Slabsides is a rustic wood cabin located in West Park, New York. It was constructed by John Burroughs, an acclaimed nature essayist who resided in the Hudson Valley. Named for the rough bark of various tree species that line the outside of the cabin, Slabsides has been standing since 1895. Burroughs welcomed many guests to Slabsides, sporting a guestbook with nearly 7,000 signatures from people who would come to tour the area and learn about nature from Burroughs himself. Among these guests were notable figures such as John Muir, Henry Ford, and Teddy Roosevelt; many Vassar women also visited the site and were so inspired they started Wake Robin, Vassar’s first nature club which was named after one of Burroughs’ books.
John Burroughs two-story wood cabin.
The original plot of land which took up just 9 acres in 1895 has been expanded across 200 acres by the John Burroughs Association. The nature preserve is complete with many different trails spreading throughout the beautiful hemlock forest accented by waterfalls, wildflowers, fern valleys, and rock formations. The trails are open to the public year round from dawn to dusk, admission is free but donations are welcomed. The cabin itself is only open a few times a year, though the unique Adirondack log cabin architecture can be seen from the trails as well.
Slabsides has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark as well as a Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area making it not only a beautiful natural space, but a window into the past. The trails allow visitors to follow in the footsteps of John Burroughs and take some time to slow down and appreciate nature.
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more.” -John Burroughs, 1912
View into the forest from a trail.