The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Fall leaves in the foothills of New York's Adirondack State Park. © Carl Heilman II

The Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy has protected over 571,000 acres since 1971.

From vast hardwood forests to towering scenic vistas, the Adirondack Park is a hikers' dream.  And, because most of The Nature Conservancy's preserves are publicly accessible and equipped with trails, guides, and visitor areas, we encourage you to get out on the land!

Preserve guides are available at the trailheads. Our preserves are open year-round, from dawn to dusk. Please remember that these natural areas are set aside for educational and scientific pursuits. To help ensure the continued protection of these special places and their natural features, please respect the following guidelines.

Be Prepared

You will not find any staff on duty at the preserves. Therefore, we ask you to prepare for your visit and take proper precautions while on site.

• Wear comfortable footwear suitable for hiking.
• To protect yourself from insects, wear long pants, long sleeves and a hat.
• In all seasons, each person in your party should bring a full water bottle.

What to Bring

To get the most from your visit, and to protect yourself from the elements, you may want to include the following items in your backpack: 

• Binoculars
• Camera
• Compass
• Field guides (to wildflowers, birds, butterflies and other natural features)
• Insect repellant
• Rain gear
• Snack (fruit or trail mix)
• Sunscreen

What You Can Do

The following activities are permitted on Conservancy preserves:

• Birdwatching
• Cross-country skiing
• Hiking
• Nature Study
• Photography
• Snowshoeing
• Videotaping for personal use (if for commercial use, must obtain permission from Keene Valley office)

What You Cannot Do

The following activities are not permitted on Conservancy preserves:

• Biking and mountain biking
• Camping
• Caving
• Driving an ATV or off-road vehicle
• Cooking or camp fires
• Fishing or trapping
• Horseback riding
• Hunting (except for specific preserves, please call our office for details)
• Ice Skating
• Removing or destroying plants
• Removing any part of the natural landscape (rocks, etc.)
• Rock or ice climbing
• Snowmobiling

Contact Us

If you notice vandalism or any other problems, please contact Doug Munro at (518) 576-2082 x130 or dmunro@tnc.org.

For more information about the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and the Adirondack Land Trust, contact us using the information below, or stop by our offices on Main Street in Keene Valley. 

8 Nature Way/PO Box 65
Keene Valley, NY 12943

Email: adirondacks@tnc.org
Phone: (518) 576-2082
Fax: (518) 576-4203
 
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.