We first heard about the nature trail at the Downybrook Nature Reserve from the Thousand Islands Sun. We’ve been looking forward to visiting it ourselves ever since. The Reserve is about a 20-minute drive south of Clayton and is located just outside of the town of Brownville at 24353 Perch Lake Road. The property is owned and managed by the OBI Land Trust based in Chaumont, NY. As described on their website the Downybrook Nature Reserve is a scenic, nationally-recognized wildlife sanctuary with walking trails, natural wetlands, ponds and woods.
It is recognized as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, and is designated as an official Wildlife Refuge by the National Campers and Hikers Association. The Reserve features a network of well-maintained nature trails that take the hiker past three ponds, several interpretive panels, and up to 3.5 miles of paths to explore.
Due to the unusually high water this year, the trail around the back pond was temporarily closed but we were still able to get a glimpse of it. There are benches and boardwalks strategically placed throughout the property.
We did the loop trail (minus the back pond) which allowed us to see just about everything this lovely place has to over. The main trail circumferences a meadow filled with wildflowers and bird houses.
There is a section that goes through a piney forest area as well as paths through other wooded areas. It was a delightful trail and we look forward to doing that last section in the future.
For more about the history of the trail and a trail map,
https://www.obilandtrust.org/downybrook-property.html
Visit Downybrook Nature Reserve:
Location: 24353 Perch Lake Road, Brownville, NY
Hours: Open Daily, Dawn to Dusk; No admission cost; Pet-Friendly
Park in the lot provided. Please keep dogs leashed and respect other guests. No motorized vehicles permitted.
For More Information: info@obilandtrust.org or 315-649-6045
To visit Downybrook go to Brownville, NY. When in the village and on New York State Route 12E, turn onto Washington Street at the light by the Legion. Continue until just after exiting the village. At that point, turn left onto Perch Lake Road. Go about .7 mile to the Downybrook parking lot on the left (24353 Perch Lake Road). Look for the large sign which is seen above.
Be sure to see...
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Introduction
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Foster Blake Woods Preserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Grand Lake Reserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Kanik Nature Trail
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Lonesome Bay State Forest
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Red Lake Indian River Trail
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Redwood Hill Preserve
Hiking the Thousand Islands...Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail
