Nestled just a short drive outside of the city limits of Schenectady, New York, is the lovely Indian Kill Nature Preserve.  We got the chance to explore around on a beautiful sunny day.  There was a wonderful feeling to the place. Especially walking down around the creek edge, it felt simply… magical.  

Indian Kill Nature Preserve

Centered around the babbling Indian Kill creek, the Indian Kill Nature Preserve is a 100 acre nature conservancy maintained by Schenectady County.  This area is known for its diverse array of fern species that dot the surface along the creek edge.  

There is a large network of trails providing hikers with paths either up above the creek on top of nearby bluffs, or down along the water’s edge creek itself.  Wooden stairs and small bridges help visitors traverse the more difficult terrain with ease.

A dam is located at the beginning of the trail.  A green metal bridge spans over it allowing hikers access to the other side.  Some cut logs arranged Lincoln Log style give you a chance to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings.  There are several small waterfalls scattered along the creek.

I do have to note that this place is quite beautiful and for such a sunny and warm day, we relatively had the place to ourselves.  It was a nice venue to reconnect with our natural environment and is one of my favorite places to go in the area.

Where is located?

Indian Kill Nature Preserve is located at the junction of Maple Avenue and Hetcheltown Road in Schenectady, New York.  If you’re heading north, the parking is on the left.

Maps

A great map of all the marked, and some unmarked, trails can be found at the Appalachian Mountain Club Mohawk Hudson website here.