Pawling Nature Reserve

Pawling Nature Reserve is a protected forest area in Dutchess County covering more than 1,000 acres with marked trails running through different habitats. The landscape includes woodlands, open fields, and wetland areas spread across ridges and valleys.

Local residents through the Akin Hall Association gave the land to The Nature Conservancy in 1958 for permanent conservation. This transfer prevented development and established the area as a protected reserve.

The Appalachian Trail section through the reserve connects hikers to a larger network of paths stretching from Georgia to Maine across eastern United States.

The reserve is easiest to reach by Metro-North Harlem Line train to the Appalachian Trail station or by the parking lot on Quaker Lake Road. Visitors should bring proper hiking shoes and water, especially for longer walks.

The area is home to rare plant species like devil's bit and soapwort gentian found in few other places in the region. Threatened salamander populations in the ridge-top wetlands also find important habitat here.

Location: New York

GPS coordinates: 41.60280,-73.56030

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:46