The Keleher Preserve is a conservation area in the town of New Scotland that is managed by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy. This is a larger preserve, with over 440 acres and offers miles of hiking trails with some overlooks of the city of Albany. We got a chance to hike around this gorgeous spot to take in the final days of summer. We even spied some leaves already starting to change color on us!
Keleher Preserve
The Keleher Preserve was formed in 2010 as a gift from John and Katherine Berber. Historically, the land was farmed. Remnants of this past are visible on the land today. We saw an old stone wall and crossed several old farm roads as we made our way to the overlook.
We really love the Mohawk Hudson Conservancy Preserves and have visited several of them, such as the Wolf Creek Falls Preserve and the Normans Kill Preserves. The beauty of a lot these conservancy lands is that you can walk throughout the preserves and not see another hiker. It’s just you and nature. We found that to be the case here and wonderfully, had the place all to ourselves. Well, besides our little toad friend we found on the trail.
Trails
There are several trails that intertwine throughout the preserve, giving hikers the chance to choose steeper or more gradual ascents to the lookout. We took the white loop along its southern route, to the blue, and then red trails. The overlook of the city of Albany is along the red trail.
The trails here go through really beautiful land. You walk from one type of forest into another, with the dominant tree species changing the feeling of the woods. Some areas have older trees with most of the leaf canopy way up top. Some areas have younger trees with green leaves all around you changing the view.
There is a little bridge that has a large set of windpipes along the side. The wind wasn’t blowing during our visit, but I imagine it must be hauntingly beautiful when it does blow through the pipes.
Surprises Along the Trail
This visit, we had a bunch of little surprises. Though it was late summer, we spied the introduction of fall via some gorgeous red leaves. Along the trail, we made friends with a small toad and found a colorful blue jay feather. It was all quite magical!
Where is it located?
The Keleher Preserve is located on Gulf Hill Road in the town of New Scotland, New York. Access to Gulf Hill Road changes seasonally, so be sure to check out the directions at the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy web page if you are visiting during the winter months.
Map
A wonderful map of all the trails at this preserve can be found here at the Mohawk Hudson Conservancy page.
