We have been visiting many of the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy preserves, and decided to check out Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary after it was recommended to us.

The preserve is easy to get to using Google Maps.

There is plenty of parking at the preserve (a big bonus when it seems like everyone is out hiking these days).  My tip during pandemic times: always have a backup hike idea nearby.

There was a trail map posted at the trailhead kiosk, as well as one online.  I didn’t see distance markers on the maps, but was able to find some information on AllTrails.  The trailhead also notes that the trails are under construction.  You can find the printable map at the MHLC website here.

We started our hike on the white trail, which is the outer, larger trail loop, which is supposedly about 1.9 miles (according to AllTrails).

The trails are very well marked, with plenty of trail markers along the way.  The trail is easy to follow as well.

The trail meanders through a deciduous forest.  It was mostly flat, and an easy trail.  We did the longest loop, but you could make this a shorter hike by cutting over on a different trail.

We saw quite a few wildflowers here, which is not always the case on other trails in the area as I think we often go to higher elevations and habitats where flowers are not as abundant.

There are some interesting rock formations here.

There is a sinkhole as well as an old stone quarry.  (The sign should read “Brooklyn Bridge”).

We saw lots of red Columbine flowers at the quarry and along the trails.

After completing the white trail loop, we headed back across the road to the blue trail, which goes to the Onesquethaw Creek.

The creek is very scenic, although there were two big tires in the creek right where we got to the bottom.

There are a couple places to explore along the creek.  We always enjoy flipping rocks and looking for critters.  There were newts, snails, frogs, and plenty of other critters.

There is also a pond on the property.

Hollyhock Hollow Preserve Selkirk New York

Hollyhock Hollow Preserve Selkirk New York

These were some of my favorite flowers, which we saw by the pond (although unfortunately, Spanish Bluebells are considered an invasive species).

We enjoyed our time at the Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary, exploring different trails and features.  There was some poison ivy along the trail, so be careful of that especially if you have kids, and always be sure to do a tick check.  The trail was dry when we went, but there were some bugs, so you may also want to bring a bug net or some bug repellant.

 

Check out the Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary at

https://mohawkhudson.org/our-preserves/hollyhock-hollow-sanctuary/

Check out the list of other trails we have hiked in the Capital Region here.