Esopus Bend Nature Preserve — Attraction in Town of Saugerties

FYI there are 3 entrances... parking fills up fast on shady lane.

Directions:

SHADY LANE ENTRANCE at 10 Shady Lane - THE PRESERVE DOES NOT HAVE A PARKING LOT, PARKING IS ON A QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD STREET WITH 6 PAINTED DEIGNATED PARKING SPACES FOR THE PRESERVE – PLEASE KEEP DOGS ON LEASH - NO LOUD ACTIVITES WHILE PARKING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD - PLEASE TREAT OUR PRESERVE NEIGHBORS KINDLY / QUIETLY WHILE PARKING IN FRONT OF THEIR HOMES -- From 9W: Take Overbaugh St. Make a left onto Simmons Dr., a right onto Appletree Dr., and a left onto Shady Ln. Limited 6 space neighborhood street parking available.

STERLEY AVENUE ENTRANCE at 50 Sterley Avenue – THERE IS A SMALL OFF STREET PARKING LOT... FOLLOW GRAVEL ROAD IN. From 9W: Look for a sign on the Saugerties Bowlers Club sign post. Take Highland Ave. across from Barclay Heights Diner. Make a left behind Simmons Plaza, continuing along Highland Ave. Take a right on Blue Hills Dr., a left on Dewitt Dr., and a right on Sterley Ave. Parking lot and entrance at end.

KALINA DRIVE walk-in entrance at One Preserve Way From 9W: Take Overbaugh St. which continues to Kalina Drive. Entrance is on the right, just before Edgewood Dr.

Parking is limited. Please carpool...

A hidden gem in Barkley heights development in Saugerties New York. A short drive from everywhere parts of it are challenging. Others are moderate. Parts of it you can take the family to and go down to the Asopus Creek skip some stones and look at the water. Other parts are a little bit more difficult wear proper footwear. There were plenty of wildlife among the vegetation on these trails. So near techs are a real thing carrying make sure you wear the proper clothing. And make sure that you have somebody with you and used the trail markers accordingly. The maps are at the entry points and there are 3 entry points. There is also a map online. Use the app strava it is a free app to navigate and see where you are in relation to the trail the Creek and Barkley heights to keep your bearings. Short simple walk lot of fun easy for just...

This preserve gets two stars. One just for preserving the area from development and protecting the watershed. Two for no trash. I guess if I lived here it would be a great place to walk a dog or get your steps in. Otherwise sadly disappointing from the standpoint of restoration, natural beauty, or biodiversity. Chock full of invasive species and doesn't seem to be managed with the promotion sustaining of native species in the forefront. Trails are poorly marked and could be better maintained. Just kind of sad and...