4 Must-Experience Wheelchair Accessible Outdoor Activities in CapNY

Updated: July 2025

There are countless outdoor activities to partake in during CapNY’s spring and summer months. 10 state parks. Countless trails & opportunity. It’s important for us that CapNY has outdoor experiences that are accessible to EVERYONE across our community.

In this article, we’ll cover FOUR must-experience wheelchair outdoor activities that you should add to your to-do list on an upcoming weekend. Check it out!

Albany County
Located at 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar

Five Rivers is a natural wonder of CapNY, with over 450 acres of fields, forests, and wetlands. It offers accessible programming for children, adults, and groups. Here you’ll find their upcoming programs and events. Whether you’re looking for guided or solo exploration, with over ten miles of trails for exploration, Five Rivers “fosters discovery, spiritual refreshment and physical fitness through wholesome outdoor recreation.”

Accessible Features:

All amenities of the Visitor Center, Comfort Station, picnic area, Woodlot Trail and Nature’s Backyard Trail are wheelchair accessible, as are several hard-surfaced interior routes. Sign interpreters are available upon request for education programs. Braille, large print and audio format interpretive guides are available upon request, as well as wheelchairs, walkers and a scooter.

Columbia County
Location:
Here’s the map with the different loops and trailheads!
-To enter at the Beaver Byway: 4079 County Rd 9, East Chatham, NY
-To enter at the Lake Loop: 451 Gale Hill Road, East Chatham, NY (use this entrance for kayaking access)
-If you are planning to use the Gale Hill Road entrance please use 398 Gale Hill Road when entering in GPS. The 451 is the official 911 road number, but some GPS systems lead elsewhere.

Hand Hollow includes about 3 miles of trails, most of it being pure forest. Explorers can admire an open meadow and kayak or fish in Meizinger Lake, which includes an accessible kayak launch. You have a great chance of catching a peek at a beaver and/or great blue heron if you observe closely. Sprinkled with spring wildflowers, it makes for a beautiful spot for meditating, gazing, and photos.

Accessible Features:

The parking area and fishing pier on Spiegelberg Lake are both accessible. Click here for more.

Greene County
Location: 70 Catskill View Cir, Saugerties, NY 12477

This forest, of almost 8,000 acres, is a popular destination due to the iconic Kaaterskill Falls, which can be enjoyed by all…from Laurel-House Road parking area, it’s 0.3 miles to the observation platform overlooking the falls.

Despite misconception, there’s more than hiking trails to be explored here. There’s accessible camping, horseback riding, and more.

Accessible Features:

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access. Kaaterskill Wild Forest features several horse trails with accessible horse-mounting platforms at various trailheads. Additionally, the Escarpment Trail leads to an accessible trailside campsite.

Washington County
Location: Ferguson Road & Calhoun Lane Washington County Rte. 49, Ferguson Road, East Greenwich, NY, 12834

Wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation all encompass the purpose of Carters Pond area. Hiking, hunting, fishing, birding, and animal viewing are all popular activities there.

If hiking is calling your name, check out the mile long Interpretive Nature trail. In 2012, staff and volunteers made half of the loop into a fully accessible trail. “The trail offers an opportunity to learn more about nature and examine the relationship between wildlife, habitat, soils, and climate. There are many species of trees, plants, fungi, and ferns to identify along the path in both upland and wetland habitat communities.”

Accessible Features:

A wheelchair accessible half-mile loop trail and path to an elevated viewing platform exists within the nature trail described above. The accessible loop trail goes through several habitat areas, providing views of wooded wetlands, upland forest, and the large marshy pond. The trail has a hardened stone dust surface and includes a boardwalk, several foot bridges, and ample passing spaces. It is connected to a designated accessible parking area. There is no privy at this location.

A shorter trail leads from the accessible parking area up a very slight grade to a point where it meets a wooden boardwalk with railings. The level board walk extends out toward the pond as the surrounding ground slopes fairly steeply down to the water’s edge. The short board walk ends at a small deck with railings that allows room for a wheelchair to turn around. The viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk provides a pleasant bird’s eye view of the pond.

 

Now get outside & explore! Tag us in your pics @gocapny on all platforms!

