How You Can Help Join the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and help us keep the Adirondack region protected for nature and for people. Gadway Fast Facts Location: Near the Canadian border town of Mooers.  Find out how to visit! Size: 520 acres What We Do: The Nature Conservancy and the Adirondack Land Trust have worked cooperatively with the Miner Institute and the State University of New York at Plattsburgh to conduct scientific research at this unique site. Jack pines often form stands on sandy or rocky soil. It is fire-adapted, with the cones remaining closed for many years until a natural forest fire kills the mature trees and opens the cones. These then reseed the burnt ground. Take a Quiz! Test your knowledge of the Adirondack Park with our interactive quiz.  Find out if you're an intern, an apprentice, or a true Adirondack conservationist! Contact Us For more information, please contact: The Adirondack Chapter 8 Nature Way Keene Valley, NY 12943 (518) 576-2082 adirondacks@tnc.org

Formed 12,000 years ago by a catastrophic flood, Gadway Sandstone Pavement Barrens Preserve is by far the Conservancy's most unique Adirondack preserve.

The area was formed when glacial till was scoured off the flatrock, resulting in the exposure of an expansive rippled "beach" of Potsdam sandstone.

Why We Work Here

Gadway Barrens represents an outstanding example of a sandstone pavement barren, a globally rare natural community found in fewer than 20 sites around the world.

What to See

Animals: You may hear songbirds at the preserve, but thin soils prevent most animals from establishing homes here.

Plants: Jack pine, a fire-dependent species, is the only tree species that can survive in these extreme conditions of poor, thin soil and minimal nutrients. The understory is composed primarily of heath shrubs, such as blueberry and huckleberry, which can withstand flooding as well as drought. You can also find a wide diversity of lichens and mosses.

What to Expect

The trail begins at the register located at the edge of the parking area and is approximately ½ mile long. It is a relatively flat, loop trail that gives visitors a sense of how changes in elevation and soil depth affect species composition of the preserve. The exposed sandstone can heat up to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August.

A preserve guide is available from the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, the Adirondack Land Trust and at the trail register.

How to Visit

To prepare for your visit, please read our Preserve Visitation Guidelines.

Directions:  Click here for an interactive map and driving directions.

• From Plattsburgh, NY, take Route 22 north into the village of Mooers.
• Follow Route 11 west to the intersection with Cannon Corners Road.
• Head north on Cannon Corners Road for 2.5 miles to Gadway Road, on the left.
• Gadway Road is not marked, however there is a preserve sign at the intersection.
• Turn left and follow this unmaintained road 0.5 miles to the designated parking area on the left.

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Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Carl Heilman II (Sandstone); Photo © Greg Edinger (Jack pine); Photo © Keith Kanoti, Maine Forest Service, Bugwood.org (Jack pine).