Exploring Five Rivers

The Trail System

Take to the trails and enter a different world. Listen for the plaintive notes of the eastern bluebird, sneak a glimpse of deer browsing in the fields and let the gentle rustle of the wind inform you. Share in the spirit of that "long green line" which lends Five Rivers EEC its unique sense of place.

Interpretive Trails

Brochures for interpretive trails are available at the Visitor's Center or at a kiosk at the trailhead. Braille, large print or audio format are available upon request at the Visitor's Center.

Nature's Accessible Backyard Trail (¼ mile loop with shortcut options): This wheelchair-accessible trail features flora and fauna common to your backyard, highlighting a wildlife garden, bird feeding area and scenic vistas from an observation deck and viewing gazebo. A flat Class I trail with asphalt surfaces built to ADA specifications for persons who have impaired mobility.
Woodlot Trail (¼ mile loop with shortcut option): This wheelchair-accessible, Class II trail leads to a four-acre forest of beech and maple trees, and offers an excellent introduction to local ferns, shrubs, small mammals and songbirds. The trail is flat and consists of boardwalk and compacted stone dust surfaces.
Old Field Trail (½ mile loop with shortcut options): This trail interprets the ecology of abandoned fields and features an experimental crab-apple orchard, a variety of shrub species and tree-shaded ponds, a patchwork of cover types where you can find most anything. A Class III trail over gentle terrain with grass and wood chip surfaces.
Beaver Tree Trail (½ mile loop): Circling the wooded border of Beaver Pond, this trail features scenic overlooks and close approaches to Beaver Pond, with excellent opportunity to enjoy seasonal flora and fauna. A Class IV trail with moderate ups and downs, some stairs and steep areas, over a wood chip pad.
Vlomankill Trail (¾ mile loop with shortcut options): A picturesque trail traces the Vlomankill stream through a hemlock-shaded ravine. Impressive trees, elevated views and exposed bedrock create a sense of the primeval. A Class IV trail with some stairs and steep grades, over wood chip padding.

Other Trails

Service Road Loop (1½ mile loop with short cut options): An ecological sampler that visits field, forest and wetland habitats. Best chance for deer, waterfowl, wind birds and dickey birds. A Class III trail with gentle grades over grass and gravel surfaces.
North Loop (2 mile loop with shortcut options): Go the distance on this skiing/hiking boundary trail through broad fields and forests of pine and northern hardwood. Stately trees, dense brushland and dynamic views lend a sense of wilderness. A Class III trail with gentle grades over grass and wood chip surfaces.
Wild Turkey Trail (1½ mile loop with shortcut options): Get away from it all on this trail featuring expansive fields and dense northern hardwood forests along the Phillipinkill stream corridor. Best place for grouse, turkey and thrush specialties. A Class III trail with moderate ups and downs over grass and wood chip surfaces.