Visited 118 acre Strawberry Fields Nature Preserve, the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy's newest preserve, located in the town of Amsterdam. To find the preserve, I took I-890 to exit 26, then traveled 8.2 miles west on US 5 to Cranes Hollow Road. Turning right, I followed Cranes Hollow Road north for .7 miles tot he Preserve sign. A long, steep driveway heads up to the parking area.
An informal parking area can be found beside an informational kiosk.
The main trail at the preserve is a 2.1 mile perimeter trail and can be followed from either direction. I turned left, following the red marked trail to the west past the fields of the working family farm that also occupies this land.
Stone walls line the woods near the deep ravine of the Evas Kill just to the west.
Wildflowers swaying in the breeze on a mild spring day.
Did I mention that this is an active family farm? Roosters came by to greet me along the way.
Red trail discs and a wide, mowed path skirt the perimeter of this beautiful, protected land.
A foot bridge crosses a drainage.
Trail junction. While the main red trail runs the perimeter, there are a pair of yellow marked trails that run the interior of the Preserve.
A gorgeous, shaded section of trail beside a deep ravine.
While nearly all of the trails here are perfectly flat, there are several very wet and muddy areas to contend with.
Mid to late May is a beautiful time of year to witness nature come back to life, and the land looks so green and vibrant as a result. Passed many wildflowers along the trail.
More wildflowers.
This Preserve should be a great place for birders and nature lovers, as the sounds of songbirds fill the air, and white tailed deer pranced around me.
Along the southern boundary of the Preserve, there are very nice but fleeting views down into the Mohawk Valley.
A break in the trees provides a very bucolic view into Montgomery County.
Walked about 2.1 very pleasant miles at this new preserve. Looks like a real beauty!
Did you hear the Beetles song in your head?
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