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John B. Staalesen Vanderheyden Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 55 Google reviews · Running trail in Troy, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from John B. Staalesen Vanderheyden 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.
Nature area with stream-side trails, geared toward casual hikes, dog walking and birding.
What runners say about John B. Staalesen Vanderheyden Preserve
“I appreciate this location for its peaceful atmosphere and its distance from busy streets, making it ideal for leisurely dog walks.”
“Nice easy walk with the kids.”
This tiny preserve gives a nice "away from it all" feel in the heart of suburbia. Just under a mile loop trail along a creek.
A great place for a peaceful walk. Well maintained trails. Lots of effort to control knotweed.
Short, easy trail. It follows along the water, very peaceful. The terrain is flat, it is a laid back walk. The path is a little narrow. Pretty views of the creek. A little hidden gem.
What a great little park! Never been there, but I loved the little trails and the Wynantskill. More people than I expected. Except got a fire alarm, I couldn't tell I was in Troy.
Trail conditions & character
“I appreciate this location for its peaceful atmosphere and its distance from busy streets, making it ideal for leisurely dog walks.”
“I appreciate this location for its peaceful atmosphere and its distance from busy streets, making it ideal for leisurely dog walks.”
Plan your run at John B. Staalesen Vanderheyden Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- 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.
- Websitehudsontaconic.org
- Phone+1 518-712-9211
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Troy
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Poestenkill Gorge Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 100 reviews
Relaxed park featuring waterfalls, plus hiking trails, an observation deck and a boarded-up platform.
Town of Colonie Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 204 reviews
Open park featuring a circular trail, grassy spaces and picnic areas, plus historical markers.
