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Iroquois NWR

Kanyoo
Nature Trail

 

 

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is located in the rural towns of Alabama and Shelby, midway between Rochester and Buffalo, NY.  "Kanyoo" is an Iroquois word meaning "wildlife". On this trail you'll discover the diversity of nature. As you walk you may spot swallows or bluebirds. You'll walk through a mixed woods of cherry, maple, beech and tulip trees with opportunities to see or hear a variety of songbirds. Vernal (spring) pools are nurseries for amphibians and recycle nutrients into the soil to support new growth. A small observation platform with benches and short boardwalk offer views of the marsh.

The Kanyoo Nature Trail is actually two trails, a yellow loop trail and a blue loop trail.  This easy, short hike can be enjoyed by all members of your family.  There are numerous benches located along the trails for those who'd like to take a break.  The Kanyoo Trail Guide is available at the kiosk at the parking area for this hike.  The parking area for this great hike is off NY 77 just prior to reaching Feeder Road (if your traveling from the small hamlet of Alabama).  The GPS coordinates for the parking area are N43 06.995 W78 25.900 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.

Kiosk at start of Kanyoo Nature Trail

Here is some info on each of the two trails plus an access trail:

Blue Loop Trail - approximately one mile long with a boardwalk and bridge that crosses a section of Mohawk Pool.

Yellow Loop Trail - approximately 0.3 mile long and offers a wetland observation platform at the midway point. An interpretive trail guide coincides with the numbered posts along the way.

Feeder Rd Access Trail - the grass path to the west, between the barn and Waterfowl Permit Station, leads to the Feeder Road.

Kanyoo Nature Trail hike description:

We would recommend hiking the blue and then the yellow loop, then continuing on the blue trail for a pleasant loop hike of about 1.2 miles. This hike starts at the parking area.  Follow the gravel path from the kiosk and at 0.1 miles reach a bench at an intersection.  Turn left at this intersection.  This is the Blue Loop Trail.  At 0.15 miles turn left on the Yellow Loop Trail.  At 0.35 miles reach a nice overlook with a couple of benches.  This is a great spot for a break and/or a snack.

At 0.45 miles reach the junction with the Blue Loop Trail and turn left to follow the Blue Loop Trail.  Soon reach the start of a really nice boardwalk and bridge that crosses over a section of Mohawk Pool.  There is a bench in the middle of the boardwalk.  The trail soon reaches hard ground once again.  At one point there is an unmarked trail that comes in on the left.  At 1.05 miles reach the intersection with a bench that should look familiar.  Turn left here and soon you'll reach the kiosk and parking area, marking an end of this pleasant short hike.

Look below for a few pictures, a couple of trail maps as well as a video of this great family hike.

Overlook along Yellow Loop Trail

Marker for the junction of the Yellow & Blue Loop Trails

Bridge/boardwalk over section of Mohawk Pool

Map of Kanyoo Trail

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