Doggin ‘Saratoga National Historical Park: Hike with Your Dog at the Tipping Point of the Revolution

Saratoga National Historical Park preserves 3,200 acres of battlefield where
The American revolutionaries, behind General Horation Gates, prevented British control of the Hudson River in the fall of 1777. In two battles three weeks apart, the British suffered 1,000 casualties and General John Burgoyne, awaiting reinforcements that never arrived, seized. 6,000 were forced to surrender. mens.

By thwarting the British initiative to divide the colonies in half, the Americans
contributed greatly to its independence. Saratoga is one of the most
famous and influential battlefields in the world and the National Park Service
maintains the soil as it was seen in 1777.

The Wilkinson-National Recreation Trail, which is dog friendly, is a 4.2-mile loop along
the property, much of which was farmland during the Revolution. The path is called
for the lieutenant who drew maps of the Saratoga battlefield in 1777. Save for a
a single dip in the Gran Barranco, this is an easy canine walk through rolling grasslands
with islands of airy deciduous forests.

You walk with your dog along the paths that the British troops took to and from the two
battles. Interpretive stops include British and German strongholds (outlined in red and
white posts). The .6 mile Freeman Loop visits the headquarters of some of the fiercest
fighting on John Freeman’s farm and the British Balcarres stronghold.

Behind Breymann’s Redoubt, Station C, on the Wilkinson Trail, is the
Boot monument. The boot in question belonged to the American battle hero Benedict.
Arnold (before switching sides to the British). Arnold went through a crossfire in
in front of the defensive position to ensure victory and received a second injury to his
leg. The marble boot monument does not mention the name of the eventual traitor.

If you are driving on the self-tour road, there are additional short explorations,
including a mile loop trail that passes Brigadier General’s grave
Simon Fraser, the lively core of the British troops. There is no water along the
the trails of the park and on hot days there will be a canine canteen.

To get to the battlefield, leave the Northway (I-87) at Exit 14 (from the north)
or Exit 12 (from the south) and follow signs for Route 29 East to Schuylerville. Turn
Head south on Route 4 and you’ll find the main entrance to the battlefield in eight
miles.

copyright 2006