• Town of Wilton
• Size: 310 acres with five miles of trails
• Scenery: Forested
• Terrain: Forested and field floor. Some sand.

Trip Tip: Try to spot the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly
 
Camp Saratoga was operated as a Boy Scout camp from 1930 to 2001, and then it became part of the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. The preserve is 310 acres and located only 8 miles from downtown. This park encompasses a variety of ecosystems including woodlands, wetlands, open areas and streams. This habitat supports the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly. There are trail maps and environmental information available at the trailhead parking area.

For more trail details and activity schedule check out Wilton Wildlife Preserve.

Directions: SCOUT ROAD

Follow Route 50 north through the Wilton shopping area for 6 miles. Turn left onto Edie Road, proceed 1.5 miles and turn right onto Scout Road. The parking area and trailheads are 0.7 miles on the left.

• Town of Milton
• Size: 130 acres
• Scenery: Lake, Woods, and Wetland
• Terrain: Natural

Trip Tip: Environmental Educational Signs
 
Take a break one afternoon and discover a diverse eco-system that supports an array of flora and fauna in the Town of Milton.  There are several, well-maintained trails to choose from, with the majority of them consisting of former logging roads that meander over rolling terrain and sandy soils.  The extensive trails are well marked with colored, plastic discs with interpretative signs along the way, which provide interesting and concise information on the area's history and ecology.

As you journey further toward the center of this 130-acre parcel you'll discover a placid lake that was once used as a water supply for the local community.  The wooden dock next to the dilapidated pump house extends from the eastern shoreline and provides a stable platform for bird watching or basking in the warm sun.

The upland that surrounds this watering hole supports vegetation that includes White Pine, Red Oak, Quaking Aspen and Gray Birch.  Sandy soils outside of the wetland area have a variety of wildflowers, such as Purple Lustrife and Pink Lady Slipper, which can be identified by referencing the signs alongside the paths.

The main entrance off of Northline Road has ample space for parking.  There is a trailhead kiosk displaying a map of the preserve.  Remember, as you venture about, staying on marked trails will help reduce needless erosion and trespassing on private property.

Directions: NORTHLINE ROAD

From Saratoga Springs travel 5 miles south on Route 50 to the traffic light at the intersection with Northline Road.  Make a right and continue for a short distance to the parking area on the right.

• City of Saratoga Springs
• Length: 2 miles
• Scenery: Wetland
• Terrain: Old Railroad Bed, Boardwalk

Trip Tip: Great Birding, but check yourself for ticks.

This trail was once a passenger railroad line that went from downtown Saratoga Springs to Saratoga Lake. With the help of volunteers, the Saratoga Open Space Project converted the railroad bed to a nature trail in 1993.  The trail connects Route 29 and Meadow brook Road, cutting through three distinct wetland systems.  This trail is a mellow walk just east of Downtown Saratoga Springs.  This destination is an excellent spot for bird watching, jogging and great for the kids.  There are benches along the trail.  Interpretive signs provide history about the old railroad and the environment.  Closer to the Meadow brook Road trailhead there is a boardwalk and viewing platform built through the wetland, although the access can be flooded.  Numerous wild flowers and plants flourish along the trail, which include: May Apple, Marsh Marigold, Early Meadow Rue, Red Trillium, Trout Lily, Strawberry, Partridge Berry, Spotted Wintergreen and American Elm.

Directions: ROUTE 29

Drive east from Saratoga Springs on Lake Ave (Rte 29) past Walton's Sport Shop and the Parting Glass. Continue under the Northway (I-87) past Weibel Ave. The trailhead parking area is less than a mile on the right.

Directions: MEADOWBROOK ROAD

From the Route 29 trailhead: Continue east on Route 29 to the first traffic light; make a right onto Stafford's Bridge Rd. Take your first right onto Meadowbrook Rd; the parking area is a quarter mile on the right. Park here and walk up the road about 50 yards to the trailhead on the right.