Graff Sanctuary
Trail Map

[Trail Descriptions] [Sanctuary Description] [Travel Directions]

Trail Descriptions

The TULIP TREE TRAIL, marked with white, leads down a hill from Furnace Dock Road, through a small stand of woodland and then turns right along the base of a steep rocky hillside dotted with hemlocks. The Tulip Tree Trail winds on through open woodland of tulip poplar trees. They are noted for their tall straight trunks but, since they are very susceptible to wind damage, some of them have interesting contorted shapes. The Tulip Tree Trail continues by one of the many steep sided ravines just before connecting with the River View trail, marked with blue, to the right. Bear left to stay on the trail toward a stone structure. It is of uncertain origin but may have been part of a water storage system for a former nearby estate or the railroad. The structure has been sealed on the top with concrete for safety reasons but offers a canopy-level view of the surrounding woodlands.

The RIVER VIEW TRAIL, marked with blue, begins and ends from the Tulip Tree Trail and offers a vista over the Hudson River after passing through a hemlock forest to the west. It also crosses a small meadow at the southern end. The lake seen at the foot of the ravine between the Metro North Railroad tracks and the Hudson River is privately owned. From Graft Sanctuary, one can spot bald eagles, ospreys and belted kingfishers. Due to the steepness of the slope, there is no access to the river from sanctuary land.

The JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT TRAIL, marked with red, begins at the sanctuary entrance on Briggs Lane. Please follow the trail closely near Briggs Lane as it passes close to a residential area and a private driveway crosses it. The trail is named for the lush growth of Jack-in-the-Pulpit and other spring wildflowers in the forest undergrowth along its length. It turns to the right and descends a steep hill passing the remains of long-vanished farm buildings. Look for broken bricks near the path.

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Online Maps for Sanctuaries with Walking Trails

[Brinton Brook Sanctuary] [Choate Sanctuary] [Graff Sanctuary]
[Haas Sanctuary] [Pinecliff Sanctuary] [Pruyn Sanctuary]

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