Eastern: West Branch Preserve

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Why You Should Visit
An energetic climb will take you from low-lying fields and thickets up the eastern flank of Holley Mountain, and through forests of old-growth pines and hemlocks that shelter abundant wildlife. In the southern reaches of the preserve, take in views of the Delaware River.

Location
Town of Hamden, Delaware County, New York

Size
446 acres

How to Prepare for Your Visit
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Please see our Visitation Guidelines.

Directions

Take I-87 north to I-90 west to exit 25A
Take I-88 west for 30 miles to Richmondville
Take Route 10 south for 40 miles to Delhi.
Stay on Route 10, and in about 9 miles, you will come to the preserve entrance and parking area on the right, 0.9 miles beyond the junction with County 26.

What to Expect
The preserve is open from dawn to dusk.

Trails
There are two trails: the blue, 0.7-mile trail follows a moderate ascent, while the orange 2-mile trail climbs steeply up the mountainside before returning to the meadow, considerably west of the starting point. Because of its length and steepness, this trail is best attempted only by experienced hikers.

What to See: Plants
Along the blue trail, look for a stand of pine and hemlock. Common trees on the orange trail include sugar maple, red maple, beech and, on the upper slopes, oak. Near the river, look for the state-rare riverweed.

What to See: Animals
Packs of coyotes may be heard in the late afternoon, and signs of black bear may be seen in the forest. Oblong pellets of hair and bones found on the forest floor reveal the presence of great horned and barred owls that live in the towering trees.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Given to The Nature Conservancy by Dr. Charles Jones and his family in 1973, this property contains intact forest and mountain communities that provide important habitat for many different species.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
The Conservancy continues to protect this magnificent forest preserve through regular monitoring.