Cross Country Skiing at Big Bend Preserve of Moreau Lake State Park

The Big Bend area of Moreau Lake State Park was added in 2024 and increased the size of the Park by 860 acres. It has an array of habitats, from the Hudson River shoreline and connected bays and marshes to dry, upland forests and meadows. Big Bend Preserve is suitable for several different types of recreation, including hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, equestrian riding, and non-motorized winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Unlike the rest of Moreau Lake State Park which is mostly hills and ridges, this part of the Park is mostly flat. The hills of the Palmertown range as well as West Mountain ski area can be seen from this part of the Park.
The State intends to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the preserve and to restore over 400 acres of it back to the original pine barrens. The area’s sandy soil and open meadows present an opportunity to restore the barrens habitat required for rare specialist species such as the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly and the state-threatened frosted elfin butterfly to thrive.
There are a number of trails open to the public now for hiking or cross-country skiing. This trip will do a 6-mile loop around the Preserve which includes several miles along the Hudson River. There are no groomed trails so this is more like backcountry skiing. So, you must be skilled in skiing on trails with the possibility having to break trail along the way. This is suitable to classical type skiers, not skate skiing so please come with the right gear. We will be probably be out for 3 hours of so to cover the 6 miles so bring water and a lunch to have along the way.
Those who would like can carpool from Exit 9 Park and Ride in Clifton Park at 9:15 am. Those who want to meet at the Preserve can follow the directions below and meet by 10:00 am.
The parking area and entrance is located at 110 Old Bend Road in the Town of Moreau (use 110 Old Bend Road, Fort Edward, NY 12828 in your maps apps). Parking for 20 to 30 vehicles, including parking for the disabled, is available. The park will be open daily from sunrise to sunset free of charge.