Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve is located along the Mohawk River in the Town of Clifton Park at the intersection of Riverview and Van Vranken roads. A parking lot adjoins the trailhead at that intersection. The Mohawk-Hudson Bird Club lists this preserve as a good bird watching site in Saratoga County and the Audubon Society of the Capital Region also features this preserve for bird watching.
PLEASE SAVE THE DATES!
LATEST CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (Sept 2016): Construction now underway on communities connection trail at Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve.
PRIOR CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: The Towns of Clifton Park and Halfmoon are collaborating to reconnect their communities by establishing a trail connection (largely using the existing towpaths) through this preserve. Read more about this important project. Read the latest update (Aug 2016).
View the general location map.
Trails map:
Trail map – Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve
The preserve is a designated Bird Conservation Area by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; view a summary of the management guidance for this preserve.
Some views of this preserve –
Historical marker – Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve
Whipple Bridge – Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve
Bridge structure embossed with “S. WHIPPLE, ALBANY, N.Y. 1869”
New York Civil Engineering Landmark – Whipple Iron Truss Bridge
Information sign – New York Civil Engineering Landmark
Historical marker regarding Fort’s Ferry – Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve
Historical marker regarding Clute’s Dry Dock – Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve
Great Blue Heron along East Towpath – Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve. View the list of bird species observed here.
Historical marker regarding Lock 19 – Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve
View my wildflower field guide for this nature preserve. If you wish to download a copy to your smartphone or tablet for trailside use, simply scan this quick read bar code:
