Winnakee Nature Preserve in Hyde Park, New York

The Winnakee Nature Preserve is a beautiful 105-acre woodland in Hyde Park.  This hidden treasure conserves part of the estate of Colonel Archibald Rogers, a neighbor and close friend of the Roosevelt family. It was on Rogers’ land where FDR learned about forestry and was imbued with a deep love of the land. The historic culverts, canals, and trails within the preserve are artifacts of Rogers’ 19th-century innovations in forest management. Some of the trees in the Nature Preserve date back from this period, while others are recent introductions. Winnakee established the site as an Educational Arboretum to inform visitors about the historic role this particular forest played in President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s environmental education; and to inspire an appreciation of its ecological value and beauty with over 36 species of native trees. The Nature Preserve’s 1.1 miles of four hiking trails are family friendly and take visitors along winding paths, wooden bridges, rolling hills and sections of moderately steep and rocky terrain. Protected forever by Winnakee Land Trust and home to an array of wildlife.

GETTING THERE:

The entrance to the Winnakee Nature Preserve is located at the dead end of North Terwilliger Rd Extension in Hyde Park.

NOTE: The Van Dam entrance has been closed. Trails to / from that entrance are in the process of being re-routed.