  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

10 Can’t Miss Walking Trails in Rensselaer County

Updated: July 2025

Just across the Hudson River from bustling Albany, Rensselaer County is a dream for hikers, cyclists, artists, nature-lovers, and locavores. Ten wonderful walking trails in Rensselaer County await you, just minutes away from the cities!


Driving east from Albany or Troy, you’ll soon start to notice the hills, and eventually your ears might pop. That’s due to the Rensselaer Plateau, a higher-elevation forested region with features that you might expect only in the Adirondacks. Spruce-fir forests, bogs and lakes, rare plants and animals, and sparkling streams soothe the senses.

  • Fall in Love with Rensselaer County

Looking for walking trails in Rensselaer county? Fortunately, community-led groups like the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance and Rensselaer Land Trust have conserved many special places in the county and built trails for all to enjoy.

And it’s not only the forests that will make you fall in love with Rensselaer County. Small towns, family farms, art centers, and good food will pull you in, too. Whether you’re a bird nerd, a weekend hiker, or a creative person looking for space to think and feel, come on out and explore.

I asked the volunteers, young parents, and activists—those who know our local trails best—for their favorite walking trails in Rensselaer County.

Seasonal tips: Winter: dress in layers and avoid cotton; wear boots with good tread and consider microspikes, yaktrax, or ski poles. Spring, summer, fall: protect yourself from ticks. Fall/hunting season: wear orange and stay on the trail.

Follow the hyperlinks for each preserve for trail maps.

If you’re looking to take a road trip through Rensselaer County, click here!

  • Falls Trail

Barberville Falls Preserve, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA)
Rensselaer County’s iconic waterfall, Best meditation spot

Few spots in Rensselaer County are as breathtaking as the 92-foot waterfall at Barberville Falls Preserve. As the centerpiece of a 140-acre pristine forest preserve, the Poesten Kill creek drops 92 feet into a gorge and tumbles down a striking rockface. At the base of the waterfall is a large pool that feeds back into the creek. In winter, you can marvel at the ice and how it sparkles in the sun. In the summer, find your perfect spot for meditation, painting, photography, or just basking on one of the large boulders along the creek.

To reach the waterfall, take the short but steep Falls Trail from the parking area on Blue Factory Rd. If you visit in winter, be sure to have sturdy footwear with good traction (microspikes or ski poles are a plus!) as you climb down a staircase made of wood from the surrounding forest and follow the winding trail down to the falls.

Tips: For a memorable Rensselaer Plateau experience, combine Barberville Falls with RPA’s Poestenkill Community Forest, just about four miles up the road.

Hungry after your hike? Visit downtown Averill Park and stop at Young’s Pharmacy and General Store for homemade soup or sandwiches from Paula’s Country Kitchen and go home with a 4-pack of Nine Pin Cider. For a hearty dinner, Towne Tavern has a lively vibe and a full menu of burgers, pizza, pasta, and delicious vegetarian options, plus 20 beers on draft. 

  • Valley View and Vulture’s View Trail loop

Grafton Forest, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance (RPA)
Ecological gem, Sunset views, Photographer’s choice

Sophie, a young climate activist, recommends hiking up to the rocky overlooks on Valley View Trail and Vulture’s View Trail at Grafton Forest just before sunset. The views to the west are stunning, with the Tomhannock Reservoir—a.k.a. Troy’s drinking water source— in the foreground and the Adirondack and Green Mountains beyond. From Vulture’s View, you can loop back on Whoop-de do Trail, or hike to a third overlook on Rynard’s Roost Trail.  “I love the diversity of wildlife and plants at Grafton Forest,” Sophie says. Lichens, rare mosses and plants, and animals like bobcat and moose, make this place extra special and sensitive. Stay on trail as you soak in the beauty of this ecological gem. Photographers, bring your camera.

Getting there is the challenge but just requires an awareness of conditions. The town road leading to the parking area is not graded and is not plowed in winter. When there’s snow, 4-wheel drive with good clearance is required. In warmer months, drive slowly to avoid potholes.

Tips: Before or after your hike, pick up some local food while supporting a family farm at the Laughing Earth Farm self-serve farm store. Annie and Zack Metzger keep it stocked with meats, eggs, milk, some veggies, honey, maple syrup, and a few crafty items like local handmade soap. Open seven days a week, daylight hours.

