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Ballston Creek Preserve
4.3 ★★★★☆ 41 Google reviews · Running trail in Ballston Lake, New York · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Ballston Creek Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Ballston Creek Preserve
“Very busy many children, dogs, electric bikes, nice easy walk.”
“Very busy many children, dogs, electric bikes, nice easy walk.”
Trails are not that long. 20 mins worth, maybe. But, was empty and swamp area was nice to look at. Was hoping to see shrek, but maybe next time.
Quiet and very secluded. Nice place to go for a short, easy hike or walk the doggos. Three trails there, none too long. The parking sucks. You have to park at Shenantaha Creek Park and cross then walk a bit along Eastline Rd.
Nice hike back to a view of a heron rockery. You will need to take care. The trial is well marked but pretty rough in spots.
Nice place.. Short trail. Good for biking,running, walking. Pets/dogs are allowed.
Trail conditions & character
“It's convenient as it's right down the road and,, now that the parking area was added, it's easily accessible to all kinds of lake crafts!”
“There were no nests in the rookery but it was a very nice view anyway.”
“Very busy many children, dogs, electric bikes, nice easy walk.”
“Good for all ages, some places are a bit muddy.”
“Nice, flat and short trail with a bench to sit and enjoy the rookery.”
Plan your run at Ballston Creek Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesaratogaplan.org
- Phone(518) 587-5554
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Ballston Lake
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Shenantaha Creek Park
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Trail-lined, creek-threaded park featuring sports fields and playgrounds.
Anchor Diamond Park
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North Woods Nature Preserve
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80-acre nature preserve in a woodlands area with a pond, stream & trails, plus boardwalks & benches.
Luther Forest Trail Head
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Trails for bike-riding through woods along with hiking options.
Longkill Park
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