Creating trails and parks

Connecting the community to the land has been a central part of Winnakee’s mission for over 30 years. Winnakee’s extraordinary conservation growth in the last year has afforded us opportunities to build new trails that bring the public closer to nature. Thanks in great part to our Trails Committee, Winnakee has introduced over seven miles of new trails recently, with plans for additional trails also underway, including the second phase section of a trail at Winnakee’s Saw Kill property in Red Hook.

Trail development is a key element of our strategic plan, furthering Winnakee’s commitment to increase public access to selected properties that offer the unique outdoor experiences to inspire a love of the outdoors and opportunities to value our important lands and waters.

In designing trails, our first priority is always protecting the land, vulnerable wetlands and habitats — so that trails have minimal impact on wildlife, plants, soil, waterways. At the same time, we know that providing more recreational opportunities on our preserves, helps people appreciate the wonders of nature, and also inspires the next generation of stewards to safeguard it.

All of Winnakee trails are designed to be easy to navigate, family friendly and low maintenance with pervious surfaces.

Winnakee trails offer something for everyone! From two new ecologically important preserves, to the highest point in the area atop Burger Hill, to landscape that inspired FDR’s love of forestry at the Winnakee Nature Preserve, to upcoming pedestrian friendly trails at Saw Kill that will connect Bard College with the Town of Red Hook, as part of Red Hook’s Village-to-Village Trail Network. Winnakee is committed to bridging more ways for the public to connect and benefit from the bounty of our region.

Read more at Visit Our Parks & Preserves