As the weather warms up, we have been enjoying new places to hike, and have been checking out some of the different Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy Preserves. Originally, we were going to hike at the Bennett Hill Preserve, but not surprisingly, the lot was full (the website says it is one of their popular preserves). The Keleher Preserve was only a few miles away, and we were pleased to find that there was no one else there when we arrived.
It was easy to find the preserve using Google Maps.
In addition to Google Maps, be sure to also check out the winter and summer driving directions on the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy website. The road is a narrow dirt road, and I imagine that you would want to be extra careful in any kind of inclement winter weather.
There was a pretty good amount of parking available; maybe about 8 spots. This is not a location where you could park along the road, so if the lot is full, have some backup hikes ready. There are quite a few nearby, like the Hannacroix Ravine Preserve and Bennett Hill Preserve.
The kiosk had a laminated map posted, but we always save a copy of the map to our phones before hiking. You can find the full PDF version on the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy website.
I was impressed at how well this preserve is marked. There are many signs and trail markers all along the way.
The trails are easy for the most part, with a few steep portions.
On the far end of the preserve on the white trail, as well as the red trail, there are some great views of Albany.
We hiked about 4 miles at the preserve, starting on the white trail, then red, white, orange, and white.
The trails seemed well maintained, and the preserve was nice and quiet.
Visit the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy page for the Keleher Preserve at:
https://mohawkhudson.org/our-preserves/keleher-preserve/
That sounds like a great place for a walk. We have loved taking hikes during this downtime.
I’ve actually never been on a hike, perhaps it’s due to the fact that it’s not an activity that is highly promoted in my country. I am definitely open to new experiences and I enjoyed learning from your post. Thnks for sharing.
We love to hike. This would be a great place to take the family on a daytrip for sure.
What a relaxing place to walk. I’d be all about going here. My daughter would as well. I can see her doing Tik Tok dances all over the place.
Those tall trees are stunning! I’m craving a crisp cool walk in the woods. Hopefully, I can feel safer venturing out soon.
A beautiful place. I’ve visited New York a few times, but I’ve never been here before. Maybe one day.
Kelecher Preserve looks like the perfect off-the-beaten hike right in NY. It’s great that the preserve is well marked with several signs and trails markers, ideal for the adventurous family to explore.
Love the views from that preserve. This is a great place to explore and you always show us the best natural New York.
This looks like such a fun place to visit. I would love to take a day trip with my family.
BB is not one for hiking, however your photos make it very tempting…
Looks like a good place to take for a walk and I am sure you’ve had a great time being with nature that time.
Great shots! And that view of Albany looks amazing. We have a lot of hiking trails around here too. Hopefully, we get to try hiking one of these days.
Looks like a beautiful place to hike and explore! So happy it’s warming up so that we can be outside.
What a beautiful place! This is the exactly place and destination that my husband loves to our vacations!
Keleher Preserve looks like a beautiful place to hike and wander. We’ve been missing our parks lately, but we have a forest behind our house to explore.
Keleher preserve looks like great place for hiking. Once this is over, I would love to go for a hike for sure .
I think my husband and kids will enjoy this place! They love hiking and nature!
Great PHOTOS – I wish I had places like this around me so I could hike
Be aware that you may encounter bear while hiking on these trails. Early this morning I bumped into juvenile bear on two separate occasions while hiking on these trails. Each bear immediately ran away when they saw me. Very cool!
Wow, that must have been a surprise! Interesting to know they are up that way.
Sometimes the not so well-known areas are surprisingly pretty, like the Keleher Preserve. It seems to be a great place for shorter hikes, for sure!
I like it when the crowds drop off and you can visit places like Keleher Preserve and have a more peaceful hike. Good that the hiking path is well marked. We have been to many that we only survived using a map on our phone. A nice spot to visit if we get to that area.
It looks like a great place to get outdoors and enjoy nature. It’s also good that the hiking trail is well marked, it’s good for everyone!
Look at this sky: The bluest blue! Looks perfect for a long hike along the white loop 😉 The Preserve looks absolutely amazing. I totally get that you prefer to hike off the beaten and a bit secluded tracks. I love hiking in woods, hence, this would be right down my alley…literally. I’m sure it’s like a red-golden paradise in autumn!