Hike Description: The trail starts behind the red barn at Black Kettle. You cross a stream and small meadow and head up into the forest. The trail runs south along a forested ridge through hemlocks and towering white pines. Then it goes down a steep slope to cross the river (on stones) and head back north. The trail winds though the forest with a side trail to view the beaver dam, then passes on bridges through a wetland and up across a large, open meadow back to the red barn.

Trailhead Location: Behind the Red Barn at Black Kettle Farm at the corner of Cook Rd and Leaning Rd. At the Whallonsburg Grange Hall turn left (coming from Wadhams) onto Cook Rd and follow it all the way to the corner of Leaning Rd (about 3 miles).

• Best Feature of Trail: There is a great view of Vermont from a rocky cliff. The trail passes through at least three distinct habitats. Very pretty hike.
• Sights: There is an overlook with views of Vermont, stream crossings, wetland crossing on foot bridges, nurse logs, succession, erosion, forest recycling, animal middens, wildflowers, animal scats and tracks.
• Trail Length: 1.5 miles
• Trail Type: Loop with side trails
• Trail Difficulty: Mild Hike
• Trail Condition: rough terrain in places
• Parking: Limited Parking
• Animal Signs: There is a beaver dam and a large area of forest cut into sharp beaver stumps. There are many woodpecker trees, including one mined by a pileated woodpecker. In the meadow watch for garter snakes, butterflies, goldenrod galls, preying mantis, and hawks circling. The trail has newts, woodcock, porcupine, deer, wild turkey, and many song birds.
• Location: Essex, NY 12936
• Last Updated: 2008-11-25

Additional Resources: Download a Trail Map here. Check out a species list for the Black Kettle Farm Nature Trail, and download a Trail Guide (courtesy of Making Tracks).