Gull Bay Preserve

The Lake George Land Conservancy’s purchase of the Gull Bay Preserve, located in the Town of Putnam, Washington County, marked a significant conservation success in 2003. This 434-acre woodland hillside property contains old logging roads and two wetland swamps, which represent the southern portion of Sucker Brook, one of the most important wetlands in the Lake George watershed. In autumn, significant numbers of migratory waterfowl rest in the wetland before their journey south to warmer climates.

The western side of the property has a magnificent scenic vista of Lake George. The Lake George Land Conservancy maintains over four miles of hiking trails and hosts field trips for local schools and clubs.

The Gull Bay Preserve has long been a popular destination for those wishing to see a great blue heron rookery (nesting colony) during its active season of March through July. Unfortunately, our 20-30 nesting herons seem to have abandoned the site. Though rookeries may be used for decades, there are several factors that may cause site abandonment, including increased predation, a loss of food availability, human disturbance, and death of trees supporting the nests. We hope to see a return of these majestic birds in the future, but for now guests can still enjoy watching the pond’s resident beavers and other waterfowl.
Please keep a safe distance and use caution to reduce disturbance and stress on the animals.

We are pleased to announce that the long-awaited connector trail to Last Great Shoreline Preserve is open! It is marked with yellow triangles (see also the LGS trail map). This land acquisition was made possible by many generous donors. Distance And Terrain
There are 3.25 of easy to moderate trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and hunting. From the parking area, walk a short distance following an old logging road to the preserve’s kiosk. From here the blue trail continues on the logging road uphill for less than half a mile, ending at an overlook that peeks out to Gull Bay and to the south over Lake George. Bring your lunch and enjoy the new picnic table at the top!

The yellow and orange trails start from the blue trail near its northern and southern end, respectively.

The yellow trail follows the pond’s western ridge and creates a loop through a fern-laden forest at the pond’s northern end.

The new connector trail, marked with yellow triangles, continues on from the yellow loop, and leads northward to the Last Great Shoreline Preserve. This trail is easy/moderate, except for one short but very steep section. Please use caution.

The more popular and well-used orange trail breaks from the blue trail just downhill from the overlook. The orange trail begins with a rocky downhill climb, but levels out beyond that for a lovely hike along an old logging road that passes vernal pools and varied habitats full of wildlife in all seasons. The trail ends with a short loop that leads close to the pond’s shore (and beaver dam) for great wildlife viewing.

The orange and yellow loops are connected by the red trail, which follows a path below and parallel to the beaver dam. At the intersection with the yellow trail, you may also follow the red trail further north along a second beaver pond, crossing the outlet to another overlook that provides an expansive view of the ponds and wetlands. This trail climbs a steep rocky ledge; please hike with caution!

Highlights And Key Points Along The Route
There is an active beaver pond, and great wildlife viewing! In autumn, significant numbers of migratory waterfowl rest in the wetland before their journey south to warmer climates. Bring your lunch and enjoy the picnic table at the top.

Identify And Describe The Management Organization
The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) is a not-for-profit land trust that works solely within the Lake George watershed in the southeastern corner of New York’s Adirondack Park.

Additional Notes
Please stay on the marked trails.

Please be courteous of other preserve guests.

No removal of plants or animals without permission. LGLC allows hunting at the Gull Bay Preserve by permit only. Please call 518-644-9673 or email Warren Rosenthal for information. Please use caution when hiking during hunting seasons – wear bright colors and hike in groups. Hunters – please be aware of hikers and hunt away from trails.

No camping, littering or fires.

Motorized or non-motorized recreational vehicles are NOT allowed except as arranged with the local snowmobile club.

Dogs are not permitted at the Gull Bay Preserve due to its ecological sensitivity.

Please park only in the preserve’s designated area.

Fees
no
ADA Accessible
no
Site is Child-friendly
yes
Site is Pet-friendly
no