Bell-Blakely Preserve
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Highlights
- 3 acres
- Conserved 1980
- 0.17 mile of trails
- Easy Terrain
Activities
- Dog Walking
- Hiking
Trail Description
Bell Blakeley Preserve offers a short, easy out-and-back trail through a peaceful woodland setting. The path is lined with historic stone walls and overlooks a rich wetland habitat, making it a great spot for quiet walks and wildlife observation. Limited parking available off of Bogtown Rd.
Donated in 1980 by sisters Eleanor Blakely Bell and Bertha Bidda Blakely, this peaceful 3-acre parcel was preserved to protect it from development and maintain the natural character of North Salem. Though small and more secluded than some of our other preserves, Bell-Blakely offers a quiet, intimate experience with nature.
Access to the trail begins through a break in the stone wall along Bogtown Road. The path winds gently through a wooded area alongside a designated New York State wetland. Lined with mature trees and flanked by low stone walls, the trail runs between a dramatic rock outcropping and a tranquil bog—offering glimpses into both the natural landscape and the area's history.
These stone walls are remnants from a time when the trail once served as a wagon route to Goldens Bridge, making this short walk not only scenic, but also rich in heritage.
We are dedicated to preserving the character and natural beauty of the town of North Salem, NY and the area around it by establishing land areas free from exploitation, development, and deterioration and by maintaining the environmental and ecological integrity of the area.