Things to do / Travel Guide
As the majority of northern New York is preserved natural space, visitors to the region can feast their eyes on numerous species of animals, plants, trees, fish, reptiles, and more. The Adirondack forest is home to over 70 species of trees, most falling into the spruce and fir, or beech, birch, and maple families. White pines grow at the lowest elevations, generally in the Champlain Valley, higher up grow the spruce swamp, then mixed wood, then hardwood forest trees, and up to the spruce trees growing at above 2,500 feet. An excellent time to take in the magnitude of trees covering the region is during the fall, when the leaves change to brilliant hues of orange, red, and brown. Throughout northern New York, hundreds of species of herbs, shrubs, grasses, and ferns flourish. Flowers also abound, including mosses, lichens, alpine flora, and others on the mountain peaks, as well as dewdrops and lily-of-the-valley in the lower Adirondacks.
Nearly 60 species of mammals make their home in the Adirondacks, including white-tailed deer, black bears, weasels, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, otters, raccoons, and porcupines. Birdwatchers will delight in the region, as over 200 species of birds have been spotted, ranging from tiny to large. These include hawks, ducks, woodpeckers, warblers, kingbirds, flycatchers, bald eagles, and, of course, loons. And with so many lakes and rivers in the region, its no wonder nearly 90 species of fish swim their way through. From trout and salmon, to walleye and northern pike, to small- and large-mouth bass, yellow perch, and sunfish. While hunting and fishing is permitted, it is regulated to certain areas and requiring specific permits, meaning that many if not all of the fish and mammals in the region are carefully protected.
Nature and Wildlife in the Central Adirondacks
Located near the town of Inlet as well as Indian Lake, the Moose River Recreation Area is a large block of remote public land. Numerous hiking trails wind around the forests, ponds, and lakes within the Moose River Recreation Area. A great deal of wildlife can be seen, including deer, bear, otter, beaver, and mink. With hawks, owls, loons, flycatchers, wading birds, warblers, and boreal species flying above, Moose River is a popular area for bird-watching. Some of the area waters are home to trout, splake, and salmon, making it a nice spot for fishing as well.
Bound by State Road 28 to the north, State Road 30 to the west and south, and State Road 8 to the east, and within the boundaries of the Adirondack Park, the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area covers around 112,000 acres of dense forests, clear ponds and lakes, and quiet mountains. It is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a “true wilderness experience.” Over 30 miles of hiking trails are marked for visitors, with numerous other unmarked trails as well. With a wealth of wildlife, birds, and fish living there, the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area is popular for animal lovers, bird-watchers, and fishermen. Regulated hunting and trapping is also permitted.
Nature and Wildlife around Saranac Lake
While touring the Saranac River, whether by cruise or paddling your own canoe, look out for the lovely flora and fauna as well as many species of wildlife that flourish in this magnificent wetland. Deer, ducks, muskrats, geese, hawks, and many other animals make their home along the river's edge. Along Middle Saranac Lake, common loons, bald eagles, and osprey are often spotted.
Nature and Wildlife around Saratoga Springs
The Bog Meadow Nature Trail is an early accomplishment of the Saratoga organization Preserving Land and Nature (PLAN). Established in 1993 by volunteers and PLAN members, the two-mile trail includes a boardwalk system and runs along an abandoned railway path. Visitors will likely see a variety of animals roaming the wetland area year-round, as well as flora and fauna. The wetland communities include an open marsh, wet meadow, and forested wetland. In the winter, visitors can explore the area on snowshoes or cross-country skis. Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail is owned by the city of Saratoga Springs and is regularly maintained by volunteers and local organizations. It is located off of State Road 29.
Nature and Wildlife in the Champlain Valley
The Hebron Nature Preserve, east of Glens Falls along State Road 22, is a plot of 125 acres run by Granville's Pember Museum. The preserve includes around eight nature trails that study different habitats. One trail winds through marshlands, a second one leads visitors to a large beaver dam, and another trail goes through overgrown fields and orchards. As many trails are under a mile long, they are great for kids too. Hebron Nature Preserve is open from dawn until dusk year-round.
Nature and Wildlife in the Thousand Islands
The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center on Wellesley Island in the Thousand Islands area sits on 600 acres of land. It includes a museum as well as a wildlife sanctuary lined with trails. Fish and reptiles are on display in the museum, which is also home to a butterfly house. Open year-round and with extended hours in the summer, the center is free to visitors.
Located near the town of Massena is the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area. An open water wetland habitat on over 3,000 acres adjacent to the St. Lawrence River, the area consists of several open water pools surrounded by cattail, shrub swamp, forest, and meadows. The area provides an excellent natural habitat for waterfowl, as well as other bird species including ducks, geese, wading birds, shore birds, and raptors like bald eagles and osprey. The marsh around the pools is home to animals like beavers and muskrats. Deer, turkeys, and cottontail rabbits can also be found at Wilson Hill. The area is split into three sections: the refuge area does not allow any public access, but its two observation decks are open year-round; the restricted-use zone does not have public access during most of spring and summer, but controlled hunting and trapping is permitted during the fall and winter; finally, the public use zone is open throughout the year.
The French Creek Wildlife Preserve in the Clayton area includes a walking trail weaving over half a mile up the creek to Seven Pines Point. Deer, fox, wild turkeys, pheasant, and many songbirds live wild along French Creek, as well as several species of fish, turtles, and frogs. The creek can also be explored by kayak or canoe, and it has become a popular spot for bird-watching.
Nature Spots in Lake Placid, Lake George, Saratoga Springs, Adirondacks and Northern New York
Nature-Wildlife
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