  • Dickinson Hill Fire Tower Trail

Grafton Lakes State Park, park at end of Long Pond Road
360° view, Most impressive views

“Fire Tower Trail is one of my favorites and great for families,” says Dick Gibbs, mountain biker and forest conservationist. “We’ve taken our grandkids on this trail since they were toddlers and they still love it.” Dick was a force behind restoring the fire tower over a decade ago. Thanks to him, you can now climb the tower to get a 360° view of the Rensselaer Plateau and Taconic Mountains, and the Adirondacks to the north and west.

Getting there: Don’t enter the main Park entrance. Instead, take North Long Pond Road from route 2. Drive to the end of Long Pond Road to the parking area. After parking, backtrack on foot down Long Pond Road to the historic Fire Tower Road on your left. Hike up Fire Tower Road for a little over a mile (steep and rough, but worth it!) to the service road gate on your right. If you choose to climb the 60-ft fire tower, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in Rensselaer County.

Tips: Combine your trip with a visit to the Grafton Peace Pagoda—one of seven in the world! It’s a Japanese Buddhist temple built on Mohican sacred land. The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, every day, year-round. (note: Due to Covid, the temple and bathrooms are closed.)

Extra info to use if interesting: Along the way up Fire Tower Road, look for info kiosks that honor Grafton native Helen Ellett, who, in the 1940’s, was one of the 1st female fire tower observers in New York.

  • Bloomingdale Brook Waterfall Loop Trail

Rensselaer Tech Park, Closest to Albany and Troy
Waterfalls, easy loop, public transportation

If water is your happy place and time is of the essence, try this short and lovely loop hike that’s close to Troy and Albany. You’ll see a beautiful waterfall and cross two bridges over the brook. “It’s a great short hike for kids or people just starting to discover the wonders and peace of the outdoors,” says Tanja, an RPA volunteer who hikes with her daughters, husband, and three dogs. “In the summer, it’s quiet and the waterfall trickle is calming. In winter, with the leaves down, the traffic of 90 and 787 and the train are present, but I still enjoy a quick dog walk on the loop.” Budding botanists, be sure to visit in early spring when you can see ephemeral wildflowers such as blood root, trout lily, and mayapple, in bloom.

To get there, drive into the Tech Park as far as the WMHT building, then left to the trailhead parking. Or, take CDTA bus #224—it stops right outside the Tech Park.

Tips: After your hike, stop at Alexis Diner not far north on Rt 4 for Souvlaki and Greek Salad, or order a delectable Mediterranean takeout dinner from Garlic Lover’s Corner.

  • Dorothy’s Equal Access Trail

Poestenkill Community Forest
Most accessible, Mixed use, ADA-compliant accessible trail

“We love hiking at the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance’s Poestenkill Community Forest, and especially appreciate this new mixed-use trail,” August, a new dad, says. “With our young family – we had twins in March 2020 – getting outside is more important to us ever.  We strap the kids on our backs when we can all hike together. When it’s just one of us we can put them in the stroller and walk Dorothy’s Trail. We can take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest and still be close to the car—and the nice big restroom for changing a diaper!” As a millennial who is working from home during the pandemic, August is more grateful than ever for the peace and tranquility that’s just a short ride away.

If you’re up for a longer excursion, Poestenkill Community Forest is a treasure trove of hiking trails and ecological wonders. Big Beaver Bog Trail is a must if you like bogs … and carnivorous plants. Pitcher plants, anyone? And mountain bikers, you can test out the MTB trails and skills course!

Tips: After Poestenkill Community Forest, grab a sandwich at Duncan’s Farm to Market Country Store (4 Main Street, Poestenkill). Or, have a beer at Beer Diviner Brewery & Taproom in Cherry Plain.

  • Homestead Trail

Albert Family Community Forest
Most Family Friendly, Old stone walls and foundations, Nature Play Area, a hempcrete eco-cabin

Peter, a volunteer trail worker and outdoorsman, highly recommends the Homestead Trail at the Albert Family Community Forest. “This route will take you through beautiful hemlock forests and 200-year-old stone walls, by an abandoned homestead with a crumbled foundation and hand-dug well, along a cascading brook, and skirting a large wetland.” A bonus is the new footbridge over the brook, recently built by an Eagle Scout. If you finish Homestead Trail and are looking for more, take Susan’s Ramble or the Cascades Trail loop (with a series of small waterfalls).

