Normans Kill Ravines Park(Delmar-Town of Bethlehem, Albany County)

Decided to pay a visit to the brand new 147 acre Normans Kill Ravines Park, which is found less than one mile north of the Four Corners in Delmar off of Wright Lane(North Road Extension).  A kiosk and parking area with room for about ten cars marks the start of the trail system, which is blazed in white. 

With temps hovering around 70 accompanied by a light breeze, no humidity and mostly sunny skies, conditions were perfect to do a little exploring.

Within just a few moments on the trail, an odd sense of remoteness seemed to click in.  I really enjoyed the vibe that this natural oasis provided from the hustle and bustle of nearby suburbia.

There are currently two marked trail options(Full Loop and Shortcut)at the park, but in reality there is actually a profusion of unmarked paths that can be found all over these woods.

I was truly floored by the amount of wildlife and sense of nature I found in these woods, yet being so close to a large population.  I counted at least four deer that I spooked or got within just a few yards of, as well as countless squirrels, chipmunks and birds.

The highlight of the park is the northern section along the Normans Kill, where the trail closely hugs the water for nearly a half mile.  While there is a true sense of solitude here, nearby on the opposite shore you may hear the sounds from the Capital Hills Golf Course.

For some reason, the Normans Kill has a brownish-dirty mud puddle appearance which obviously doesn't make for great photos.  At a slight bend in the creek, where the trail departs the waters edge, I was able to get one halfway decent shot.

A pleasant view west, upstream on the Normans Kill.  The shoreline is quite muddy and sloped, so getting close to the water can be a bit challenging.

 

Leaving the Normans Kill, the trail then begins to follow a small, muddy tributary, which weaves its way through the woods.

There are numerous footbridges scattered throughout the woods, which cross over small tributary streams as well as small ravines.

It will be fairly obvious to anyone who hikes here just how they arrived at the park's name.  I meandered my way through the woods, weaving in and out and up an down countless small ravines until I finally made my way back to the car.  An interesting 3.5 miles total and had the woods to myself on a very pleasant late spring afternoon.