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Esopus Bend Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 173 Google reviews · Running trail in Saugerties, New York · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Esopus Bend Nature 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.
Woodland preserve in verdant, peaceful environs known for its picturesque locale & hiking trails.
What runners say about Esopus Bend Nature Preserve
“We had a lovely hike through the preserve on a beautiful sunny spring day.”
“Great shady cool place to walk your dog,(dogs must be leashed).”
“Smooth, calm waters and an easy paddle for beginners.”
“It was a beautiful and and easy hike compared to most catskill hikes.”
One of the most important places in Saugerties history, this used to be fertile farm land cherished by Native Americans. It was one of the first pieces of land to be taken by white settlers in the early 1600's, then described as "the land below the hills".
FYI there are 3 entrances... parking fills up fast on shady lane. Directions: SHADY LANE ENTRANCE at 10 Shady Lane - THE PRESERVE DOES NOT HAVE A PARKING LOT, PARKING IS ON A QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD STREET WITH 6 PAINTED DEIGNATED PARKING SPACES FOR THE PRESERVE – PLEASE KEEP DOGS ON LEASH - NO LOUD ACTIVITES WHILE PARKING…
We had a lovely hike through the preserve on a beautiful sunny spring day. It's not a demanding trail at all which was perfect for me being my knee is having issues. It didn't stress my knees at all. It's lovely standing by the creek. There is a small waterfall along the trail.
A hidden gem in Barkley heights development in Saugerties New York. A short drive from everywhere parts of it are challenging. Others are moderate. Parts of it you can take the family to and go down to the Asopus Creek skip some stones and look at the water.
Trail conditions & character
“It was a little interesting getting to it as you go through housing areas and it has a tiny little parking area.”
“We had a lovely hike through the preserve on a beautiful sunny spring day.”
“Long enough to exhaust the dog so i can leave him alone tonight and take in a movie without guilt.”
“Great shady cool place to walk your dog,(dogs must be leashed).”
“It was one of the first pieces of land to be taken by white settlers in the early 1600's, then described as "the land below the hills".”
“And make sure that you have somebody with you and used the trail markers accordingly.”
Plan your run at Esopus Bend Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteesopuscreekconservancy.org
- Phone(845) 247-0664
Running trails near Saugerties
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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