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Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 529 Google reviews · Running trail in Rexford, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic 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.
Riverside nature preserve offering trails for hiking & skiing, plus fishing, hunting & birding.
What runners say about Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve
“Trails are well-maintained, but it can get a bit buggy in summer, so bring spray.”
“If you follow the signs to the kayak rental you come out on the other side of the river and that's quite a beautiful view as well and there are picnic tables in the barbecue there.”
“Great surface for a run, walk, bike.”
“I found this place during COVID and it was so peaceful to be out in nature when we were in such a scary time.”
This is my other go-to. Actually, here more than five rivers lately. Lots to see here. Nice long, quiet walks through the woods or on a trail. Snakes, beavers, deer, many different birds, ducks, geese, fish, and of course, people. Usually a nice peaceful walk.
You can go hundreds of times and never walk the same way twice. There's always something new to see. I particularly like the bird watching loop. It stays very secluded.
This nature preserve is absolutely beautiful. It contains a mixture of gravel and dirt paths, many miles of them. Bring your dog for an awesome on leash walk experience, or ride your bike on the flat gravel. There is easy access parking, but it does get busy on sunny days and weekends.
I found this place during COVID and it was so peaceful to be out in nature when we were in such a scary time. I go back often now - there are trails, so many beautiful landscapes, the lock, birds, mushrooms(!). The fresh air is wonderful and people walk and ride the trails, enjoying time outside.
Trail conditions & character
“If you follow the signs to the kayak rental you come out on the other side of the river and that's quite a beautiful view as well and there are picnic tables in the barbecue there.”
“The old canal bridge, near the parking lot, is one of the oldest roads in the town of Clifton Park.”
“i walked along the trail that ran by the canal and spent some time chatting with a cute local woman who was walking her dog Dudley.”
“The flat trails are perfect for families or casual hikers, and the historic Erie Canal remnants and Whipple Bridge add a nice touch of history.”
“I found this place during COVID and it was so peaceful to be out in nature when we were in such a scary time.”
“The walking paths had crushed stone with trail loops throughout the reserve on grass.”
Plan your run at Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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.
- Websitecliftonparkopenspaces.org
- Phone(518) 371-6667
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
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