Visit

TRAILS CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 1 FOR THEIR WINTER REST

Hours & Location

The Mianus River Gorge Preserve is located across from 167 Mianus River Road, Bedford, NY  10506 and open to the public from April 1 through November 30 from 8:30am to 5pm.

Taylor Preserve is located on June Rd., just west of the intersection with Riverbank Rd., in Stamford, CT, and open to the public from April 1 through November 30 from dawn to dusk (solar-powered automated gate).

Cell service is spotty at best in both of these areas. If you come by Uber, Lyft, or taxi, please arrange for a pick-up with your driver.

Both preserves are closed each winter to allow the trails to rest.

Temporary closures may occur in the case of flooding or extended drought. Please call ahead during these conditions.

Responsible Outdoor Recreation During COVID-19

Follow some simple rules to help prevent the spread of COVID-19

  • Refrain from visiting the preserve if you are exhibiting symptoms.
  • If the parking lot is full or people are congregating, choose a different park or preserve, or another day and time to visit.
  • Visit in small groups limited to immediate household members.
  • Keep six feet of distance from others in places where people congregate (e.g., the parking lot, map shelter, trailheads, and points of interest).
  • Wear a face mask.
  • Alert others to your presence along the trail, and step aside when passing or being passed.

Restrictions

NO DOGS
Why?

  • MRGP is a wildlife and botanical preserve. It is not a park. Although your dog may not chase wildlife or disturb ground-nesting birds, there are many other dogs that will. With over 12,000 visitors a year, the results could be catastrophic to wildlife.
  • MRGP is a research site. Our ongoing research is often fragile and easily compromised. One unattended dog can destroy aquatic and terrestrial research that has taken years to establish.
  • The mission of MRGP is to protect the Mianus River and its watershed. The Mianus River is the drinking water for 130,000 people in southern New York and Connecticut. Thousands of dogs each year have the potential to add significant levels of nitrogen to the Mianus River and further compromise an already stressed drinking water supply.
  • The trails at MRGP are designed to be narrow and intimate, allowing visitors to
    enjoy the unique feel of this preserve. Dogs passing on such narrow trails have the potential to lead to significant conflicts.

Feel free to park your car in the lot and walk your dog on Mianus River Road. Also, there is a town park in Stamford, CT, the Mianus River Park, that does allow dogs. This park is located off Merriebrook Lane. We appreciate your understanding.

NO COLLECTING
NO BICYCLES OR MOTORIZED VEHICLES

Trail Info

Mianus River Gorge Preserve

Less than forty miles from Manhattan, the Mianus River Gorge Preserve (MRGP) is an oasis of rich woodland and old-growth forest one hour’s drive from New York City. The Preserve was established in 1953 to protect an old-growth hemlock forest and receives the special designation as the first Nature Conservancy land project and the first National Natural History Landmark designated by the US Department of the Interior.

Visitors to the Mianus River Gorge Preserve enjoy over 5 miles of beautiful trails. Stop by the map shelter to learn about the delicate ecology and natural history of the Preserve, learn about upcoming events or our research and educational initiatives, pick up a trail map, and make a donation. Restroom facilities are available.

Download Trail Map

Taylor Preserve

The Taylor Preserve of Mianus River Gorge, Inc., is our beautiful 21-acre preserve in Stamford, CT, located on June Rd., just west of the intersection with Riverbank Rd. This spectacular hemlock/oak woodland with mountain laurel understory is surrounded on three sides by the Mianus River and provides crucial protection where the east branch of the Mianus meets the main stem of the river.

Visitors to the Taylor Preserve enjoy a 1-mile loop (no trail map needed) that takes visitors through a forest of hemlocks, maple, and beech, along the river with cascades and pools, and a view from the top.

Please Note: Cell service is spotty at best in these areas. If you come by Uber, Lyft, or taxi, please arrange for a pick-up with your driver.

Suggested Donation

Mianus River Gorge, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Mianus River Gorge Preserve and Taylor Preserve are not state or town parks, and we receive no public funding. MRG is completely supported by private donations from members of the community.

A suggested donation of $5 for hikers is appreciated. A donation box is located at the map shelter in Mianus River Gorge Preserve, or visit the Donate page on our website. Thank you for your consideration of a donation to help steward the preserves.

Groups

A group of 10 or more must register in advance. Please contact our office at (914) 234-3455 or email Budd Veverka for reservations.