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Lisha Kill Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 281 Google reviews · Running trail in Niskayuna, New York · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 0.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Lisha Kill Natural Area'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 preserve with 3 marked trails, plus scenic waterfalls and hiking routes.
What runners say about Lisha Kill Natural Area
“Great trails along a beautiful stream of water in a dense forest with tall trees all around!”
“The side trails were all well marked but the blazes upon entering the main trail were missing and I did overshoot the turnoff.”
“Wonderful place for a wander, quiet, peaceful, good all ages and abilities, highly recommend!”
“Wonderful place for a wander, quiet, peaceful, good all ages and abilities, highly recommend!”
So far this is one of my favorite hikes in the area . Plenty of parking (but can be slightly difficult to find) look for the small park preserve sign (I have attached a photo leaving the park- look for that sign). Family & dog friendly . Moderate to easy hike . Spectacular fall foliage .
Perfect for a quick nature walk! Trails are clear and yet still wooded. Lots of dogs and people, usually a bit busy but still feels calming and nature like. Definitely recommend if you’re in need of a nature fix and don’t want to go far. Also, lots of good hammock spots down by the stream!
An easy place to walk with a few short steep spots. There are great views and lots of birds and cool bugs to see.
Nice hiking paths through a wooded area. Did a nice hike on all but one of the trails, covered 2.6 miles and had a peak to valley elevation change of ~500 feet. Lots of mossy downed trees. Also, lots of mud, had to wash the dog after. One creek crossing without a bridge, but was pretty shallow when I was there.
Trail conditions & character
“Great trails along a beautiful stream of water in a dense forest with tall trees all around!”
“There's one trail under a mile and fairly flat, so good for kids or a short walk, and at least on closer to two miles and a bit more hilly, so longer trek.”
“I was with my fiance and two dogs and we didnt get to explore each trail but are definitely going back.”
“Plenty of parking (but can be slightly difficult to find) look for the small park preserve sign (I have attached a photo leaving the park- look for that sign).”
“Wonderful place for a wander, quiet, peaceful, good all ages and abilities, highly recommend!”
“I’d say generally easy but some moderate due to the tree roots and some steep inclines.”
“Lots of shade, quiet over all, nicely kept .”
“The side trails were all well marked but the blazes upon entering the main trail were missing and I did overshoot the turnoff.”
“There's one trail under a mile and fairly flat, so good for kids or a short walk, and at least on closer to two miles and a bit more hilly, so longer trek.”
Plan your run at Lisha Kill Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance0.5 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
- Websitenature.org
- Phone(212) 997-1880
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
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