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Preserves & Trails

S. Gerald Ingerson Preserve

Woodlands and grasslands along McCarn Creek in Clayton.

Location

15460 County Route 3, Clayton, NY, 13624

Directions: Access to the Preserve from the new trailhead on East Line Road across from the Antique Boat Museum’s Doebler Storage Building. From Clayton, take State Route 12 south for a half a mile, turn left onto East Line Road (by Victorian Gas & Convenience Store) and travel 0.8 miles to TILT’s trailhead parking area where the trail extends in both directions towards Clayton and LaFargeville. In addition, traveling north on Route 12, a trailhead can be found on the right just before the Clayton County Club.

Open daily from dawn to dusk!

Download S. Gerald Ingerson Preserve Trail Map
aerial fall photo of the trestle bridge that goes over the Creek below within the Preserve

Chris Murray Photography

aerial photo during the summer of McCarn creek

Photo Credit Jake Tibbles

group photo at the preserve of S. Gerald Ingerson, and his family

S. Gerald Ingerson and his family

summer photo on the trail looking at the observation tower from the trail

Photo Credit Terra Bach

winter photo on the trail looking at the trestle bridge

Photo Credit Bridgett McCann

Explore S. Gerald Ingerson Preserve!

Discover the beauty of the S. Gerald Ingerson Preserve, a 140-acre stretch of diverse wildlife habitats located just south of the Village of Clayton. With two miles of the Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful hike through oak, pine, and maple forests and successional shrublands. McCarn Creek, which runs through the Preserve, plays a crucial role in supporting fish populations and filtering water flowing into the St. Lawrence River.

The Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail

This Preserve is home to two miles of the Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail and the historic Trestle Bridge built on the former bed of the New York Central Railroad. This trail offers a scenic route for hiking, biking, skiing, and more, with sections accessible from various points in the Thousand Islands region. 

The Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail, named for former TILT director Louise “Sissy” Danforth, the Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail honors her role in transforming an old railroad bed into a community resource. In 2021, TILT partnered with community members, the Village of Clayton, and the Northern New York Community Foundation to restore the historic railroad trestle bridge, connecting the trail to Clayton’s Riverwalk. This project created a 7-mile corridor for hiking, biking, and skiing while conserving natural resources and enhancing local recreation.

Preserve History

Inspired by their father, S. Gerald Ingerson, the Ingerson family conserved this land to honor his love for nature. Conserving the land helps protect the wildlife and waterways vital to the local ecosystem.

TILT Timeline

Preserve Spotlight

ATVs and snowmobiles are not permitted on the Preserve.

Trail Guide

The magic of the woods with access to over seven miles of hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and more.

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