Stevenson Forest Preserve

Difficulty // Moderate

Activities // Hiking, Snowshoeing, Running

Distance // 1.2 miles

Features // Scenic vistas, Bus Stop Nearby

Route Type // Out and Back

Estimated hiking time // 24 mins

Open year-round.

Hunting allowed, use caution.

Surface types // Earth

Trail markers // white blaze, blue blaze, red blaze

Visitors can enjoy towering hemlock trees at this preserve, owned by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Twenty-five acres of the Stevenson Forest Preserve had been owned by the Stevenson family of Enfield since after the Revolutionary War. In 1995, this fine old forest became the first parcel of the preserve that would eventually grow to 83 acres. Today, visitors can enjoy a 1.2-mile hiking trail that ends in an impressive view of the Enfield Valley. Trail visitors will notice the white-blazed Finger Lakes Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail along the way.

A number of the trees that create the dense canopy here had their start at least 150 years ago. The preserve has several vernal pools that support a variety of aquatic life and in early spring, it may be possible to witness the migration of spotted salamanders from their winter hideaways to the shallow water.

Portions of this trail system are also included in the Finger Lakes Trail system.