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North Woods Nature Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 68 Google reviews · Running trail in Ballston Lake, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from North Woods 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.
80-acre nature preserve in a woodlands area with a pond, stream & trails, plus boardwalks & benches.
What runners say about North Woods Nature Preserve
“Was there after a rain and it was a bit smelly and buggy but overall well maintained and easy to follow.”
“North Wood Nature Preserve is a peaceful and beautiful place to enjoy nature.”
“Was there after a rain and it was a bit smelly and buggy but overall well maintained and easy to follow.”
“North Wood Nature Preserve is a peaceful and beautiful place to enjoy nature.”
Never disappointed visiting here with my kids. Easy to moderate with lots of trails.
North Wood Nature Preserve is a peaceful and beautiful place to enjoy nature. The walking trails are clean and easy to follow. You can hear birds singing and see squirrels running around. The trees give nice shade, and the fresh air makes you feel relaxed.
Lots of chipmunks. Nice network of trails through 80 acres of woods. No parking, we just parked on the street. We were the only people there at noon on a nice Saturday in spring.
Weird area to start but then it gets quiet. Was there after a rain and it was a bit smelly and buggy but overall well maintained and easy to follow. Good for a short beginner hike with kids.
Trail conditions & character
“North Wood Nature Preserve is a peaceful and beautiful place to enjoy nature.”
“North Wood Nature Preserve is a peaceful and beautiful place to enjoy nature.”
Plan your run at North Woods Nature 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.
- Websitecliftonparkopenspaces.org
- Phone(518) 371-6651
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
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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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