Big Bend Preserve, An 860-Acre Addition to Moreau State Park

The new Big Bend Preserve in Saratoga County, NY is now open to the public. Roughly the size of Central Park in New York City, this 860-acre addition to Moreau Lake State Park makes the park one of the ten largest in the State Parks system.

The preserve boasts a broad array of habitats, from the Hudson River shoreline and connected bays and marshes to dry, upland forests and meadows. The Southern Adirondack Chapter of the Audubon Society has documented over 100 bird species at the site.

Big Bend Preserve is suitable for several different types of recreation, including hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, equestrian riding, and non-motorized winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The topography of the Preserve is largely flat, offering an easier option than the rugged trails at Moreau Lake State Park on the Palmertown Ridge.

Previously used for logging, New York State Parks acquired the tract in collaboration with the Open Space Institute (OSI). Since acquisition, efforts have been made to conduct surveys, remove invasive plants, cut down invasive trees, establish vegetation monitoring plots, install beaver baffles to alleviate flooding, remove decrepit fencing, and construct trails.

The primary ecological goals are to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the preserve and to restore over 400 acres of pine barrens. The area’s sandy soil and open meadows present an opportunity to restore the barrens habitat required for rare specialist species such as the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly and the state-threatened frosted elfin butterfly to thrive.

The opening of this preserve also supports the state’s goal to conserve 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030.

Visitors can access the site from its main entrance at 110 Old Bend Road in the Town of Moreau (use Fort Edward in maps apps). Parking for 20 to 30 vehicles, including parking for the disabled, is available. The park will be open daily from sunrise to sunset free of charge.

Photo of Big Bend Preserve provided by State Parks.