Heron Marsh from the Bobcat Trail at the Paul Smiths VIC (31 July 2013)

Hiking Trails in the Adirondacks:
Bobcat Trail

This page is no longer being updated.  For an updated and expanded version of this material, see: Adirondack Nature Trails: Bobcat Trail

Adirondack Habitats: Mixed forest along the Bobcat Trail at the Paul Smiths VIC Mammals of the Adirondacks: White-tailed Deer along the Bobcat Trail (18 June 2013) Birds of the Adirondacks: Great Blue Heron on Heron Marsh (19 July 2012) Mushrooms of the Adirondacks: Amanita Flavoconia on the Bobcat Trail (31 July 2013) Mammals of the Adirondacks: White-tailed Deer along the Bobcat Trail) Adirondack Wildflowers: White Water Lily along the Bobcat Trail (31 July 2013) Adirondack Wetlands: Heron Marsh from the Bobcat Trail (31 July 2013) Birds of the Adirondacks: Mallard along the Bobcat Trail (8 August 2012) Adirondack Wildflowers: Pickerelweed on Heron Marsh (31 July 2013) Adirondack Wetlands: Heron Marsh from the Bobcat Trail (31 July 2013) Adirondack Wetlands: Heron Marsh in winter. Photo courtesy of Father Joe. Used by permission.
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The Bobcat Trail is a 1.25 mile path connecting the VIC building with the Paul Smith’s College Campus.  The trail can be accessed either from the Logger’s Loop Trail near the VIC building or from the Keese Mills Road trailhead, across from the Saunders Sports Complex on the PSC Campus. 

The northern portion of the trail (close to the VIC building) runs roughly parallel to State Route 30.  It is a pleasant, fern-lined trail through mainly coniferous forest.   The trail then curves right and leads downhill toward Heron Marsh.  It intersects with the Heron Marsh Trail just south of the floating bridge. 

The two trails run concurrently along the edge of Heron Marsh, providing excellent views of the Marsh and the bird species that make their home on and near it, including Song Sparrow, Winter Wren, American Black Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Mallard, and Great Blue Heron.  Wildflowers which thrive on this section of the trail include Cow-wheat, Wintergreen, Bunchberry, Shinleaf, and Helleborine Orchid.  Wetland wildflowers may be observed on the margins of Heron Marsh, including Pickerelweed, White Water-lily, Steeplebush, and Yellow Pond Lily. 

The Bobcat Trail then curves off to the left at a well-marked intersection.  The trail meanders through mainly coniferous forest.  Wildflowers that flourish on this section of the trail include Dewdrop (False Violet) and Goldthread.  The trail then turns to the right to run along the power line for a short distance until it reaches the Keese Mills Road. 

In the winter, the Bobcat Trail becomes a classic cross-country ski trail.  Follow the orange trail markers. 

Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.