Discover Indian Creek Nature Center

Quiet walking trails along the boundary of a large marsh offer interpretive panels, an observation tower, and excellent wildlife viewing.
TRAIL ACTIVITY
LENGTH
5.10 miles, Network
DIFFICULTY
Easy, Moderate
SURFACE
Dirt/Forest Floor, Gravel/Crushed Stone, Grass, Boardwalk/Bog Bridging
PETS
Permitted
FEES
No

Description

The Indian Creek Nature Center sits on 320 acres within the Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area. The Center provides public access to over five miles of walking trails, including an interpretive trail and a wheelchair accessible boardwalk.

Main Entrance:

  • Observation Tower Trail (0.8-mile round-trip) --  This trail allows for a there-and-back walk of just under one mile with a lollipop loop around the observation tower at the end. The observation tower rises about 20 feet above the land and provides for expansive views over the Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area.
  • Boardwalk and Observation Deck Trail (1-mile round-trip) -- This fully handicapped accessible trail, complete with hand rails and benches for resting. The trail also functions as an interpretive trail with signs describing the environments that the boardwalk passes through. This trail begins at the main entrance parking area and is approximately one mile as a round-trip. It travels over 750 feet on boardwalk with views of a pond and an extensive beaver impoundment. An observation deck at the farthest end of the trail provides views over the marsh.
  • Lowland Trail (1.1-mile loop) -- This trail begins at the end of the boardwalk and follows the perimeter of the lowland forest on the marsh boundary. In just over one mile, the Lowland Trail returns to the Boardwalk and Observation Deck Trail. Extensive views of the central region Upper and Lower Lakes WMA greet walkers all along the trails length. This is a great trail for spotting waterfowl and other wetland animals and has been designed as an interpretative trail with numbered landmarks. Interpretation brochures are available at the parking lot kiosk.

East Entrance:

  • Wildflower Loop (0.3-mile loop) --  This short loop meanders through a meadow with seasonally varying wildflower displays. It is accessed just down the Upland Trail from the East Entrance.
  • Upland Trail (2.8-mile loop) -- This trail may be accessed at either the East or Main entrances. It proceeds through a mix of successional forest and meadow habitats including some nice stands of cedar. The Upland Trail intersects the Wildflower Loop and the Boardwalk and Observation Deck Trail.

Other Information

Dogs are allowed on-leash only.

 

 
This trail is part of the Great 8 Challenge. Learn more!

 

 

 

Trail Manager

For more information, please visit the Indian Creek Nature Center website.

Indian Creek Nature Center

Indian Creek Nature Center
1125 County Route 14
Rensselaer Falls, New York 13680
View website

Nearby Businesses

Trail Tips

Look, Don’t Touch
Respect natural resources, cultural and historic items, and wildlife by looking rather than touching.
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Trailhead Information

There are two trailheads with parking at the Indian Creek Nature Center.

  • Main Entrance: the primary trailhead is located at the end of the 0.3-mile gravel Indian Creek Nature Center access drive. Toilets, a picnic pavilion, and ample parking are available here.
  • East Entrance: a second trailhead is located 0.9 miles further northeast on County Route 14. A short gravel drive ends at Trapper Shed, where there is a smaller parking area.
Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Sign In or Create Account to add comments.
jimboych
July 11, 2022
On June 17, 2022, I started my hike from the closest entrance from Rensselaer Falls. The paths were well maintained and easy to follow. The view from the tower was excellent.
After hiking that trail, I desided to visit the other entrance. However that entrance was blocked, so I didn't hike that area. When will that entrance be opened up?
tparla
July 03, 2022
First visit.
We love the place.
A great place to photograph.
My wife saw her first snakes in up close and in person and quickly went from being fearful to enjoying visiting them.
We will be back.
bniles
September 24, 2021
Parts of the trail were unkept. Made walking difficult in spots.
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