Lets Hike Keleher Preserve

Let’s hike Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy newest preserve – The Keleher Preserve. Opened in September of this year this is a delightful hike thru a mostly hardwood forest. This time of year the forest is glowing in yellows and reds. This 287 acre property was a gift of Katherine and John Barber. The property, better known as Wolf Hill, is part of the Helderberg Escarpment.
The property is at the top of Wolf Hill (1636 feet) and along the Helderberg Escarpment. It includes part of the ridge separating the Hannacroix and Onesquethaw watersheds and has steep slopes on both sides of the hill. The steep slopes alternate with relatively flat terraces. In many places bedrock is at the surface. The shallow soil is acidic. Low bush blueberries are abundant. Other acid-loving plants found on the property include wild azalea and fringed polygala.
This hike should take us about 2 hours and has some steep grades. We will follow the trail along the ridge to a pleasant lookout with views of the empire state plaza and the mountains to the north. The valley should be resplendent in color. This will be a nice spot for a snack!
Link to trail map: http://www.mohawkhudson.org/Images/Keleher%20Map%20smaller%20rot.jpg
Things to be prepared for: This hike has some steep grades, and may be slippery with wet leaves you’ll want to be sure you have footwear with good traction and hiking poles will help if you have them. This area has deer ticks so gaiters are a good thing.
Minimum age is 8 (8-15 yrs must have a participating adult with them, 16-17 yrs must have a parent/guardian sign participant agreement but do not need to attend)
 Please be dressed for the weather, we will go rain or shine.
 Dress in layers
 Wear appropriate hiking footwear.
 Please bring water, snacks and any personal medicines you may need.
 Sunscreen, rain gear, day pack.
 Camera and binoculars if you would like.
Directions: From Albany, take Delaware Avenue (Rt. 443) west through Clarksville. Make a left onto Cass Hill Road. Continue approximately 2.7 miles to Gulf Hill Road. Turn right on Gulf Hill Road. This is a dirt road. (While it says seasonal use, it is open up to the preserve.) At the fork (about a mile) keep left. Preserve parking area will be on the right after approximately 1/2 mile. My car is a gold Forester, if you have trouble finding us call or text me @ 269-1242.