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A January Walk at the Christman Sanctuary

January Walk at the Christman Sanctuary
Christman Sanctuary in upstate New York

It was a 45 degree day outside (very odd in January!) so we went and spent some time at the Nature Conservancy’s Christman Sanctuary.  Nestled in Delanson just west of the Capital District is a nature sanctuary with a wonderful little set of trails and a large waterfall.  Our hike was cut short due to poor walking conditions, but it was so lovely to see the sanctuary at this time of year.  

Christman Sanctuary

Located in Delanson, NY, the Christman Sanctuary is a 120 acre nature preserve and sanctuary most known for its 30 foot waterfall along the Bozen Kill.  This land was originally part of a farm owned by William Christman.  Christman and his wife were both nature lovers and during a blizzard in 1888, they started a bird feeding program.  Their idea developed and they decided to turn a large part of their farm into a sanctuary.  They planted a large tree plantation, mostly of red and white pines, but also with spruce, locust, and cedar trees, on the south and eastern side of the Bozen Kill.  

January Walk at the Christman Sanctuary
Here we are just entering the sanctuary.

In 1970, the preserve was given to the Nature Conservancy from William Christman’s son and daugher-in-law.  The Christman Sanctuary has been registered by the New York State Historic Trust as a National Historic Landmark.  The tree plantations draw a variety of wildlife and this area is biologically important.  

January Walk at the Christman Sanctuary
The blue trail weaves through red pines.
January Walk at the Christman Sanctuary
Some interesting things we looked at during our walk. The bright green moss was a happy sight and sign of life in the quiet winter woods.
January Walk at the Christman Sanctuary
Mushrooms and moss on a tree along the Bozen Kill.

A covered lean-to built in 1934 by the Mohawk Valley Hiking CLub is located at the end of the yellow trail right near the main waterfall.  It provides a wonderful little spot where visitors can picnic and watch the falls.  We definitely plan on returning in the warmer months ahead.

January Walk at the Christman Sanctuary
Our only view of the falls during this trip.

During our visit, we had planned to hike the entire blue and green trails.  We ended up hiking about half of the blue trail.  After the entire trail became covered in ice, we realized it wasn’t safe to travel along it with our one and a half year old.  

January Walk at the Christman Sanctuary
The trail was completely iced over, so we turned back. It is a pretty sight, though.

We also did not hike the orange trail because it entailed fording the icy waters of the Bozenkill.  Just more for us to look forward to later!

January Walk at the Christman Sanctuary
The crossing at the Bozen Kill where the blue trails leads you to the orange trail.

Where is it Located?

The Christman Sanctuary is located off of Schoharie Turnpike/NY Route 74 in Delanson, NY.  Delanson is a small village within the larger town of Duanesburg.  The parking lot and majority of the preserve itself is located on the south side of the road.

Map

A wonderful map can be downloaded from the Nature Conservancy’s website here. 

January Walk at the Christman Sanctuary
Our mapped hike at the Christman Sanctuary using the Alltrails app.

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