An ecologically important area, this trail honors the legacy of nature writer John Burroughs and will eventually link to the Walkway Over the Hudson and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail.

The land along Black Creek in Ulster County remains much as it did in 1895, when renowned nature writer John Burroughs built the rustic cabin he called Slabsides to be close to wildlife in and around this important Hudson River tributary. 

Since then, more than 2,000 acres of woods and wetlands along the creek have been conserved by Scenic Hudson, the John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 

Now, we’re working with these partners, the towns of Esopus and Lloyd, and other local stakeholders and community members to create an 11-mile trail that will make it easier for visitors to explore this magnificent landscape — and experience the same sights and sounds that inspired Burroughs.

Review the detailed trail plan here.

This unique combination of bicycling, paddling and hiking trails will stretch from Illinois Mountain in Lloyd, whose flanks and summit Scenic Hudson protected, to our Black Creek Preserve, where the stream flows into the Hudson River. Along the way, it will pass through one of the most biologically diverse areas in the Hudson Valley, whose habitats sustain many rare and imperiled species. 

Interpretive signs along the trail will inform visitors about sites of historic and ecological importance, explore John Burroughs’ conservation legacy and discuss how citizens today can carry it forward.

The trail will connect to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and Walkway Over the Hudson — both part of the new Empire State Trail — further enhancing recreational opportunities and increasing pedestrian access to adjacent wineries and other agri-tourism businesses in Esopus and Lloyd that help drive Ulster County’s $587-million tourism economy.

“I go to Nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more.”

John Burroughs

Success Stories

Black Creek (Lloyd, Ulster County)

Our protection of 66 acres preserves “must-save” habitats and supports creation of a nine-mile trail paralleling this important Hudson River tributary. 2022

Hudson River Brickyard Trail (Kingston, Ulster County)

We helped transform this former railroad bridge into the world’s longest pedestrian span by providing leadership financial support. 2009

Black Creek (Lloyd, Ulster County)

We protected 303 acres adjacent to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail to enhance recreational opportunities and safeguard this Hudson River tributary. 2020

CSX Rail Bed (Poughkeepsie, Ulster County)

Funding Dutchess County’s acquisition of this 2.7-mile former rail corridor in the city and town will enable it to construct a new rail trail. 2019

Hudson River Skywalk

We offered guidance for creating this mile-long pedestrian route across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, affording magnificent river and Catskills views. 2019

John Burroughs Black Creek Corridor (Esopus, Ulster County)

By conserving 23 acres of forest and hardwood swamp habitat, we filled in a critical “missing link” in creating the 11-mile John Burroughs Black Creek Trail. 2015

Illinois Mountain (Lloyd, Ulster County)

These 52 acres further enhance opportunities to explore the varied habitats at this popular hiking and mountain-biking destination. 2015

Arnika Property (Esopus, Ulster County)

By acquiring these 217 acres of forest and wetland habitats, we moved a step closer to creating the John Burroughs Black Creek Trail. 2012

Walkway Over the Hudson

We helped transform this former railroad bridge into the world’s longest pedestrian span by providing leadership financial support. 2009

Hyde Park Trail (Hyde Park, Dutchess County)

To safeguard the natural beauty along a historic carriage road that this trail follows, we protected 48 acres of rolling forest and rock ledges. 2008