Great 8 Trail Challenge at Wilton Wildlife Preserve: Hike All 8 Trails
What is the Great 8 Trail Challenge at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park? It’s a fun, flexible outdoor activity for hikers of all levels—offering a year-round invitation to explore eight distinct trailheads in Saratoga County’s protected sandplains. Whether you're hiking solo, with friends, or as a family, this challenge encourages adventure and discovery across more than 25 miles of beautiful, accessible trails.
A Family-Friendly, Year-Round Hiking Challenge Near Saratoga Springs
Launched on Earth Day in 2021, the Great 8 Trail Challenge was created to get people outside and visiting every corner of the Wilton Wildlife Preserve.
Many of the Preserve's trails are short, flat, and well-marked, making them accessible for children and beginner hikers. While most trails are gentle, families can pick the easiest option at each location to match their comfort level.
Located just minutes from Saratoga Springs, the Preserve is easy to reach for a day trip or spontaneous weekend hike. With no time limit on the challenge, you can complete the trails on your own schedule—over days, weeks, or even across seasons.
These trails offer something unique throughout the year: walk through wildflower meadows in the summer, enjoy crisp fall foliage, spot migrating birds in spring, or experience peaceful snow-covered landscapes in winter.
How Do You Complete the Great 8 Trail Challenge in Wilton, NY?
To complete the challenge, walk at least one trail from each of the eight trailheads and record your hikes on the official challenge checklist. There’s no time limit—you can complete the challenge at your own pace, in any season.
When finished, mail your completed checklist and a $5 fee to the Preserve’s address to receive your official Great 8 patch.
Which Trails Are Part of the Great 8 Trail Challenge?
The Great 8 Trail Challenge takes you across the following eight trailheads, each offering different scenery and experiences:
- Camp Saratoga North
- Camp Saratoga South
- Opdahl Farm
- Old Gick Farm
- Kalabus-Perry
- Fox Parcel
- Neilmann Trail
- Edie Road
These trails span nearly 2,400 acres of preserved land managed by partners such as the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Town of Wilton, Saratoga County, and The Nature Conservancy.
How Do I Get My Great 8 Patch?
Once you've completed the challenge:
Mail your checklist and $5 to: Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Road, Wilton, NY 12831
You’ll receive a custom patch to commemorate your achievement.
What Can You Expect on the Wilton Wildlife Preserve Trails?
Each trail reveals a different aspect of the Saratoga Sandplains ecosystem. You’ll walk through wildflower meadows, wetlands, pine forests, and glacially sculpted sand dunes.
Interpretive signage along some trails highlights native plants and local history, like the remnants of a former Boy Scout camp found along the Camp Saratoga trails.
What to Bring for Your Hike
To make the most of your day outdoors, pack a few essentials:
- The Great 8 Challenge Checklist
- Trail maps (available online under “Trails/Directions”)
- Water and a light snack
- Bug spray
- A camera to capture moments—or submit to the Preserve’s annual photo show
- High socks and closed-toe shoes for tick protection
- Comfortable hiking clothes, a hat, and your favorite trail companions
Kick Off the Hiking Challenge Today
With its variety of habitats, scenic views, and flexible pace, the Great 8 Trail Challenge is more than a checklist—it’s a chance to build a connection with nature in one of Upstate New York’s most ecologically rich regions.
So if you’ve been wondering, what’s a good hike for kids near Saratoga Springs? or where can I explore multiple trails in one place?—this is your answer. Get outdoors, explore all eight trailheads, and earn your patch as a reminder of your adventure.
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