Granite Mountain Preserve is a 400-acre preserve that lies within the boundaries of the East Hudson Highlands in Putnam Valley, NY. It is owned and managed by Hudson Highlands Land Trust, a community-based, accredited land conservation organization devoted to protecting and preserving the natural resources, rural character and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands.
Granite Mountain Preserve contains two peaks that rise more than 900 feet and is dominated by a northern hardwood forest that includes red and chestnut oak, hickory, tulip and sugar maple along with marshy wetlands and streams. The property also provides an excellent bird habitat and is known for its species-rich collection of flora.
The preserve includes a network of well marked woodland hiking trails, a new parking area and kiosk, making it a publicly accessible open space offering numerous non-motorized recreational opportunities. Granite Mountain Preserve is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.
What is the history of Granite Mountain Preserve?
The earliest inhabitants of the area were members of the Canopus group of the Nochpeem band of the “Wappinger Indian Confederacy.” As part of the Mohican nation, they spoke the Algonkian language. The footpaths made by the Native Americans usually followed the stream valleys. The first settlers followed these footpaths and in the course of time, they became the roads we know today as Peekskill Hollow, Canopus Hollow and Oscawana Lake roads.
Dutch and English farmers moved into the area toward the end of the 17th Century. In 1697, the Highland Patent was granted to Adolph Philipse. The first settlers arrived around 1740. Under the Philipse Patent, tenant farmers were the earliest European settlers in the area where they leased tracts of land from the Philipse family during the first half of the eighteenth century and cleared the land for farming.
Despite such physical conditions as rocky soil and steep slopes which made farming a difficult occupation in Putnam Valley, its settlers were an industrious lot who cleared much of the land which has now been reforested. Some of the crops raised were corn, buckwheat, rye, oats, potatoes and turnips, and more.
The Granite Mountain Preserve has a long and storied history. Like the rest of the region, it was once heavily logged for lumber, firewood, and charcoal. But in 2017, the Hudson Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) acquired three land parcels on Granite Mountain, permanently conserving 358 acres of forest. This new preserve protects vital wildlife habitat and drinking water for the surrounding communities.
In late 2018, HHLT announced the expansion of the Granite Mountain Preserve to 400 acres with the addition of an adjacent parcel. And in 2021, the Town of Putnam Valley donated 28 acres of land to HHLT, which will allow for even further expansion of the preserve.
Today, the Granite Mountain Preserve is a thriving oasis of biodiversity. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and several species of birds. The preserve also provides a valuable watershed for the area, helping to ensure a clean and reliable source of drinking water for local residents.
Thanks to the efforts of HHLT and the Town of Putnam Valley, the Granite Mountain Preserve is a lasting legacy for future generations. It is a place where people can come to enjoy the beauty of nature, learn about the history of the region, and appreciate the importance of conservation.
What are the trails at Granite Mountain Preserve?
Granite Mountain Preserve has about 6 miles of trails that range from easy to strenuous. The trails are color-coded and well marked with signs and blazes.
The main entrance to the Preserve is located opposite Jeanne Drive and across the street from 500 Peekskill Hollow Road in Putnam Valley. Be sure to input “Granite Mountain Preserve” into Google Maps as just “Granite Mountain” will lead you to the wrong location.
Here are some of the trails you can explore at Granite Mountain Preserve:
- Red Trail: This is a 2-mile loop trail that starts from the parking lot and follows Peekskill Hollow Brook before ascending to a ridge with views of Oscawana Lake. The trail then descends through a hemlock forest and returns to the parking lot.
- Yellow Trail: This is a 1.5-mile loop trail that branches off from the Red Trail near Peekskill Hollow Brook. The trail climbs steeply to a rocky summit with panoramic views of Putnam Valley and beyond. The trail then descends through a mixed hardwood forest and rejoins the Red Trail.
- Blue Trail: This is a 1-mile loop trail that branches off from the Yellow Trail near the summit. The trail traverses the ridge and passes by several large boulders and rock outcrops. The trail then descends through a pine forest and rejoins the Yellow Trail.
- Green Trail: This is a 0.5-mile loop trail that branches off from the Red Trail near the hemlock forest. The trail follows a stream and passes by a small waterfall. The trail then climbs to a meadow and rejoins the Red Trail.
What can you see and do at Granite Mountain Preserve?
Granite Mountain Preserve is a great place to enjoy nature and learn about the history and ecology of the Hudson Highlands. You can see and do many things at the preserve, such as:
- Hike the trails and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape.
- Observe the wildlife and plants that inhabit the preserve, such as deer, turkeys, woodpeckers, wildflowers, ferns, and mushrooms.
- Learn about the history of the preserve and how it was used by Native Americans, settlers, farmers, and loggers.
Resources
Here are some useful resources to help you plan your visit to Granite Mountain Preserve:
- Granite Mountain Preserve Trail Map
- Hudson Highlands Land Trust Website
- Avenza Maps App
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about Granite Mountain Preserve. It is a wonderful place to visit if you love nature, history, and hiking. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy trails! 😊