The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Jack Pine © Bill Cook/Michigan State University

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

Plants and Animals View All

Plan Your Visit

Location View All

Get Directions

Formed 12,000 years ago by a catastrophic flood, Gadway Sandstone Pavement Barrens Preserve is by far the Conservancy's most interesting and unusual Adirondack preserve.

The area was formed when glacial till was scoured off the flatrock, resulting in the exposure of an expansive rippled "beach" of Potsdam sandstone.

Why We Work Here

Gadway Barrens represents an outstanding example of a sandstone pavement barren, a globally rare natural community found in fewer than 20 sites around the world.

What We Do

The Nature Conservancy and the Adirondack Land Trust have worked cooperatively with the Miner Institute and the State University of New York at Plattsburgh to conduct scientific research at this unique site.

The trail begins at the register located at the edge of the parking area and is approximately ½ mile long. It is a relatively flat, loop trail that gives visitors a sense of how changes in elevation and soil depth affect species composition of the preserve. The exposed sandstone can heat up to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August. A preserve guide is available from the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, the Adirondack Land Trust and at the trail register.

Things To Do

You may hear songbirds at the preserve, but thin soils prevent most animals from establishing homes here. Jack pine, a fire-dependent species, is the only tree species that can survive in these extreme conditions of poor, thin soil and minimal nutrients. The understory is composed primarily of heath shrubs, such as blueberry and huckleberry, which can withstand flooding as well as drought. You can also find a wide diversity of lichens and mosses.

Plan Your Visit

This 520-acre preserve is located near the Canadian border town of Mooers.

Directions

• From Plattsburgh, NY, take Route 22 north into the village of Mooers.
• Follow Route 11 west to the intersection with Cannon Corners Road.
• Head north on Cannon Corners Road for 2.5 miles to Gadway Road, on the left.
• Gadway Road is not marked, however there is a preserve sign at the intersection.
• Turn left and follow this unmaintained road 0.5 miles to the designated parking area on the left.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

Read our guidelines on posting comments