While you’re at the Community Forest, check out the cabin (soon-to-be Nature Classroom) just beyond the parking area. It was restored by two Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students (Cam Kasper and Sam Berrigan) in 2020, using hempcrete, a regenerative natural building material. Behind the cabin, you’ll find a Nature Play Area where kids can swing, practice their balance, and explore primitive shelters.

Tips: Once you’re done playing, drive south to Blueberry Hill Market Caféin New Lebanon for a tasty breakfast or lunch, and tea or coffee from their barista menu. Their turmeric chai latte will warm your belly after a winter hike!

  • Ridge Top Trail

Kinderhook Creek Preserve, Rensselaer Land Trust
Most playful “workout hike,” swinging benches, pull ropes, and water

For Molly, a social worker and nature meditation guide living in rural Rensselaer County, Ridge Top Trail at Kinderhook Creek Preserve is the perfect place to let off steam. “It’s steep enough to get the heart pumping and is also really beautiful with interesting rock formations,” she says. The higher you climb, the better the view, especially when the leaves are off the trees in winter. Then hang on tight to the guide rope and take the Up & Down Trail (also steep) down to the creek. Walk back along the creek on SAY Trail, or, in summer stay a while and dip your toes in the cool water. There are swinging benches and picnic tables at various spots all along the way. There are also vernal pools, and “in spring, you can hear the spring peeper tree frogs singing their hearts out,” Molly says.

After your workout hike, sample some beer made with sustainable and local ingredients at S & S Farm Brewery. As you sip and relax, relish the beauty of this 6th generation family farm.

  • The Long Trail

Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center
Best example of Rensselaer Plateau ecology, Lush moss & boardwalks

Amanda, an environmental educator with a green thumb, loves the trails at Dyken Pond for the lush moss and rich plant life. Try the Long Trail, which winds its way for about four miles through the forests and wetlands of the DPEEC. Head up the hill across the field at the main parking area for the northern section, which will take you through hardwood forest, a fern meadow, a small fen, and past an incredible glacial erratic (a boulder deposited by glaciers long ago) nicknamed “Grandfather.”

The southern section of the Long Trail passes through a series of spectacular wetlands as you cross a 300-foot boardwalk. The Long Trail is also open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in a back-country setting. Check the website at www.dykenpond.org for current trail and road conditions. Hungry after your hike? Stop by Grafton’s Town Store (2436 NY-2, Cropseyville, 12052) for a tasty grilled cheese and tomato sandwich. Or, combine your Dyken Pond adventure with a walk or mountain bike ride at Grafton Lakes State Park.

  • Petersburg Pass to the Snow Hole

Part of the Taconic Crest Trail
More strenuous, Great views

For a longer hike, sample a stretch of the 37-mile Taconic Crest Trail, which passes through New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont, following the Taconic Range. Marked by white diamonds on a blue square and maintained by the Taconic Hiking Club, the trails that lead off both north and south are easy to follow.

From the parking lot at Petersburg Pass, head across Rt. 2 and up a steep but short ascent, entering Hopkins Forest. Stop at a hang glider overlook just ¼ mile up on the west side for a spectacular view and then continue 2.5+ miles to a sign for a short detour off the trail to the east. There you’ll find a deep crevasse, called “The Snow Hole,” where year-round cold holds onto snow even into the summer. This section of the Taconic Range is marked by mature forest, frequent views, rocky outcrops and ledges, and several side trails.

Post-hike, enjoy the best and only Mexican food in Stephentown at Norte Azul Cantina. “Great food, good for vegetarians, tasty fish tacos, and don’t forget the spicy Margarita,” says Fran, a local leader in conservation and trails.

2nd “tips” option if you include Waterfall Trail (see below):If you have energy leftover, head east on Rt. 2 and into Williamstown for The Clark art museum and a fine selection of town restaurants and shops.

