiking this week and cannot wait! I will have to check out this spot someday…. is pretty!
Had I not read this post I would not know what to expect on a hike to the Moccasin Kill Sanctuary. The rock formations at Moccasin Kill were indeed interesting. Good to know the loop paths are short enough that you can do both on a visit.
It looks like a nice place to explore and to get out in nature. The hike looks relaxing and I’m sure you all felt rested and relaxed after.
It’s great to have such a serene spot nearby. And it’s wonderful how your kids enjoyed the ‘wildlife’ – a childhood away from cell phones and video games – at least for a certain amount of time – is something we should definitely cherish.