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The Plotter Kill Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 770 Google reviews · Running trail in Rotterdam, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from The Plotter Kill 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 preserve providing kid-friendly hiking trails and waterfalls.
What runners say about The Plotter Kill Preserve
“It is a beautiful place but try to get as much info about trails as possible beforehand because the trail maps given are not as helpful as they could be.”
“While some areas were rough and not heavily maintained, everything was clearly marked and very easy to follow.”
“It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to escape into the outdoors, whether you’re a serious hiker or just want to enjoy a peaceful walk with loved ones.”
“Family-friendly atmosphere - Perfect for bringing kids along and introducing them to the joys of nature.”
Hiking Trail Review Sergeant Falls Side Trail w/ Red and Blue Trail Back - 4 Miles Trail has a very large plowed parking spot at the start. Many open parking spots and the trail head is super easy to find. Trail is very well marked and maintained with many optional trails cutting in and out.
I went here just to try a new spot to hike and its absolutely beautiful. Some of the trails are pretty steep and require patience. So glad for the cable you can use to assist your walk up one of the trails. Lots of wildlife that I was very lucky to photograph.
The Plotter Kill Preserve is a nice place to take a hike in the Capital Region. The trails are maintained and easy to follow. Fencing can be found near the areas where there is a risk of a fall. There is a great deal of signage on the trails to direct you where to go. The views of the waterfalls are very good.
Nice nature reserve, and the waterfalls are great! the trails lead to a few different sight-seeing areas, with a nice creek that goes through the whole place practically.
Trail conditions & character
“Its a great place to go to forest bathe and see waterfalls but keep in mind that there needs to be water to see waterfalls.”
“Hiking Trail Review Sergeant Falls Side Trail w/ Red and Blue Trail Back - 4 Miles Trail has a very large plowed parking spot at the start.”
“It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to escape into the outdoors, whether you’re a serious hiker or just want to enjoy a peaceful walk with loved ones.”
“I was looking for a place to spend the night because I'm out of shape didn't think I could make it back up the hills.”
“But watch out because there's dog doo-doo (the three D's), and if you've got a dog, make sure to get them off the trail before they do their business, thanks.”
“I used this to my advantage and used the red and blue trail to loop back making this a giant loop instead of an out and back.”
“The trails are well-marked and maintained, making it easy to navigate while still feeling immersed in nature.”
Plan your run at The Plotter Kill Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone+1 518-386-2225
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–6 pm |
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