Tuesday, April 23, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
LOUISVILLE -- The new Nichols Pool Trail in the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area in Louisville has been opened by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. “The trail meets …
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LOUISVILLE -- The new Nichols Pool Trail in the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area in Louisville has been opened by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
“The trail meets all accessibility requirements, and the observation platform will also be available as an accessible hunting blind during the waterfowl hunting season,” said Judy Drabicki, DEC Region 6 Director.
The location features the trail, which included three observation areas and several sections of boardwalk, and overlooks the recently completed Nichols Pool Habitat Improvement Project.
“Young families can get into nature without too much effort to see bald eagles, wood ducks, beaver, bobcat, and much more,” said Drabicki.
The primary length of the trail extends for a little more than a mile to the furthest observation platform, and the other two observation areas are connected to the primary trail with short spurs.
The remainder of the two-mile trail system is a loop with a more rustic surface which rejoins the main trail near the trailhead.
The New York Power Authority oversaw the trail design and construction.
Wilson Hill WMA containswetlands, including Nichols Pool, along with other habitats including forest, grassland, and shrublands that are carefully managed to protect several sensitive wildlife, fish, and plant species associated with the St. Lawrence River. Some of the birds that breed at Wilson Hills WMA are bald eagles, common loons, osprey, bobolinks, American bitterns, wood ducks, wild turkeys, mallards, ruffed grouse, and American woodcock.
Other wildlife found at the WMA include beaver, river otter, Blanding’s turtles, porcupine, white-tailed deer, bobcat, mink, and fisher.
Game fish such as northern pike, yellow perch, and small-mouthed bass spawn in Nichols Pool, along with a variety of other native fish.
The Nichols Pool Trail parking area and trailhead are at the end of the half-mile gravel road on the north side of Route 37, east of Coles Creek State Park, and roughly 100 yards west of St. Lawrence Recreation.
