Van Duesen Preserve: The Beauty of the Adirondacks

Brightly colored leaves create a carpet on the trails at the Van Duesen Preserve located off West Mountain Road in Queensbury, New York. According to Queensbury Land Conservancy's website these trails were donated in December 2003 by Richard Van Duesen and were made open to the public; the only requirement is that you sign in prior to entering. The parking lot is kept in good condition, as are the trails all of which are well marked. Upon arriving you can read the bulletin board and learn more about history of the trail before embarking. As stated by the QLC’s website the summit of these mountain trails offer a view of both Queensbury and Glens Falls.
The trails offer a wide array of terrain from steep hills to basic flat trails. As stated on the board the trees are eighty five years old, ". . .[giving] a sense of how grand the original forest must have been." They are open from sunrise to sunset giving adventures plenty of time to explore the picturesque surroundings. As if from a fairytale tree branches intertwine to form benches and landmarks along the way. The most notable ones are the old stone walls that appear to the sides of the trails. They look like small dens. Historically they mark the origins of the trails. Once the upland section of the preserve was used for farming. One of the other landmarks is a tree that has formed a step with an overhang. Be sure to duck when approaching!
Strength and comfort come to mind when visiting the trails. The trees act as a green blanket providing shade from the garish sun. As a hiker you have two options you may either take the steeper path which leads to the top or the flatter trail. Stop and appreciate the chirping birds and take a deep breath. Peacefulness encompasses you as you march through.
Residents and tourists alike can appreciate this untouched gem during the week and weekends. Pets are also welcome. The trails are even open during the winter. Nan Kopels, a Queensbury resident, first discovered this hidden gem from her husband, who is an avid hiker. As a frequent visitor when asked what her favorite aspect of the preserve was she responded, “Just being in the woods, close to nature and close to my home. [These trails are] great for hiking and not very time consuming. Also we see beautiful foliage in the fall and the snowfalls are a magnificent sight.” Wild life in the midst of community. Another resident, Lee Schurga, comments, “A walk in the wild in the middle of my community.”