Interpretive Nature Trails in the Adirondacks:
Barnum Brook Trail

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The Barnum Brook Trail near Paul Smiths, New York, is an interpretive nature trail designed to provide access to an Adirondack wetland and several different kinds of forest communities. It is one of fourteen trails at the Paul Smith's College VIC. 

Trail Overview

The surfaced trail – designed to be accessible to those who have difficulty walking – begins at the gazebo near the parking lot of the Visitor Center.

• Those taking a clockwise route should bear to the left at the intersection. The trail meanders through second-growth forest to two overlooks with good views of Heron Marsh and St. Regis Mountain.  The two overlooks provide exellent access to Heron Marsh, affording the opportunity to observe birds and marsh-dwelling mammals, such as North American River Otter. Look for Painted Turtles basking on half-submerged logs and listen for Spring Peepers.
• The path then follows Barnum Brook through a riparian woodland on a boardwalk. Use caution on the boardwalk, as it is apt to be slippery when wet.
• After crossing a fish barrier dam, you return to the gazebo through a stand of Eastern White Pines.

The walking is very easy, with a few slight grades and many benches to rest along the way.

Birds Seen along the Trail

Birds commonly heard and seen near the gazebo or in the mixed hardwood/conifer forest include:

 Birds heard and seen at the overlooks on Heron Marsh include:

Wildflowers and Flowering Shrubs Seen along the Trail

 Wildflowers and flowering shrubs commonly seen along this trail include:

Trees Seen along the Trail

Trees seen along the trail include:

Getting There: Trail Map and Directions to the Paul Smith's College VIC