We wandered up to the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve in Clifton Park, NY, to see what kind of wildlife we could spot. We really hit the jackpot! From birds to turtles to flowers, there is so much to see in this nature preserve that hugs the Mohawk River and Old Erie Canal.

Adventuring through Vischer Ferry in Upstate, New York — The side trails take you through glorious open fields, like this one here.

The Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve

The Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve is a 600 acre park located between the Mohawk River and Riverview Road that is both a nature and historic preservation area. It was formed in 1977 through a joint partnership between the Town of Clifton Park and the New York State Department of Transportation. Recognized for its unique habitat and abundance of wildlife, in 2006, Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve became a bird preservation area. Nature is allowed to run free here and the ponds and marshes that are seasonally flooded provide a perfect habitat for waterfowl and turtles a like.

Erie Canal

One of the highlights of this preserve is the old Erie Canal that opened up in 1825 and connected Buffalo to Albany. It is still very much preserved and visible in this area. The towpath where donkeys used to walk to tug the canal boats has been converted into a walking trail. The historic double lock 19 is present in the western part of the preserve while Clute’s Dry Dock is present in the eastern part.

Whipple Bridge

In 1997, Whipple Bridge, a cast iron truss bridge built in 1869, was moved to its present location within the preserve to span the old Erie Canal. It was moved to the location where a similar bridge once stood.

Trails

Several miles of trails allow visitors to meander all throughout the preserve. From the parking area, the trail takes you over Whipple Bridge where you can take the old Erie Canal towpath west or follow the main trail south. In the southern part of the preserve, there is a network of shorter trails that you can wander through, allowing you to get more or less of a workout.

Where is it Located?

The Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve is located on Riverview Road in the town of Clifton Park, NY. There are several lots available for parking, as this place receives a lot of daily visitors.

Maps

There is a great map of the Park located on the website of the Clifton Park Open Spaces right here.