By Blake Jackson
Maple season is now in full swing, and Warren County’s Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center in the Town of Bolton is preparing to mark the occasion with its sixth annual Maple Festival on March 7, 2026.
Visitors can join naturalists for guided tours along the farm’s Sugar Trail, where they will explore the sugarbush, learn how sap is collected, and visit the sugarhouse.
Along the way, guests will discover the history and science behind maple sugaring, from traditional tapping methods to modern syrup production techniques. Each tour concludes with a delicious sampling of golden, amber, and dark maple syrup served with French toast stick dippers.
Designed for all ages, the festival offers families a hands-on opportunity to experience a working sugaring operation. Participants will rotate through interactive stations to see how trees are tapped, observe sap boiling into syrup, and learn how maple production has evolved over time. The sweet aroma of simmering sap adds to the authentic experience.
Tours begin every 30 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to noon and resume from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Up Yonda Farm, located at 5279 Lake Shore Drive (Route 9N) in Bolton.
Advance reservations are required and can be made online. Tickets cost $6 per person, and a $5 per vehicle parking fee supports the center’s educational and recreational programs. Because the Maple Festival frequently sells out, early registration is strongly encouraged.
Up Yonda Farm also offers maple programs for school and community groups throughout March. Interested groups can contact the center directly for additional details at 518-644-9767.
Photo Credit:pixabay-johan1127
Categories: New York, General, Rural Lifestyle