Chaumont Barrens Nature Preserve
About the Business
Chaumont Barrens Nature Preserve, located at 29924 Van Alstyne Road in Chaumont, New York, is a stunning park and tourist attraction that showcases one of the last and finest examples of alvar grasslands in the world. This preserve is part of a chain of North American alvars that stretch from Jefferson County through Ontario to northern Michigan.
Visitors to Chaumont Barrens can explore a 1.7-mile self-guided trail that winds through this unique landscape, which includes grasslands, limestone woodlands, cedar forests, pavement barrens, and globally rare plant communities. The preserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, including porcupines, coyotes, various bird species, and more.
During the spring and early summer, visitors can enjoy a diverse display of native wildflowers, including the rare prairie smoke. The preserve is also home to other unique plant species such as yellow lady’s slipper, reindeer lichen, and white cedar.
Chaumont Barrens is closed to the public during hunting season to ensure the safety of visitors and protection of the fragile ecosystem. The Nature Conservancy, which owns the preserve, encourages visitors to leave no trace and carry out any waste they bring in.
This landscape has a rich geological history, with limestone bedrock dating back 450 million years. Fossils of primitive marine animals can still be found in the area, offering a glimpse into the region's prehistoric past.
Overall, Chaumont Barrens Nature Preserve offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience a unique and ecologically significant landscape in upstate New York.
Photos
Location & Phone number
29924 Van Alstyne Rd, Chaumont, NY 13622, United States
Hours open
Monday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday:
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Reviews
"Nice area to go for a quiet walk. There are benches along the trail."
"Wonderful nature walk, kid friendly up until you hit the area of the fissures. Use caution in the area could be a way to break an ankle for little ones and adults alike. Be sure to stay on the path as most of the area is protected due to rare plant life. It’s a must for a visit."
"Nice hike, cool seeing the prairie and all the prairie plants and wildlife, didn't know we had these in NY. It's about a 1.9 mile total hike from and back to the parking lot. Not many people, very quiet and peaceful. NOT an easy hike, some treacherous spots, about 1/2 shade don't go on a hot day without water. There are markers on the ground explaining what different things are (get a booklet from the side of the kiosk). The map is not accurate to the 3 bench locations along the trail, and 1 of the benches is destroyed so be careful if you need frequent rest stops. To whomever left their beer cans in the picnic area, I hope your mother gets the black death, that is all."
"An interesting spot. According to The Nature Conservancy's website, the trail is 1.7 miles. It is narrow, suitable only for walking single file. Not usable by wheelchairs or strollers. If you go round clockwise, there is a fair amount of shade in summer during the second half of the walk. Points of interest are identified by twelve numbered posts. Unfortunately, there is no key to the numbers on site or, as far as I can discover, on line. There is a very agreeable picnic area at the entrance, with just one table. I saw no-one else there during a recent visit in late July."
"Me & my family if cousin's had a great time hiking threw the wild looking at different trees and fossils and reading little notes on the history of the land. The trails are easy enuff for adults and kids. The trails are pretty well marked, there is room to get lost on anytrail, but there are four sides to every peace of land. There is always a way in and out and often more than one. We all brought hiking sticks and a pack packs w water and favorite snacks for a just in case moment or any other moment."
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