Preserve Motto: “Conservation—Education—Recreation”
sign by Rafael Domenech Photo by Rita Murtagh
The land trust's newest property, the Settles Mountain Nature Preserve, was a generous gift from Richard Norton in 2024. Consisting of 270 acres of the summit and slopes of Settles Mountain in Towns of Cobleskill and Seward, the Preserve includes mature hardwood forest, old farm fields, second growth woods and a large beaver complex.
A network of hiking trails extends for seven miles across the property, which is open to the public for non-motorized use. Information and trail maps are available at the main entrance to the Preserve on Old Smoky Hollow Rd., off Settles Mountain Rd. northwest of the Village of Cobleskill. The Preserve is also accessible to trails on adjoining SUNY Cobleskill lands.
In addition to the Norton property, neighbors have pledged land to add to the Preserve. Others have donated equipment and materials to improve access and parking. Further improvements to accessibility and parking are planned.
The Preserve has quickly become a popular hiking destination for the community and beyond. Visitors should be aware that Old Smoky Hollow Rd. has rough areas that may be difficult for are steep and roughpassenger cars. Although some of the trail system is relatively level, most portions are steep and rough.
photo by Rita Murtagh
View Settles Mountain Preserve in a larger map Click here for trail map