  • Waterfall Trail

Cherry Plain State Park
Most idyllic

Fran Egbert, a local leader in conservation and trail building, has a soft spot for the Waterfall Trail in Cherry Plain because it’s beautiful and interesting in all seasons. In winter, the ice formations glisten, and in summer you can hop across the Black River to cool off. “After a hike I love sitting at the end of the lake, with minimal company other than in July or August. Without cell service, I’m forced to be present and observe all the sounds and smells around me.  She also likes the Mill Pond Trail, which brings you to an old dam and Mill Pond and house site. Cherry Plain has several challenging loops for hiking, snowshoeing, biking, so check out the park map for more ideas. The park is surrounded by the Capital District Wildlife Management Area, with more than 4,000 acres of forest and wildlife habitat.

IF YOU USE THIS TRAIL, use 2nd option for Taconic Crest meal tips.

Fran suggests you follow up with a stop at Norte Azul Cantina, the best and only Mexican Restaurant in Stephentown. “Great food, good for vegetarians, tasty fish tacos, and don’t forget the spicy Margarita,” she says.

Photo credits: Nate Simms, Kate Lovering Photography, Fred McCagg Photography

  • Written by: Annie Jacobs

7 Great Places to Ride Horses in CapNY

There’s no better view than the one from a saddle. The rhythmic pattern of horse hooves on a sandy path melts away all my stress of daily life. Plus, a sure-footed horse can carry us to places off the beaten path through scenic fields, alongside streams, and into the foothills of the Adirondack and Catskill mountains.
  • Exploring CapNY By Horse

From north to south, the capital region has great places to ride horses. Horseback trail riding is my favorite way to explore CapNY. Stables that rent horses for guided tours means you don’t have to own one to enjoy riding. Spring, summer and fall are the most popular times of year. Some barns offer winter rides as the weather allows.

Each trail riding location operates a little differently. Walk-ups can be accommodated at some places, where others require reservations. It’s always best to call ahead to confirm rates, availability and age requirements.

  • Riding North In Saratoga and Warren Counties

In the small town of Hadley, residents crowded the streets in early 1951. They were eagerly awaiting the arrival of a special rail delivery: a train car carrying 30 wild horses was arriving from Montana. As the horses stepped out of the train, wranglers were waiting. They drove the band of horses five miles north along Route 9N, through small towns, and up to Painted Pony Ranch. This was the first and only delivery of horses to the Adirondack area by railcar. But Painted Pony was far from the first riding ranch in the region.

The first Adirondack Mountain dude ranch opened in the 1920s. At the industry’s peak, there were almost 40 dude ranches and 19 horses-for-hire stables in the area. These three trail riding stables have been an integral part of CapNY cowboy culture for decades, and are favorite places to ride for non-horse people and equestrians alike.

  • Horseback Riding Near Albany and Troy

Not far from the bustling downtowns of Albany and Troy are acres of woods and open fields, which are perfect for exploring by horseback. Unforgettable aromas waft from wildflowers in the summer. And if you’re lucky, there’s a possibility of seeing deer, turkey and other small wildlife. Best of all, it’s possible to trade in city sidewalks for quiet trails less than 25 miles from Albany or Troy at these three great places to ride horses:

  • Catskill by Horseback

Though not as large as the Adirondacks, the Catskill Forest Preserve has nearly 290,000 acres of protected land, beckoning horseback riders of all ages and levels of experience. Unique from other riding destinations, stables in the southern part of the Capital Region offer multiple attractions for all ages.

Exotic animals, camping and paintball are part of the experience at the Bailiwick Animal Park and Riding Stables in Catskills. Mix and match activities for a full-day of family fun or make it into an overnight getaway.

  • Written by: Katie Navarra

Katie Navarra is a professional writer based in the Capital Region. She has written for Popular Science, The Motley Fool Blueprint, Western Horseman, Horse & Rider and others. She is also a life and executive career coach who helps clients find clarity and success in and out of the office. Learn more at katienavarra.com.

A Breath of Fresh Air: 16 CapNY Walks in the Woods

Lucky for us, CapNY is flush with amazing outdoor spots that offer wide open green space and interesting walking trails that often lead to curiosities and wonders, like waterfalls, windmills, and so much more.

Here’s our list of 16 beautiful walks in eight-county CapNY that will allow you to safely commune with nature, take a deep breath, clear your head, and move your body.

