Sanders Town Preserve — Attraction in Town of Glenville

Last summer (July 2017), we were looking for some short hiking trails in the area, and found Sanders Preserve. It was easy to find, and Google Maps took us right to the trailhead. There was no one else there on a Saturday morning, and there is plenty of parking in the gravel lot.

I was a little distracted by the constant sound of shots being fired during our 1.25 hours at the preserve, so I can only guess there is a firing range nearby. It did detract from an otherwise peaceful surrounding.

We continued along the trail and turned down the path to the first waterfall. Let me first say that if you are going to visit the preserve, I would probably recommend visiting the falls and ambling along the stream to explore a little, and possibly skipping the rest of the hike.

Unfortunately there was a bunch of garbage around the stream, including a large wadded up blanket that looked like someone was in it (fortunately, not the case). It was sad to see people leaving their trash behind at such a beautiful place.

That being said, the falls are really pretty, and there are several different falls to explore. We were happy that there was still plenty of water in late July. We did some creek exploring, flipping rocks and checking out crayfish. When we reached a spot where there is a bigger ledge, we decided to return to the trail (for safety).

The wide portion of the trail meanders for a bit, and then it goes a bit more into the woods, and here’s where I wish we had skipped this part of the trail. The trail quickly became overgrown, and then really muddy. First it was more of a nuisance of thorny plants scraping up our legs, and then the trail kept getting wetter – until there was just a lot of ankle-deep mud. It was tough to get around because the trail was so grown in, so you couldn’t go off trail to avoid getting your shoes in the mud.

By the time we made it back to the trailhead, the kids had gone ankle-deep in mud and we were all a mess. While I figured it might be muddy, I did not think it would be this muddy. I do think the trail could be a little better maintained since not only did we leave muddy, but covered in scratches from brambles.

If you do attempt the trail loop at the Sanders Preserve, I highly recommend using a map, and it would probably be better in the spring or fall so that there is less brush to deal with, but be careful if it has been rainy because it was so muddy.

We got our map from the Glenville...

I’m always looking for new trails to hike and I am never impressed. But I have to say this was a gorgeous little hike through the woods. It feels like you are deeply immersed in the wilderness.

There are a couple different trails and paths to choose from (one seeming to be across the road and the other one right near the parking area). We choose the red marked trail near parking.

A couple things that we noted is that the red trail just awkwardly seems to end down by the stream. And it almost seems like the trail continues past the stream, but nothing is marked and the trail becomes unkempt. This was disappointing to us because we wanted to keep going. Lastly, (which wouldn’t bother most people), is that the red trail does have a slight incline on the way back. I’m currently pregnant and I had to stop quite a few times to catch my breath on the way back. But this isn’t something that I think would bother most people.

Overall it was a wonderful hike with gorgeous scenery (especially during the fall) and we plan on coming back to hike the...

Trail was good - the red trail in/out to Washout Creek wet in some spots. Hiked the perimeter trail. As others have noted some overgrown spots mainly due to lack of use and wet areas there with a lot of sunken horse hoof prints.Trail well marked but confusing as to cut over trails back to trail head. AllTrails map very helpful. Be aware it’s hunting season. I came across a bow hunter who had a freshly killed young buck along the red trail. Also heard a lot of gunfire from what I am guessing is a firing range not far from the preserve. So tranquility not exactly despite what feels like a remote area with diverse flora. Washout Creek was audible but low water level. Still worth the scramble...