Lindsay-Parsons
Biodiversity Preserve

Quick Bits

Main Activities - Hike,  Cross Country  Skiing,  Snowshoeing, Birdwatching
Distance - 3.8 miles of trails,  537 acres
Quiet -  relatively quiet except areas near Route 34/96
Surface -  well maintained trails
Elevation -  flat to moderate
Pets - Dogs under control (leash)
Address - 2521 Spencer Rd, Spencer, NY 14883

Click for FLLT brochure with map

In a Nutshell

The Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve is a great place to wander. Like it's name, it's diverse with a lake, swamp, open fields, and woods. The trails are well marked and maintained. 

Location and Parking

There is a parking lot on the eastern side of Route 34/96 with the trailhead with  room for about 20 cars. There is also another small lot for observing an area to the west of Route 34. 

Be careful pulling out. While Route 34 isn't super busy, the speed limit is 55.

More details

This is a wonderful preserve and a lot to explore with over 500 acres. There is almost 4 miles of trails, several that work as loops. Near the lot, the trails roll over wooded hills, but then quickly the woods are replaced by open fields. There is a trail that leads down to Coleman Lake, roughly 14 acres, modified by a beaver family. Farther to the north is a swampy area, created by more beavers. To the east, you'll cross a stream and railroad tracks. The tracks are active. To the east of the tracks, the elevation jumps up to a forested area. Parts of the preserve on this side is adjacent to the Danby State Forest, though I'm not aware of any trails connecting the two. Though, note there is also private property adjacent to the preserve to respect. 

Back on the western side of the tracks, but farther north, is an additional combination of woods and fields. And a swamp created by more beavers. Note because of the created swamp, some of the trails extend outside the preserve thanks to generous neighbors who allowed passage. They have done a good job with signage to delineate trails vs. the neighbor's private roads.

The beaver induced swamp area is pretty large and with the myriad of dead trees poking up, it has an apocolyptic feel to it. I have been able to watch the beavers for a long time.

Links of Interest