ESSEX QUARRY NATURE PRESERVE

The CATS Essex Quarry Nature Preserve is located in Essex, NY. The 35-acre preserve is located just south of the village of Essex and is home to the former Essex Quarry, which provided limestone for projects such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York State Capitol.

Locally, its stones were used on at least 10 buildings, including several in downtown Essex.

The Greystone Mansion near the Essex ferry station, Belden Noble Memorial Library, and Essex Community United Methodist Church were all built using the Essex Quarry stone. There is a map on the kiosk at the preserve’s trailhead that highlights the locations of 10 bluestone buildings people can view in Essex.

After leaving the gravel parking area, one can follow the blue markers of the Bluestone Trail that goes through and around the quarry. This trail has several viewpoints, which can be enjoyed on stone benches provided by generous CATS supporters.

From the quarry, there are three other color-coded trails — two of which offer short loops that travel through the property. Some of those near the quarry have large slabs of bluestone sitting on the ground neck to trails that make natural resting places. Overall, there are about 1.5 miles worth of easy, flat hiking trails on the property.

Directions to the Quarry can be found here.

Tamarack Nature Preserve

Tamarack Nature Preserve

Our mission is to preserve the wild nature of Long Pond and its watershed by protecting the clean water and forest that surrounds it. Working with landowners, we seek to balance use with the conservation of scenic vistas, natural areas, and forest and lake ecologies. 

About The Tamarack Nature Preserve 

The Long Pond Conservancy had its beginnings in 2011 with donations of $3,000. Since then more than 50 people have contributed toward saving Long Pond for future generations.

Long Pond is one of those rare gems in the Adirondacks that is entirely owned by private individuals and yet has a pristine shoreline, mountains, and forest.  We hope to advance our mission of preserving the wild nature of Long Pond and the watershed surrounding it.

West Shore Nature Preserve

West Shore Nature Preserve

Our mission is to preserve the wild nature of Long Pond and its watershed by protecting the clean water and forest that surrounds it. Working with landowners, we seek to balance use with the conservation of scenic vistas, natural areas, and forest and lake ecologies. 

About Long Pond Conservancy 

The Long Pond Conservancy had its beginnings in 2011 with donations of $3,000. Since then more than 50 people have contributed toward saving Long Pond for future generations.

Long Pond is one of those rare gems in the Adirondacks that is entirely owned by private individuals and yet has a pristine shoreline, mountains, and forest.  We hope to advance our mission of preserving the wild nature of Long Pond and the watershed surrounding it.

Wildway Passage NATURE PRESERVE

The Wildway Passage Preserve is located in Westport, NY on Angier Hill Road, about 0.6 miles north of Lakeshore Road. This beautiful preserve has a trail through an open forest, created by logging in the past. 

From there, you’ll hike through a cedar forest and cross over some scenic streams. You’ll head over to a subtle overlook, and pass along a small cliff. Before you know it, you’ll loop back and the hike will be complete!

This is a 1-mile long loop trail, and we would rate it as easy.