  • Schenectady County Walks

West Campbell Road, Schenectady, NY 12306

Transport yourself to the marshy lowlands of The Netherlands — windmills included! — just outside of downtown Schenectady. This 1.8-mile loop leads through woods before the trail becomes a boardwalk around a small lake. Look for a small wooden windmill at the trailhead.

Sanders Road, Schenectady, NY 12302

Tucked away in Glenville along Washout Creek, follow this short walking trail to find a small cascade of waterfalls that turns into a dry creek bed in the summer. If you wait to try this trail in warmer months, use the lack of water to look for fossils in the river rocks.

  • Albany County Walks
776 Bozenkill Road, Altamont, NY 12009

Clocking in at two and a half miles, Wolf Creek Falls Preserve is a short drive from the town of Altamont in nearby Knox. It is part of a 138 acre parcel that is included in the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy. The trail abuts many old fieldstone walls, pointing to the history of Albany’s earliest settlers.

New York State Capitol Building, State Street, Albany, NY 12210

You don’t have to travel far from our area downtowns to find some green space. West Capitol Park offers stunning views of the Capitol building and is home flowering trees, sweet-sounding birds and rascally (but entertaining) squirrels. Bring your sketchbook for al fresco art time.

  • Rensselaer County Walks
100 Defreest Drive, Troy, NY 12180

Tucked away on the northern side of Rensselaer Technology Park is a set of trails that lead to a surprising waterfall. You will need sturdy shoes for this trail, as there are hills to climb and you may have to cross water to stay on the two mile trail. Park in the loop near WMHT studios, and look for the red discs posted as trail guides.

Staats Island Road, Castleton-On-Hudson, NY 12033

For more walks in the woods that lead you to water, venture down to the shores of the Hudson River as you explore this well-groomed trail that is great for dogs. Picnic tables are available, and bring your binoculars if you have them, as there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching for various types of waterfowl and smaller migratory birds.

  • Saratoga County Walks
Falstaff’s Parking Lot off Wait Lane, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Just beyond Downtown Saratoga and the Skidmore campus is a series of walks in the woods along hiking trails that make the bustle of Saratoga Springs feel like a world away. There are several trails to choose from, none of them longer than two miles. A 200-foot elevation gain means an uphill climb on some trails, but this is still family-friendly.

Riverview Road, Rexford, NY 12148 (Multiple entrances)

This four mile loop offers an array of interesting sites and vistas, including Eric Canal remnants of towpaths and double locks, Clute’s Dry Dock, Forts Ferry, and a picnic area overlooking the Mohawk River that is nestled within the bird conservation area designated by NYSDEC. Audubon New York has observed more than 200 bird species in this area.

  • Columbia County Walks
1 North Front Street, Hudson, NY 12534

Go for a stroll along the well-maintained gardens, dotted by manicured shrubs and historical statues and markers, before grabbing a bench to overlook the Hudson River while the sun sets on the Catskill mountains. This city park has the feel of a hidden European green space.

480 Rock City Road, Chatham, NY 12037

This easy hike around Sutherland Pond is maintained by Columbia Land Conservancy. While the views are lovely and the hike takes little exertion, the best part is greeting all the friendly dogs that you’ll encounter at Ooms. This is also a notable place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

  • Greene County Walks
Betke Boulevard, Coxsackie, NY 12051

Need a place to lay out in the sun on a blanket (with plenty of distance from others!) or to kick a soccer ball around? Riverside Park, in Coxsackie, is a great place to do just that. The expansive views of the Hudson River and the boats that traverse that waterway are just an added bonus.

Trailhead located just south of Prattsville town center on NY-Route 23, Prattsville, NY 12468

Looking for artistic inspiration? Try Pratt Rock Trail, coined “America’s First Mount Rushmore” for the carvings into the rock facade and statues along the way. There are some steep inclines on this trail, which occasionally calls for climbing over large rocks, but the trail is otherwise moderate. Views down the Schoharie River Valley and its fertile farms can be see below.

