Coy Mountain Preserve
A serene 1.6-mile loop trail through mature hardwood forests, offering seasonal lake views and a unique family reading adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wild leeks blooming, pleasant temps
Coy Mountain Preserve
Best Time
Wild leeks blooming, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 1.6-mile loop trail through mature hardwood forests, offering seasonal lake views and a unique family reading adventure.
"A hidden gem for a nice little hike with a great view of Torch Lake at the top."
🐾 Leash Your Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure a safe experience for all visitors.
🎒 Pack Out What You Pack In
This is a clean, quiet area. Help keep it that way by taking all your trash with you.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mature Hardwood Forest Trail
1.6-mile loop trail
Wander through a beautiful, mature forest of sugar maple, beech, hemlock, and white pine. A peaceful escape.
Seasonal Torch Lake View
Summit of the trail
Catch a glimpse of Torch Lake from the top of the trail, offering a pleasant, albeit sometimes understated, scenic reward.
Outdoor Reading Adventure
Along the trail
Engage kids with pages from 'Where The Wild Things Are' displayed along the path, a unique library-sponsored activity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Conditions
Family Fun & Seasonal Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Leash Your Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure a safe experience for all visitors.
🎒 Pack Out What You Pack In
This is a clean, quiet area. Help keep it that way by taking all your trash with you.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail can be rugged, especially for snowshoeing. Good hiking shoes are recommended for a comfortable trek.
📚 Alden Library Activity
Check with Alden Library for their 'Where The Wild Things Are' trail pages and craft kits for a fun family outing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Leash Your Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure a safe experience for all visitors.
🎒 Pack Out What You Pack In
This is a clean, quiet area. Help keep it that way by taking all your trash with you.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail can be rugged, especially for snowshoeing. Good hiking shoes are recommended for a comfortable trek.
📚 Alden Library Activity
Check with Alden Library for their 'Where The Wild Things Are' trail pages and craft kits for a fun family outing.
💧 No Facilities Available
Plan ahead as there are no restrooms or other facilities on-site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Coy Mountain Preserve is praised as a clean, quiet, and well-marked natural area offering a pleasant hiking experience through mature forests. Visitors appreciate the free access and the unique 'Where The Wild Things Are' trail for families. While the seasonal view of Torch Lake is a highlight, some find it a bit underwhelming.
"Coy Mountain Preserve has a well marked 1.6 trail comprised of two loops in a mature hardwood forest of sugar maple, beech, hemlock and white pine. A section of this Preserve has been protected since the 1880's by Rueben Coy the original owner. There is a 'seasonal' view of Torch Lake from the top of the trail. Free. Dogs must be on leash. No facilities."
Mark Rogers
"The Alden Library has done a great job creating an outdoor reading activity for families who want to do social distancing outings. They put pages from Maurice Sendack's "Where The Wild Things Are" along the trail and have a craft kit you can pick up at the library to go with it. There is an example of the craft and some info at the end of the story portion of the trail. It's also a sweet little walk in its own right. The wild leeks are blooming this time of year."
Beth Ann
"Nice, clean, quiet area. Only found 2 pieces of trash on my search. Well marked trails. Met with some friendly dogs along the way."
Beth O'Brien
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coy Mountain Preserve is located near downtown Alden. While specific public transport options are limited, it's within walking distance of downtown Alden, making it accessible for those staying nearby. Driving is the most common way to reach the preserve.
Information regarding dedicated parking facilities is scarce, but given its proximity to downtown Alden, visitors often find parking in the town and walk to the preserve.
Yes, many reviews mention it's within walking distance of beautiful downtown Alden, making it a convenient addition to a town visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Coy Mountain Preserve is completely free to visit. Enjoy the natural beauty without any admission cost.
The preserve is open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy it every day.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The preserve features a well-marked 1.6-mile trail that forms two loops. It's described as rugged terrain with a mature hardwood forest. +1
Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
There is a seasonal view of Torch Lake from the top of the trail. While some find it a bit disappointing, it offers a nice scenic break. +1
No, there are no facilities available at Coy Mountain Preserve. Visitors should plan accordingly.
Yes, the trail is suitable for snowshoeing during winter months, offering a nice experience on the snow-covered paths.
📸 📸 Photography
The mature hardwood forest itself offers beautiful photographic opportunities, especially with the changing seasons. The seasonal view of Torch Lake from the summit can also provide scenic shots. +1
Absolutely. The diverse forest ecosystem, potential wildlife sightings, and the seasonal lake view make it a good spot for nature photographers.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and more dramatic scenes within the forest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that the trails can be rugged, so ensure children wear appropriate footwear. Since there are no facilities, plan for potty breaks before you arrive. The 1.6-mile loop is generally manageable for most children, and the opportunity to see wild leeks in spring or enjoy snowshoeing in winter adds seasonal appeal.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Dog Walkers
Dogs are welcome and must be on a leash, making it a pleasant spot for a walk with your furry friend. The clean and quiet atmosphere is frequently praised by visitors, ensuring a relaxing experience. Just be mindful of the rugged terrain and the lack of facilities, planning your visit accordingly.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
For those seeking a bit more adventure, the preserve is also noted as being suitable for snowshoeing during the winter months. The quiet, snow-covered paths offer a different perspective on the forest's beauty. While the primary focus is the hiking experience, the preserve's natural environment also makes it a potential spot for observing local wildlife and enjoying the changing seasons.
It's important to note that Coy Mountain Preserve is a natural area with no facilities, including restrooms. Visitors are encouraged to be prepared and to practice Leave No Trace principles, packing out everything they bring in to help maintain the preserve's pristine condition.
Family-Friendly Activities
This program is an excellent way to encourage children's engagement with nature and reading simultaneously, especially for those looking for social-distancing outings. The relatively short trail length (1.6 miles) is manageable for younger hikers, and the interactive element keeps them entertained. The preserve's natural beauty, combined with this creative programming, makes it a memorable destination for families visiting the Alden area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit