Skip to content

Black Creek Preserve

A great “outdoor classroom” for introducing kids to nature.

ESOPUS, Ulster County (130 acres) — For a family-friendly hike, you can’t beat Black Creek Preserve. Yes, the steep uphill climb at the start may make the under-10 contingent groan, but they’ll love crossing the suspension bridge that spans the creek and skipping stones on the Hudson River shoreline. In between, have them watch out for wildlife — from blueback herring, which journey from the ocean to deposit their eggs in Black Creek, to bald eagles.

Free and open year-round, sunrise to sunset.

Discovering Black Creek Preserve
A short film by Jon Bowermaster/Oceans 8 films, music by Meena Ysanne.


HEALTH AND SAFETY

The health and safety of park visitors remains one of our top priorities. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 endemic, all special events and group outings must be pre-approved. To coordinate one, please fill out this form and email Anthony Coneski.

Thanks for doing your part to protect yourself and others so we can continue to make Scenic Hudson parks and preserves  available for all.

Activities

that allow Dog Walking on a Leash Hiking Wildlife Watching Fishing Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

More to Explore

John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary in West Park features hiking trails and the renowned writer’s rustic cabin. Kingston’s historic Rondout District is home to shops, restaurants and the Hudson River Maritime Museum, which offers illuminating exhibits as well as boat trips to the Rondout Lighthouse.

Resources

Nearby Parks

Sledding at Burger Hill
Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill
Esopus Meadows Preserve
Esopus Meadows Preserve
Franny Reese State Park
Franny Reese State Park
Lighthouse Park
Lighthouse Park
Hikers in the snow at Poets' Walk Park
Poets’ Walk Park
Roosevelt Farm Lane
Roosevelt Farm Lane Trail
Shaupeneak Ridge
Shaupeneak Ridge
Sleightsburgh Park
Sleightsburgh Park
Walkway Over the Hudson State Park
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park