If you are looking for a place to reconnect with nature and enjoy some peaceful hiking, you might want to check out the John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary in West Park, New York. This is the site of Slabsides, the rustic cabin retreat of the famous naturalist and writer John Burroughs (1837-1921), who spent many hours observing and celebrating the wildlife and landscapes of this area.

The sanctuary consists of 192 acres of varied and unspoiled terrain, including open ridgelines, secluded forests, wetlands, and fascinating rock formations. There are 4.5 miles of easy to moderate trails that offer scenic views and opportunities to encounter diverse flora and fauna. You can also visit the pond, which is home to dragonflies, damselflies, frogs, turtles, and fish. You might even spot an osprey or a bald eagle flying overhead.

One of the highlights of the sanctuary is Slabsides, the cabin that Burroughs built in 1895 as a place to write and entertain friends such as Walt Whitman and Theodore Roosevelt. The cabin is open to the public periodically throughout the year, and you can see how Burroughs lived and worked in this simple but cozy dwelling. You can also learn more about his life and legacy at the nearby John Burroughs Memorial Field.

The John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary is a wonderful place to experience the beauty and inspiration that Burroughs found in nature. It is also a testament to his conservation ethic and his influence on America’s early environmental movement. Whether you are a fan of his writings or just curious about his cabin, you will surely enjoy exploring this hidden gem in the Hudson Valley.

-Chris & Ola