Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail

New York

9 Reviews

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Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail Facts

States: New York
Counties: Saratoga
Length: 2 miles
Trail end points: Lake Ave. at Old Schuylerville Rd. and Meadowbrook Rd./CR 65
Trail surfaces: Ballast, Dirt
Trail category: Rail-Trail
ID: 6031305

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail 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.

Parking and 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.

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail Reviews

beautiful big trail, but also difficult for bikes

Took a walk on this with my 4-year old daughter. The bog-half of this trail is beautiful; nice boardwalks get you close to some wetlands and wind you through the bog. The other 2/3 is a straight rail trail that still has tracks buried in the path, which can be uncomfortable at times and definitely prevent bikes and scooters (if you’re looking to bring your little one on their bike). Our toddler made it 3/4 of the way one way before wanting to head back, so we didn’t see the other end.

Terrible since they've paved

The trail has been ruined since they've paved it. I use to see different kinds of wildlife like, snapping turtles, timber doodle. Now nothing they're all hiding. Totally ruined the nature aspect of the bog.😔 won't go back

Fine for hiking

Rode on the Bog Meadow Nature Trail on a Saturday after my mother-in-law's wedding with my now step-father-in-law. I'm just gonna call him "Dad". Simplifies things since all previous contenders for that name are now deceased.

The trail is constructed on the right-of-way of the Saratoga and Schuylerville Railroad. There are parking areas at both ends of the trail. Unfortunately, they haven't pulled the ties. It's difficult to bicycle since the trail is far from smooth. It's fine for hiking, but unless they improve the trail, there's no pleasure in bicycling it. I bicycled it mostly, but walked it when the ties got too bad.

http://blog.russnelson.com/bicycling/1208646440.html

Nice Walking Trail

This is a great trail to take your dog on. I only advise you watch your step lots of snakes. Also depending on the time of day it is wetlands you might want to wear bug spray!

Accordion

The Morning Sunlight was Perfect!

May 18th -2014
I rode my mountain bike in the early morning and the railroad ties caused a bumpy ride for sure but it was well worth it as the scenery and ambiance was fantastic.

On a sunny day, this beautiful spot a provides a wonderful taste of a side of nature most folks normally don’t get to see up close. The signage is excellent, detailing not jus the plant life but the railroad’s history as well.

If interested, there are more photos and a video of the trail on my Blog
http://rc-pedalpoint.blogspot.com/2014/05/bog-meadow-brook-trail.html

snakes everywhere

It was fun at first until we saw around 8 snakes and got completely freaked out. It's an easy trail otherwise.

Tried this trail out after finding it on here. Nice trail, but agree with others, this is definitely NOT wheelchair accessible even at the route 29 end. Perhaps the initial 2/10 of a mile is easy going, then gets very over grown and lots, and lots of old railroad ties make the middle section difficult going. Nice bridge over a stream and boardwalk in the marsh. Plenty of benches along the way for those who would like to sit and observe wildlife. I went after several days of the classic summer storms, and was not particularly wet just a few areas of slightly slick mud. All in all nice "rough" super quiet trail (have been 2 consecutive nights and haven't seen another soul) and my dog loved it!

A nice stretch for your legs

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"

"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."

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