Black Creek Preserve Trail – Esopus, New York
Difficulty: Easy 2-mile loop with an elevation gain of 440 feet
Amenities: Unfortunately, no toilets or benches
Parking/Admission fee: None
We have journeyed last week to Green Trail in High Rock Park which is often referred to as one of the most tranquil places in the New York state. This week will bring us to a similar experience which according to a writer in scenichudson.org “a place with a great outdoor classroom for introducing kids to nature.”. This place is located still in the “big apple” of the United States, Black Creek Preserve Trail, New York!
Introducing the idea of being outside can help the kids with their comfort levels and understand what is happening around them when you do go outside and explore nature. The 3.4 kilometers heavily trafficked loop trail located near Esopus, New York is a good place to wander and explore together with the kids. It features a river and is good for all skill levels. This trail-hike crosses a 120-foot suspension bridge, winds among vernal pools, which descends to the shore of the Hudson River. Please note the additional essential details below.
Black Creek Preserve Trail Essential Details
Difficulty: Easy 2-mile loop with an elevation gain of 440 feet
Amenities: Unfortunately, no toilets or benches
Parking/Admission fee: None
Distance:
- Yellow trail: 0.44 miles
- Red loop 0.86 miles
- Blue loop 0.56 miles
Total time: about 1.5 hours full loop; allow extra time to enjoy the river views
Highlights: Suspension bridge; direct access to the Hudson River
Recommended footwear: This is a fairly easy trail, so hiking sandals or hiking shoes are fine.
Black Creek Preserve Trail Map
This 130-acre park highlights a dramatic suspension bridge, spectacular Hudson River views, and about two miles of trails that wind among vernal pools.
Black Creek preserve trail is composed of three connecting trails. They are well-marked by small colored circles fixed to trees. The colors and the patterns that they make on the trees all mean something.
Yellow Trail (0.44 mile)
The yellow trail starts at the small parking, crossing Winding Brook Road that will lead toward a giant 300-year-old white oak tree.
Red Trail (0.86 miles)
The red trail is a loop that explores the broad ridge top separating Black Creek from the Hudson River. As it is a loop, you can go either way. The trail is fairly flat, through woods and past vernal pools.
Blue Trail (0.56 mile)
A sign indicates that the Hudson River (Blue) Trail goes to the right. A short section of the trail can be observed to the left that is shared by the red and blue trails (the Red/ Blue Crossover). If you take that, you can then go left to just complete the red loop or go right and do the blue loop in a counter-clockwise direction.
Each region of New York state has something to offer that will make us want to head out and explore a different area other than our own and experience outdoor learning with the kids. There is also a no better teacher like Mother Nature for kids of all ages, which is why we dedicate so much to our educational opportunities for every adventure. And when we find ourselves craving adventure, Black Creek Trail is definitely an option.
Grab your friends and family now, and hit the road because you’re bound to love exploring the Black Creek Trail.
Do you have any favorite Black Creek Preserve Trail hikes you’d like to share? We’d love to hear about them. Comment below.