Location
Located in the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains, the Holt Preserve has trails of moderate terrain through dense woodlands. Visit the upper parking area to access the pond for spying frogs and an overlook of the Helderberg foothills, or you can use the lower parking lot to get in some great hill climbing - there is something for everyone at this beautiful, wooded preserve.
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Preserve Features
Winifred Matthews Holt Preserve is a 148-acre property on the western face of Copeland Hill in the Town of New Scotland. The preserve is visible from Route 32 and from neighboring hills. The preserve rises at the edge of the flat area known as Indian Fields. Dr. William Holt and Winifred Matthews Holt donated this hillside to the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy in 1994, making this MHLC’s first public preserve.
Historic hunting rights exist on this property for white-tailed deer only. All hunters are permitted through MHLC, and no additional hunters are allowed on the property. Although, hunters are generally in the woods in the early morning and do not cross paths with trail goers, we do suggest visitors wear blaze orange from October to December.
Please note: The main entrance to Holt Preserve is on Upper Copeland Hill Rd. Some GPS services will direct you to the Lower Copeland Hill Rd entrance; unless specifically mentioned elsewhere, all MHLC events at Holt Preserve will meet and begin at the Upper Copeland Hill Rd entrance.
NOTE: Winter access via Lower Copeland Hill Rd.
Mapping Resources
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