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 Reporter |
Summary: Christman Sanctuary is a nature preserve that protects part of the Bozen Kill creek. Along the creek there are a series of small waterfalls and cascades. From the parking area, follow the trail through the field to the sign-in register just inside the forest. Continue left on the trail with blue markers which will take you down to the creek. After about 1/2 mile, if the creek is low enough, you can cross and follow the Plantation Trail. It is best to follow this loop trail (marked with orange) in a clockwise direction. The blue trail continues along the creek to a T-intersection. Go straight ahead and then down some steps. You will soon reach the base of the 30 foot waterfall. This is a nice picnic spot with a lean-to. To return, retrace your steps to the T-intersection. Take a left and follow the trail back to the register. Trailhead: From Albany, take US 20 (Western Ave) West toward Duanesburg. Turn left onto Schoharie Turnpike. The parking area is on the left at top of hill just after crossing the railroad - about 1.6 miles from US 20. (Lat:42.743 Lon:-74.129) Trail Guides for Christman Sanctuary: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Nature Conservancy of Eastern NY (518) 272-0195 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by George Senft, who has posted 26 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Nick on 7/3/2008 Hiked the trail today with my wife and one year old son. Easy to find but the parking lot is small and if it hadn't been a week day we might have had to park on the road. The trail was perfect an unobtrusive to the natural surroundings. The sounds of waterfalls could be heard throughout the majority of the hike and the water was low enough to cross over to the orange trail. We just beat the rain as we finished up the trail (about 1 1/2 hours).
Reviewed by Deb Schultz on 5/30/2008 One of my favorite places in the entire world. My daughter and I go often, we can spend the whole day there just hanging out! I read, she catches tadpoles, snakes, ect! It is only a 15 minute drive, practically right in our own back yard. 
Reviewed by jessica on 4/20/2008 Hiked April 19, Very well formed trails (stairways, and railings) along the creek. Beautiful cascades, Sun was reflecting so perfectly. Nice pleasant short hike with calm waters sounds to enjoy. Could easily enjoy a light picnic at the base of the Main Water Fall.
Reviewed by Deb on 2/9/2008 Hiked Christman today, in light snow, ice underneath. The waterfalls were running high, with very beautiful ice formations. Frozen cauliflower-type bubblings, bluish-white sheets of ice, and cathedral organ "pipes" of frozen icicles, surrounded by light snowflakes coating myriads of frozen brances. A little dangerous trekking around with the ice underfoot, and a couple of close calls of near-slides, which left us laughing, but envisioning needing a rescue crew. Very fun. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good cleats! 
Reviewed by LC on 11/27/2007 How unfortunate it is that some people leaving comments on this site enjoy most what is least natural about the Sanctuary, namely the rope handrail and RR ties going down toward the falls and clearly marked trails. This place was far better in the days of my youth when it was still in its natural state. Nowadays, I always take along an empty bag when I hike the trails to pick up all the cigarette butts and litter left behind by those who proclaim to be enjoying its beauty. Dogs are supposed to be kept on a leash, but I have never actually seen anyone abide by this rule. I love the Christman Sanctuary! Please, keep it clean and peacefully quiet, while respecting the Christman family heritage.
Reviewed by Neil on 7/22/2007 We hiked today; It was pretty dry there, no real "falls" visible, only a few drips. It was a nice area overall (our first time there). Almost 33% of the trails we walked (blue and orange) were narrowed by the overgrown brush though (so make sure to cover and/or spray yourself with tic repellent). It would be much nicer there after a big rain I think (or in Fall or Spring according to some people we met.)
Reviewed by Yiftach on 6/13/2007 Hiked 2007-6-13 (2 adults+4yr old). Beautiful easy hike. Took left on the first fork (on the blue trail.). Got to water after 10min. From there, the trail splits again: Orange marks go Left (crossing the water over the low waterfall), will take u in a big loop – u reach the top of the big waterfall, before descending back to the fork. Alternatively, it’s possible to go right on the fork, (blue marks, ascending). This will take u 2 the bottom of the big fall in ~10 more minutes, where u can swim in the pond (The water were not cold at all!). Then u can go back. Many bugs & flies – not unbearable, but felt. Wear long pants, also for the grass. Big loop took a total of 3hrs (calm pace+many breaks). Orange trail was 2 hrs. Blue trail is
Reviewed by Paul on 5/25/2007 First-timers should take a left at the first "T" to get the full "discovery" effect of the small falls leading to the large one. Also, it probably should be noted that when one arrives at the 2nd "T", the trail markers change color for the short "there and back" portion leading - along the creek, of course - to the large falls. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Schenectady County Hiking, Schenectady County Trails, Schenectady County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||