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Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar, NY

With hundreds of acres of forest, fields, ponds, and more, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar, NY, is a beautiful place to visit in the Capital Region and experience the great outdoors.

pond with cattails and blue sky
Photo Courtesy of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Birdwatching, Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing, and More

Less than a 25-minute drive from Albany, you’ll find this nature center, which acts as a unique living museum and spans over 450 acres of woods, fields, and wetlands. Guests can hike and snowshoe over 10 miles of trails, enjoying a meal at the picnic area, spotting the wildlife from an animal viewing platform, checking out the Visitor Center, and much more. The Center also offers accessible exhibits, trails, and educational programs.

This property is an excellent place for animal watching, and visitors may spot deer, squirrels, turtles, geese, spring and fall migrations, and of course, over 225 species of birds.

Accessible Outdoor Fun for All

fisher trail at five rivers in autumn
Photo Courtesy of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

If you’re looking for a nature center with accessible recreation, you'll want to visit Five Rivers. In 2022, the New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) completed a .66-mile long trail at the Center, most of which is constructed in compliance with DEC accessibility guidelines for people with mobility disabilities. Along the trail, visitors will find several accessible benches and an elevated viewing platform.

Two new parking lots are available off Fisher Boulevard and the end of Mason Lane, and they both feature a map and information kiosk.

Other amenities at Five Rivers including the Visitor Center, Comfort Station, picnic area, Woodlot Trail, and Nature’s Backyard Trail are wheelchair accessible. The Center also offers wheelchairs and a scooter, upon visitor request. Sign language interpreters for their educational programs can be arranged with advance notice.

About Five Rivers Environmental Education Center

Visiting the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is a great chance to explore exhibits, such as a live owl and honey bee observation hive, ask your burning questions to the knowledgeable staff, and look for birds from their special viewing deck. The hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails are spectacular, and the Center offers a variety of accessible programs and activities for individuals, families, and organized groups.

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is open Monday through Saturday, year-round, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, except for state holidays. The grounds and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. It is located at 56 Game Farm Road in Delmar and can be reached by calling 518-475-0291. Note: pets are not allowed on the property or trails, with the exception of trained service dogs and miniature horses helping their companion.

Things to Enjoy

  • Visitor Center and Exhibits
  • Picnic Area 
  • Accessible Trail & Facilities
  • Animal and Bird Watching
  • Special Programs
  • Guided Lessons
  • Hiking

Winter Fun

deer in the snow
Photo Courtesy of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Snowshoeing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Animal and Bird Watching

Contact Information

Visitor Center: 518-475-0291

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