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Black Creek Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 389 Google reviews · Running trail in Esopus, New York · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Black 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.
Shaded, clean, dog-friendly nature preserve featuring walking trails, suspension bridges and river views.
What runners say about Black Creek Preserve
“These trails have some beautiful bridges and creative little steps and walkways, plus there are beautiful views of the river and the woods.”
“There are handicapped accessible parking spots and the paved path allows for a smooth trip through tree lined scenery.”
“Less a walk and more of a moderate hike, I walked through woods with some steep spots and rocky trails to the calm and beauty of the Hudson River.”
“Nice easy trail system, only 2 miles if you do the whole thing.”
These trails have some beautiful bridges and creative little steps and walkways, plus there are beautiful views of the river and the woods. I took a star away because there are a few areas where it was really hard to find the trail, and a couple of parts of the trail that were difficult to get footing.
Signage at the road and parking area is clear, ample parking. Proceed past the map/information kiosk, cross the small road to the wooden arch. This is the yellow trail, which is the out and back portion. You’ll pass the gurgling waters, then cross an amazing suspension bridge.
Beautiful, easy hike for most folks. There is a paved path or an option to take the wooden bridge over the creek that leads to a path through the woods. Access to the creek to let the kids (fury alike) splash around.
Nice easy trail system, only 2 miles if you do the whole thing. Really cool suspension bridge over the Creek. Parts of trail are rocky & steep, could be a problem if you're not sure-footed. Trail leads down to Hudson River with benches and scenic views. Rating only 4 stars because of the rocky areas.
Trail conditions & character
“These trails have some beautiful bridges and creative little steps and walkways, plus there are beautiful views of the river and the woods.”
“Less a walk and more of a moderate hike, I walked through woods with some steep spots and rocky trails to the calm and beauty of the Hudson River.”
“There are handicapped accessible parking spots and the paved path allows for a smooth trip through tree lined scenery.”
“Less a walk and more of a moderate hike, I walked through woods with some steep spots and rocky trails to the calm and beauty of the Hudson River.”
“My dog had fun romping across the suspension bridge to get to the other side where she could play in the creek for a bit.”
“Theres a nice paved roaf for wheelchairs or mobility scooters that lead you to the old homestead and views of the Hudson River.”
“There are handicapped accessible parking spots and the paved path allows for a smooth trip through tree lined scenery.”
“) You Can hear traffic and trains along the yellow trail, but as you get farther in, it’s a lot more peaceful.”
“Take the blue loop back, catch the red trail, and take the same yellow trail back to the bridge and parking area.”
“Theres a nice paved roaf for wheelchairs or mobility scooters that lead you to the old homestead and views of the Hudson River.”
Plan your run at Black Creek Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitescenichudson.org
- Phone+1 845-473-4440
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–7 pm |
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