The 30 Best Nature preserves for hiking in New York

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is a unique institution located at 195 New Karner Road in Albany, New York. This institution serves as a museum, park, and tourist attraction all in one. The preserve is dedicated to protecting and showcasing the rare and endangered ecosystem of the Albany Pine Bush, featuring miles of hiking trails, educational exhibits, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore the diverse plant and animal life that call this preserve home, while also learning about the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the city, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve offers something for everyone to enjoy.

White Brook Nature Area is a family-friendly destination located in Perinton, New York. This park and tourist attraction offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature, learn about wildlife, and have fun with their loved ones. The Nature Center, located on Aldrich Road, hosts educational programs for children and can be rented for special occasions. The park spans over 100 acres of diverse habitats, providing a beautiful and diverse experience for nature lovers of all ages. White Brook Nature Area is a popular destination in Perinton and is a must-see for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the outdoors. Additionally, the Town Offices will close early on April 8th for the Total Solar Eclipse, with an event called “Total Eclipse of the Park” taking place at the Perinton Community Center.

Whiting Road Nature Preserve is a serene park and popular tourist attraction located at 403 Whiting Road in Webster, New York, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature, with lush greenery, winding trails, and scenic views. Whether you enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors, Whiting Road Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come explore this hidden gem and experience the beauty of the natural world firsthand.

Palmer Road Preserve is a breathtaking park located in East Greenbush, New York. This natural oasis offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and scenic trails, the preserve is a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply soak in the beauty of the surroundings, Palmer Road Preserve is the perfect destination for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. Come explore this hidden gem in the heart of New York and experience the beauty of the great outdoors at Palmer Road Preserve.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located in Kerhonkson, New York. This expansive park covers over 22,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes, including rugged cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can explore miles of scenic hiking trails, go rock climbing, swim in the pristine lakes, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. With its diverse flora and fauna, Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a challenging adventure or a tranquil retreat, this park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Tanglewood Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 1 Tanglewood Road in Rockville Centre, New York, United States. This expansive preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore lush greenery, serene walking trails, and a variety of wildlife habitats. With its peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, Tanglewood Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Come discover the wonders of this hidden gem in the heart of Long Island.

Tiffany Creek Preserve is a serene park and tourist attraction located in Oyster Bay, New York. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore nature, enjoy scenic views, and relax in a peaceful setting. With walking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities, Tiffany Creek Preserve is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with the natural world. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a quiet spot to unwind, this hidden gem in Oyster Bay is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Baker Woods Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 4114 Factory Road in Natural Bridge, New York, United States. This serene preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore lush woodlands, tranquil streams, and diverse wildlife. Perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Baker Woods Preserve is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing in nature, this preserve provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plan a visit to Baker Woods Preserve and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

Detatched Forest Preserve is a serene park located in Lyons Falls, New York, United States. This institution offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, with its lush greenery, towering trees, and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a place to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax and unwind, Detatched Forest Preserve is the perfect destination. Come and experience the tranquility and natural beauty that this park has to offer.

Hart's Falls Preserve is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located on Pyrites Russell Road in Hermon, New York, United States. This stunning preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore beautiful natural landscapes, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an adventurous day of outdoor activities, Hart's Falls Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in the heart of New York.

Cornwall Preserve Trailhead is a beautiful park located in Williamson, New York, United States. This scenic trailhead is the perfect starting point for exploring the Cornwall Preserve, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With well-maintained trails, stunning views, and plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, Cornwall Preserve Trailhead is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and discover the natural beauty and tranquility of Cornwall Preserve Trailhead today!

