Location
Directions: Take State Route 12 to the border between Jefferson and St. Lawrence County (6.1 miles east of Alexandria Bay). Turn North toward Kring Point State Park, then turn immediately right onto Indian Point Road (a dirt road). This road is marked private, but visitors to Macsherry Trail are welcome. Travel approximately ¾ mile to the parking area on the right.
Explore Crooked Creek Preserve!
Covering 2,100 acres of Class I wetlands, forests, and uplands, Crooked Creek Preserve is the largest Class I wetlands complex in the Thousand Islands. Located in Hammond and Alexandria, this peaceful preserve is home to diverse wildlife, including the majestic bald eagle, often spotted soaring overhead. Paddle through winding waters by canoe, kayak, or boat. Whether you choose a guided TILTrek or prefer to explore on your own, there’s something special for everyone here.
Macsherry Trail
A highlight of the preserve is the Macsherry Trail, a 3-mile hike starting at Indian Point in Hammond. The trail winds through beaver ponds, forests, and offers stunning views of Chippewa Bay at the “Old Boy Scout Camp” before looping back to the trailhead. It’s a beautiful way to experience the preserve’s diverse habitats up close.
The Frontenac Arch
The Thousand Islands region lies on ancient rock that is part of the Canadian Shield, some of the oldest rock on Earth. Uplift has brought some of this rock to the surface in a ridge known as the Frontenac Arch. This Arch extends from the Grenville Province region of Canada to the Adirondack Mountains in New York. Significant erosion of the overlying rocks has occurred and you can see outcrops at the surface throughout the region. The geological events that formed the Frontenac Arch created a unique migratory corridor across the Eastern Great Lakes system, allowing for animals to safely pass along a binational critical wildlife highway. Click for more information here.
Preserve History
Tucked away in the heart of history, this beautiful Preserve was once part of the Day Farm. The Land Trust acquired it in 1998, with help from a grant from the Sweetwater Trust.
In 2000, the children of Richard and Mary Macsherry made an incredible contribution by funding the creation of the Macsherry Trail in honor of their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. This gift has left a lasting legacy and provided a beautiful way for visitors to experience the preserve’s rich history and natural beauty.
Preserve Spotlight
ATVs and snowmobiles are not permitted on the Preserve.
Explore More Preserves
-
Fort Haldimand Preserve
The remains of a British fort, built and occupied during the American Revolution, sit on the head of Carleton Island in Cape Vincent.
-
Grindstone Island Preserves
Howard-Smith and Rusho Farm Preserves, the Heineman Family Songbird Forest and Potters Beach.
-
Otter Creek Preserve
A beautiful mosaic of Thousand Islands habitats within walking distance of the Village of Alexandria Bay.
Related News
-
Grant Funds Trail Work in St. Lawrence County
Earlier this spring, TILT was awarded grant funding from the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (SLC IDA). The mission of…
-
TILT Collaborates with Northeast Wilderness Trust, Further Protecting Lands in A2A as Forever Wild
These measures primarily come in one of two forms: voluntary conservation easements placed on privately-owned lands (e.g. TILT’s protection of Picton…
-
WISP Program continues for Fourth Season
For the fourth consecutive season, the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) has partnered with the St. Lawrence Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership…
-
Kids are Getting WILD Outdoors on Wednesdays with TILT
Families continue to embrace the outdoors in the Thousand Islands and show us how important time spent in nature is. And…