Thursday, July 4, 2019

Hiking Downybrook Nature Reserve



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...Abbé Picquet Trail

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Carnegie Bay Trail

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Cerow Recreation Park Trail

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Chaumont Barrens Preserve

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Chippewa Bay Preserve Trail

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Coyote Flats State Forest

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Downybrook Nature Reserve 

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Foster Blake Woods Preserve

Hiking the Thousand Islands...French Creek WMA 

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Grand Lake Reserve

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Grass Point State Park

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Jacques Cartier State Park

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Kanik Nature Trail

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Keewaydin State Park

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Lonesome Bay State Forest

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Macsherry Trail

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Maple City Trail

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Morgan Island

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Morristown Red Barn Preserve

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Otter Creek

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Pulpit Rock State Forest

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Red Lake Indian River Trail 

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Redwood Hill Preserve

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Rock Ridge Trail 

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Wellesley Island State Park

Hiking the Thousand Islands...Zenda Farms Preserve