Whiskey Hollow Nature Preserve is a serene park and tourist attraction located on Whiskey Hollow Road in Memphis, New York, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in nature, with lush forests, meandering trails, and picturesque views. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and picnicking in this peaceful setting. Whiskey Hollow Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Eternal Flame Hiking Trailhead Parking is a popular tourist attraction located in Chestnut Ridge Park, just outside of North Boston in Orchard Park, New York. The park features the stunning Eternal Flame Falls, a 30 ft high cascade with a unique natural gas spring that can be ignited to create a flame. The park offers parking alongside Seufert Rd for roughly a dozen cars, and is open year-round from 7am to 9pm. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, cycling paths, picnicking, and other recreational activities in Chestnut Ridge Park. The trail leading to the falls winds through a mixed hardwood forest and can get muddy and filled with obstacles, but the experience of seeing the flame is truly one-of-a-kind. The park is rich in history, with the shale rock layers responsible for the gas deposits dating back to the Late Devonian Period. Overall, Eternal Flame Hiking Trailhead Parking is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Western New York.

Birdsong Park Nature Trail is a serene and picturesque park located at 7260 Jewett Holmwood Road in Orchard Park, New York. This beautiful natural oasis offers visitors the opportunity to explore lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. The well-maintained trails wind through the park, providing a peaceful and immersive experience in nature. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, Birdsong Park Nature Trail has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors at this hidden gem in Western New York.

Seneca Bluffs Natural Habitat Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 1670 Seneca Street in Buffalo, New York. This hidden gem is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature. The park features lush greenery, winding trails, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon stroll or a peaceful picnic. Whether you're a nature lover looking to explore the great outdoors or simply seeking a tranquil retreat, Seneca Bluffs Natural Habitat Park is the ideal destination for some rest and relaxation.

Lytle Nature Preserve is a beautiful park located at 6637 North Canal Road in Lockport, New York. This peaceful and serene preserve offers a variety of natural landscapes to explore, including wooded areas, meadows, and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and picnicking while taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding nature. With its convenient location and diverse flora and fauna, Lytle Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Indian Fort Nature Preserve is a stunning park located at 3432 Jones Bridge Road in Geneseo, New York. This peaceful and serene sanctuary offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and explore the beautiful landscape of the region. With its lush greenery, scenic trails, and abundance of wildlife, Indian Fort Nature Preserve is the perfect place for hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape or a fun day out with family and friends, this park has something for everyone. Come visit Indian Fort Nature Preserve and experience the natural beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in upstate New York.

Manitou Beach Preserve is a serene park located at 64 Manitou Beach Road in Hilton, New York, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. With its picturesque views of the lake and surrounding woodlands, Manitou Beach Preserve is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic with loved ones, or simply a moment of peace and tranquility. Whether you're looking to connect with nature or simply unwind, Manitou Beach Preserve is a must-visit destination in the heart of Hilton.

Rob's Trail Preserve - Hemlock Lake is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 6038-6152 Bald Hill Road, Springwater, New York, United States. This 170-acre preserve offers a collection of memorial trails that connect two undeveloped Finger Lakes, Hemlock and Canadice. Visitors can enjoy hiking on various trails, including Loop Trail, Canadice Lake Trail, Hemlock Trail, and Connector Trail. The preserve is open during hunting season, so visitors are advised to wear blaze orange for safety. Rob's Trail Preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, migrating warblers, turkeys, deer, weasels, and more. The diverse plant life includes white oak, sugar maple, shagbark hickory, green ash, goldenrod, and native gray dogwood. The preserve also features informational kiosks that highlight the importance of protecting drinking water and the geological forces that created the Finger Lakes.

Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located at 400 Sams Point Road in Cragsmoor, New York. This park is a part of the larger Minnewaska State Park Preserve and offers visitors a chance to explore breathtaking views, unique rock formations, and diverse plant and animal life. With numerous hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and opportunities for outdoor recreation, Sam's Point Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to hike, picnic, or simply relax in the beauty of nature, this park has something for everyone. Come and discover the natural wonders of Sam's Point Area at Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

Hamptonburgh Preserve is a beautiful park located at 22 New York 416, Campbell Hall, New York, United States. This peaceful sanctuary offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature. With its lush greenery, tranquil walking paths, and scenic views, Hamptonburgh Preserve is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and recharge. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with loved ones, or simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, this park has something for everyone. Come visit Hamptonburgh Preserve and experience the serenity and beauty of this hidden gem in the heart of New York.

The Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gateway is a stunning park located at 35 New York 299 in New Paltz, New York, United States. This institution serves as a gateway to the beautiful Mohonk Preserve, offering visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of the area. With miles of hiking trails, breathtaking views, and opportunities for outdoor recreation, the Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gateway is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to hike, birdwatch, or simply enjoy a peaceful day in nature, this park has something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to experience the beauty of the Mohonk Preserve at the Testimonial Gateway.

Mill Brook Preserve is a beautiful park located at 70 North Manheim Boulevard in New Paltz, New York. This serene and picturesque preserve offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With winding trails, lush greenery, and a tranquil brook running through the grounds, Mill Brook Preserve is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Whether you enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or simply taking in the scenic views, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Come explore the beauty of Mill Brook Preserve and experience the tranquility of this hidden gem in the heart of New Paltz.

Black Creek Preserve, located on Winding Brook Road in Esopus, New York, is a 130-acre park and tourist attraction that offers a family-friendly hiking experience. While the steep uphill climb at the start may be a challenge for younger hikers, everyone will enjoy crossing the suspension bridge over the creek and skipping stones along the Hudson River shoreline. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as blueback herring and bald eagles as you explore the preserve. The health and safety of visitors is a top priority, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. All special events and group outings must be pre-approved, so be sure to fill out the necessary form and contact Anthony Coneski to coordinate your visit.

John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 261 Floyd Ackert Road in Highland, New York, United States. This serene sanctuary offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while exploring its winding trails, lush forests, and peaceful meadows. Named after the renowned naturalist and writer, John Burroughs, this sanctuary provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're looking to birdwatch, hike, or simply unwind in a peaceful setting, John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located at 125 Phelps Way in Pleasantville, New York, United States. This sprawling park offers visitors the chance to explore over 1,400 acres of pristine woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. With over 45 miles of scenic carriage roads and hiking trails, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying activities such as hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and horseback riding. The park is a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can also learn about the history of the park and its connection to the Rockefeller family through educational programs and guided tours. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure in the great outdoors, Rockefeller State Park Preserve has something for everyone.

Manorhaven Preserve is a beautiful park located on Preserve Road in Port Washington, New York, United States. This peaceful oasis is maintained by the Village of Manorhaven and offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the preserve while taking a leisurely stroll or simply relaxing in the tranquil surroundings. The Village Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm and can be reached at (516) 883-7000. In case of emergencies such as sewer back-ups or downed trees after hours, a special number is provided for assistance. Contractors are reminded of the regulations regarding work hours and holidays to ensure the peace and quiet of the preserve is maintained for all to enjoy. Visit Manorhaven Preserve for a rejuvenating experience in nature.

Makamah Nature Preserve is a serene park and tourist attraction located on Fort Salonga Road in Fort Salonga, New York, United States. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore and connect with nature through its lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and peaceful atmosphere. With its diverse wildlife, stunning views, and tranquil surroundings, Makamah Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Come and experience the beauty and serenity of this hidden gem in the heart of New York.

Connetquot River State Park Preserve is a beautiful natural oasis located at 4090 Sunrise Highway in Oakdale, New York, United States. This park is a popular tourist attraction known for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, go birdwatching, or enjoy a relaxing picnic by the river. The park also offers fishing, boating, and educational programs for all ages. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or an outdoor adventure, Connetquot River State Park Preserve is the perfect destination.

Fresh Creek Nature Preserve is a serene and beautiful park located on East 108th Street in New York, United States. This nature preserve is a popular tourist attraction for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. Visitors can enjoy walking along the scenic trails, birdwatching, and taking in the stunning views of the creek and surrounding greenery. With its lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, Fresh Creek Nature Preserve is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with the natural world.