Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum
Quick Bits
Main Activities - Hike, Museum
Distance - 10 miles of trails
Quiet - very quiet (unless a school group is there)
Surface - natural surface, some rooted and rocky areas to watch.
Elevation - some moderately steep sections
Pets - No pets at the main facility (there is another associated preserve nearby that allows dogs)
Address - 443 Coleman Avenue, Elmira, NY
In a Nutshell
A wonderful place for people of all ages and trails to match. The Center and Museum is very worth visiting before or after your hike. Variety of environments and views of the Chemung River Valley.
Location and Parking
The Nature Center/Museum is located off Coleman Avenue in Elmira. There is a good amount of parking space at this location. It is also sometimes referred to as Gleason Meadows. There is another associated property called Personious Woods, but the two are not physically adjacent. Personious Woods permits pets, the main center does not.
There are a few handicap parking spots. The Center/Museum is wheelchair accessible.
More details
This wonderful center is free thanks to generous donations. Tanglewood is west of the city of Elmira, New York. The heart is the Education Center and Museum which is home to about 40 'ambassadors' (animals) they have on display. My favorite was Roger the Timber Rattlesnake. Tanglewood covers two areas, non-adjacent. The primary with the Nature Center is off Coleman Avenue and is also called Gleason Meadows, and on other maps, Frenchman's Bluff Preserve. The other property, Personious Woods, is about 1-mile away off West Hill Road. Dogs are permitted only at Personious Woods.
With about 10-miles of various trails criss-crossing over 300 acres, there is a lot to see at Tanglewood. The trails vary from wider trails that had been access roads (4-5' across) to narrow, rougher terrain trails, in particular the Twain Trail. Though you can take breaks on the Twain trail to read quotes from Mark Twain that give you something to ponder. The Twain Trail will take you out to bluffs that overlook the Chemung River Valley. The Chemung River will flow east through the city of Elmira before eventually turning south and flowing into the Susquehanna near Athens, Pennsylvania. The bluffs are a good place to take a break and enjoy. A bench is there to allow you to take a load off your feet. There is some elevation gain getting to the bluffs. Check the topographical maps to get a sense of which direction in the loop is best for you.
Other trails are flatter and stop by a couple memorials. Several of the trails are merged together for stretches, so pay attention to the blazes so you don't miss your turn. There is also a "Sensory" trail that isn't just for children, as well as a tree house which is another nice spot for a snack. There are restrooms at the Center when it is open. Check the website for hours.
For groups, contact the Center to arrange for tours and programs. They also have various programs open to the public.