drowned lands swamp
Address
654 County Route 3, Ancramdale
Town may appear as Ancram or Ancramdale, and the exact address number may vary
Activities
Birding, cross-country skiing, hiking, hunting, walking, view of Old Croken
Features
Low trail traffic, poor cell reception, benches at overlooks
Size
1 mile of trails (out-and-back)
114 acres
This site is part of the Harlem Valley wetlands complex, one of the largest wetlands in New York. The site has an interesting history – local folklore recounts stills operating during Prohibition. Reportedly, still operators used the flagpole at the top of Old Croken to notify potential buyers when batches were ready. Drowned Lands Swamp has a heavy black fly population, so you may wish to visit outside the summer months.
The trails at Drowned Lands are primarily packed earth, with some rocks. The Streamside Trail can be muddy, and the Summit Trail includes a steep incline.
Drowned Lands Swamp is open to the public, for free, from dawn to dusk daily. Leashed dogs are allowed, please pick up after them. There are no restrooms available.