Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail:
New York
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Description:
This out-and-back rail-trail's beautiful natural setting and informative signage invite visitors to appreciate the importance of wetland habitats. Located just east of downtown Saratoga Springs, the trail allows you to observe and learn about three distinct types of wetland: open marsh, wet meadow (with grasses, shrubs and small trees) and forested wetland (lush with moss and ferns among the trees). Kids may want to bring a fishing pole and drop a line from the bridge.

Enjoying all this wetland comes at a cost. Portions of the trail may be damp, even in dry weather, and after a heavy rain the trail can be downright messy. Think of it this way: the soft surface makes it easier to spot tracks of deer and other animals that have crossed the trail.

The initial 0.5 mile, from the start at Route 29, is smooth sailing. The trail is level and suitable for wheelchair use. For much of the rest of the trail, however, railroad ties remain visibly in place, making an uneven trail surface that is challenging even with a mountain bike. Pay attention to the posted warning that yellow jackets nest in the rotting railroad ties underfoot. If you have a bee-sting allergy, come prepared with emergency supplies.

At about 1.5 miles a handsome wooden boardwalk spans open marsh. The boardwalk and its benches provide a rare opportunity to be surrounded by wetlands, while keeping your feet dry.

The trail is maintained by volunteers of Saratoga P.L.A.N. (Preserving Land and Nature). The organization provides a trail-specific educator's guide with sample lesson plans and suggested activities for teachers and group leaders to borrow.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Route 29 trailhead from I-87, take Exit 14 and head west on Union Avenue toward Saratoga Springs. Turn right onto Henning Road. At the intersection with Lake Avenue/Route 29, make a right. Go past Weibel Avenue; the trail and parking area is about 300 yards on your right.

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Seasonal Restrictions:
The trail is open all year.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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A nice stretch for your legs
By Tony.The.Tiger in March, 2010
I took my boys (elementary school) on a nice walk last Sunday. It was a nice stretch for your legs. It was early enough in the season that we didn't see insects. Of course it is in a BOG.
The trail was maintained well enough for a nature trail, but there is no way a wheelchair is getting over the Railroad ties in the middle of the path, or a couple of pretty muddy spots. Someone needs to remove that from the description. Otherwise, its a mostly straight and flat and reminds me of a very long arbor.
We never made it to the Meadowbrook end because we decided to take a side trail, 1.5 miles from Lake Ave, that went to Stonybrook. I submitted a photo of the sign-post at the fork (LatLon is an estimate from Google Maps). The side trail goes over a number of new-looking plank walkways and winds its way up the embankment to the road. Only the last couple hundred yards were steep. It wasn't a difficult climb - think Stair-master.
While I we only saw two cars parked on Lake Ave when we arrived, we saw about a 1/2 dozen other people on our way out. We'll be back, too. Though probably not once the bugs start.
T.T.T
"Meadow Brook Nature Trail, NY"
By MARILYN in June, 2001
"The trail starts out very nice. However before you get half way through, it gets very over grown and many of the railroad ties are still there making walking very difficult. It is very flat which is nice but it would be very bad for an elderly person or anyone with vision problems. I don't see how you could get through with a wheelchair. The mosquitoes are terrible."
A trail map is posted at the Route 29 trailhead.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Lake Ave. at Old Schuylerville Rd. to Meadowbrook Rd./CR 65
Counties: Saratoga
Trail Length: 2 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Ballast, Dirt
Trail Activities: Fishing, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6031305

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other New York rail-trails in RTC's New York Guidebook.