Zurich Bog – Arcadia, NY

I often feel very privileged to visit so many incredible destinations in our beautiful state, and I am always excited to share our adventures with you, our readers. Every once in a while, though, we stumble across a destination that is so unique, extraordinary even, that my excitement can’t be contained. Zurich Bog is one of those places.

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Zurich Bog is so completely different than anywhere else that we have visited in New York State. We spent much of our time hiking here in a state of awe and kept commenting about how beautiful it was and how cool the habitats were. There are several different stunning habitats within this National Natural Landmark.

National Natural Landmark

It is not surprising that this amazing bog would be on the list of New York’s 28 National Natural Landmarks. A National Natural Landmark is recognized by the Department of the Interior for its unique geological and biological attributes. The program is designed to promote the conservation and land preservation of parcels of land that feature rare characteristics uncommon around the United States.

A Multitude of Habitats

Zurich Bog has the distinction of having several different habitats within the bog that are some of the most unique that we have encountered and the most splendid. As you enter the bog from the small parking area, you will follow a narrow path through the wood. This path is lined with all sorts of wildflowers and shrubs dispersed through the trees.

You will suddenly come upon a marshy area of swampy woods. There is a path made of planks that have been laid down for visitors to walk on. You must stay on the path. The ground here is very soft and muddy at best; it can also be deeper than it appears. The planks will keep your feet dry as you walk through this amazing swamp forest. It is incredible to see the immense life that grows in this area of Zurich Bog. It really is just breathtakingly beautiful.

Eventually, the trail leads to a large forest that is filled with mature trees. This forest is spectacular. It is effortless to lose track of the trail in this section of Zurich Bog. The trees on the trail are marked with white hashes. Yet, they are marked as infrequent intervals. If you aren’t paying attention, it is easy to wander off the trail.

The Wonders of the Bog

The final trail leads to Mud Pond. This is the most fascinating part of the Zurich Bog. You will want to really watch your step here. The black mud is not stable, and you will most likely not make it all the way to the pond. Zurich Bog is a sphagnum bog which means it is filled with peat moss and hair-cap moss, which creates a spongy and bouncy walking surface. This part was just wild. It was literally like walking on an air mattress. You can feel the ground bouncing underneath your feet.

It is a little unsettling because you feel like you could fall through, but you don’t. I was definitely nervous at first, but if you avoid the mud, you should be fine. We took several sticks and stuck them into the black mud to see how far in they would go. It was easily 8 feet deep. My kids thought it was one of the coolest places we had ever visited. I have to agree it was pretty wild.

The Carnivorous Plants in the Bog

Not often do you find carnivorous plants in New York State. The high acid levels of the bog make it a harsh growing environment for plants with neutral ph levels. However, it is the perfect growing environment for a carnivorous plant known as a Pitcher Plant. In the fall, visitors will see the trees of the bog in their fall colors but also the bog floor washed in brilliant red as the peat moss changes from its normal green color.

Wildlife in Zurich Bog

A natural habitat like Zurich Bog is full of wildlife if you keep your eyes peeled. We spotted lots of evidence of animal life as we hiked through the Bog, such as burrows, scat, and chewed-up wood. My eagle-eyed children picked out several snakes along the trail. They were harmless little Garter Snakes or Northern Red Belly Snakes. You can hear the sounds of an abundance of birds and frogs as you walk through Zurich Bog. Depending on the time of day you visit, you might have the opportunity to see more animals. Early mornings and evenings (towards dusk) are the best times for spotting wildlife.

When we visited in the spring, there was no sign of mosquitoes. However, given the wet environment, it’s a good bet that they will be pretty active during the summer and fall months. I highly recommend using a good bug repellent before entering the bog. Also, remember to check for ticks when leaving as well.

Getting to Zurich Bog

Zurich Bog is easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention. It is located on Arcadia Zurich Norris Rd Between Zurich Rd and Wunder Rd in the town of Arcadia. There is a large boulder next to the small parking area near the trailhead. We circled around twice, trying to find the Bog. As I said, it is really easy to miss.

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