Old Gick Farm (DEC)
Ownership
New York State owns the Old Gick Farm.
Trails
Trails surfaces are sandy. Trails meander through and alongside an oak-pine savannah on gently rolling dune-like terrain. Muddy or wet spots are rare. There is also a designated horse trail that is most suitable for those within walking distance.
Download a map of the trails (PDF)
Link to the NYS DEC Saratoga Sandplains Wilderness Management Area Map of Old Gick Farm
Link to the NYS DEC Saratoga Sandplains General Wilderness Management Area Map
The Old Gick Farm parcel is readily recognized by the roadside sign. Photo credit: Sarah Clarkin
History
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is located on the ancestral homelands of the Mohican, Mohawk, and Abenaki people. As the name suggests, this area was once an operating farm. Aerial photos taken as recently as the 1960s show this area as largely open fields. Inactive for years, shrubs and trees grew and reduced the number and expanse of open areas.
Description
Restoration work is turning back the clock, reviving the early successional habitat that is so critical to the survival of many imperiled species including the endangered Karner blue butterfly, state-threatened frosted elfin butterfly, and species of special concern like the eastern spadefoot toad and eastern hognose snake.
Delegan Brook flows through the western portion of the Old Gick Farm. A designated overlook provides a wonderful view and hope of seeing a moose.
Protected in 1998, the 136-acre Old Gick Farm provides wonderful opportunities to walk, cross-country ski, and snowshoe.
The Old Gick Farm parcel has more restored habitat than any other parcel in the Preserve & Park. Photo credit: Sarah Clarkin
Uses
Unleashed dogs, dumping, unauthorized vehicles, unauthorized fires, and camping are prohibited. Hunting, fishing, and trapping are permitted during open seasons. Horseback riding is permitted on designated trails.
Directions
GPS: 43.14516, -73.693077
From the north: Take the I-87 South to Exit 16. Take a left onto Ballard Road and drive for 2.1 miles. At the traffic light, make a right onto Route 50 and drive 0.7 miles. Make a right into the “U” shaped parking lot marked as “Saratoga Sandplains”.
From the south: From the Wilton Mall (Exit 15 on I-87), go north on Route 50 for about 4.7 miles. Make a left into the “U” shaped parking lot marked as “Wilton Wildlife Preserve”