We visited the Lisha Kill Natural Area many years ago, and recently wanted to revisit it, but we had some trouble finding parking. We decided to check out the trails on a cool summer evening.
Despite not being able to find parking in the past, there is a decent amount of parking in the lot; I would say space for at least 10 cars. It was easy to find the preserve on Rosendale Road in Niskayuna, which has a sign along the road.
There is a trailhead with information as you enter the preserve.
You can download the full size trail map (here). The trails add up to about 2 miles, and are easy to follow through the woods.
The trail was well-marked all along the way.
I could tell right away that this is a well-traveled traveled trail. We had tried to come here earlier this spring a couple times, and the traffic was backed up onto the road. The trail itself is definitely worn, but despite that being the case, it was maintained.
The muddy areas all seemed to have alternate trails, planks, etc., and the only hazards really seemed to be that there were lots of exposed roots, so I recommend watching your step. There were several places where you could easily catch your toe or foot on a root and trip.
The Lisha Kill Natural Area trail meanders through the woods. The Nature Conservancy website lists this preserve as an old-growth forest, and there are indeed lots of large, old trees to enjoy in the scenery.
There are some steeper sections, but not a whole lot of elevation change.
We were excited to see that there were some flowing streams.
At one point I thought we had missed our opportunity to go down to the stream, which was down a steep precipice, there was another opportunity to go down to the water.
We enjoyed hiking the Lisha Kill Natural Area. The trails here add up to about 2 miles, and it was an easy walk for our family.
Visit the Nature Conservancy Preserve website for more information.
About the Author: Marysa
Busy blogger and mom of two girls. We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure! If you have any travel questions, contact me! marysa@anationofmoms.com
Was browsing you site and this is so the perfect place we would like to go to . It is incredible and great for shallow fun in water. Sigh! I miss outdoor trips
This trail looks so fun and easy enough with kids on tow. I’ve been loving natural recreation lately. Thanks for sharing!
Il have to ask my husband if he’s ever been here
I’m a huge nature lover. But I live very far from from the park, river and other natural places. Thanks for sharing about the place, it is kind of virtual tour. BTW, pictures are stunning.
Visit the natural recreation place make me feel good. I’m not living in NY and will forward the related information to my friends living there.
Beautiful! Our family just started hiking and we are loving it! Nature is truly miraculous!
I actually like this place. looks very peaceful n safe for walks with the family.
This looks like such a peaceful spot. I would love to go here and read. Or take photos!
That is a great preserve and the trails do not seem so hard. I have to get up that way some day.
Wow what an amazing looking area to go and explore! It looks like it would be so calming and just perfect for walks with loved ones.
Something about trees with exposed roots calls to me. So ancient feeling, I guess.
Looks like a beautiful area to get away from it all! We have been taking our off-roading SUV out in the woods going on backwoods that are no longer town maintained to see what we can find, and often it leads us to cool hiking spots like this one (but in NH).
It looked like a paradise, but seems scary at night..? ✌️
Looks like a lovely place to hike! We’re not very outdoorsy, but long walks and hikes are fun once in a while.
I love nature and I love spending time with my kids in the nature! This seems to be a beautiful place to visit!
What a beautiful place! This looks like a place my family would love to visit.
Loved this post. Hubby and I love to walk in areas like that. Georgia is one of our favorite places to hike.
That place is gorgeous! I love going on walks around places like this. We did this not long ago too. It’s always so much fun.
It looks risky but definitely worth the view once you arrive at the destination. This is a great adventure I wanna go into
What a beautiful place! I would enjoy walking and admiring the nature!
What an amazing place to visit with the family. Nature is just beautiful. Stunning really. I wish I could visit this place.
Lisha Kill Natural Area looks like the perfect place for social distancing. We have been exploring our home state during the pandemic and this looks like the perfect place in NY.