  • Washington County Walks
County Route 49, Salem, NY 12865

Plan on spending some time with your thoughts as you gaze over Carters Pond, just outside the quaint town of Salem. This super-short and very flat hike leads to an overlook area that allows you keep an eye out for swooping birds (including predatory fowl like eagles and hawks) and breaching fish snatching bugs from the pond’s surface.

Windy Hill Road, Greenwich, NY 12834

This short trail along the Battenkill River invites walks in the woods at any time of year and leads to several small perches that allow visitors to view the falls below. If you have limited time but want a big impact, keep this gem in mind.

  • Warren County Walks
Towpath Lane, Fort Edward, NY 12828

This northern section of the Lakes to Locks bike path connects riders, skaters, runners and walkers to Lake George from downtown Fort Edward. It connects through various towns through Warren County and offers views of the Adirondacks, Glen Lake and the Hudson River. The trail is paved for smooth riding.

82 Haviland Avenue, Queensbury, NY 12804

While this trail is seven miles long and runs from the Feeder Dam to the Old Champlain Canal, you can choose to just explore a portion of it by foot, or use the well-maintained trail for a longer run or a bike ride. A five acre park surrounds the entrance on Haviland Avenue and there is plenty of space for enjoying a meal outside or setting up supplies to do some sketching or writing.

Do you have favorite CapNY Walks in the Woods that we’ve missed? Send us a note about your top walks!

  • Written By: Deanna Fox
Journalist. Owner of Silly Goose Farm. Momma. Ambivert. Check out her website!

CapNY Road Trip From Saratoga Springs to Schuylerville

This country drive on Route 29 from Saratoga Springs to Schuylerville is a great chance to revel in the farmland, lakes and rivers, and apple groves of rural Saratoga County. The solace and space of Stillwater, Schuylerville and all of these little hamlets make for a great spring drive.
How to Get There

A road trip from Saratoga Springs to Schuylerville begins at Exit 14 Saratoga off the Northway I-87. Follow directions for NY-9P toward NY-29/Saratoga Springs/Schuylerville. Route 29 will be the “backbone” for this drive, with side jaunts to Saratoga National Historic Park, Fish Creek, Hudson Crossing Park, and more. Download this custom Google Map to find all stops mentioned in this article.

What to See

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail, Route 29, Saratoga Springs. This two-mile, well-maintained rail trail is an easy, relaxing walk through marshy wetlands (don’t worry, the trail itself is dry). I was thrilled to see a blue heron during my visit in May.

Saratoga National Historic Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater. The park facilities and tour road are closed, but the grounds are open for pedestrians and bicycles every day from sunrise to sunset. Click here for a map to the grounds. Updates are available on their Facebook page.

Hudson Crossing Park, County Road 42, Schuyerville. Open every day, year round, dawn to dusk. This terrific park offers fishing and birding sites, a children’s play garden (keep safe distances, of course!) and two miles of nature trails with panoramic Hudson River views and Champlain Canal overlooks. There’s also a floating dock where boaters can stay for up to 48 hours, and a kayak launch on their Riverwalk Sensory Trail walk.

Champlain Canal Lock 5, County Road 42, Schuylerville. On your way to Hudson Crossing Park, park your car and take a look at Champlain Canal Lock 5. The now-inactive lock has great signage to give you a sense of our region’s history and relationship with the Canal.

Kayak Shak, 251 County Route 67, Saratoga Springs. Enjoy some spring paddling on Fish Creek! You’ll need to book your reservation online before arriving, as no more than 5 watercrafts will be allowed to launch at once, every 15 minutes.

Browns Beach / Saratoga Lake, 511 NY-9P, Saratoga Springs, NY. If you’ve never seen Saratoga Lake, this side tour is worth your time. You can enjoy the serene and beautiful lake drive from your car, and if you want to stretch your legs, Brown’s Beach offers public access to the lake.

Where to Eat

Farmer’s Daughters’ Drive-In Restaurant, 882 Route 29, Saratoga Springs. One of my all-time favorites, this 60’s style stops is doing a fantastic job of adapting to quarantine, with car-side or internet orders, and safe, well-marked pickups. Try the fresh-cut fries with Michigan sauce. Gluten-free menu and cones available.

Saratoga Apple Orchard and Farm Stand, Route 29, Schuylerville. This Saratoga institution is open daily all year round, offering a full array of fresh vegetables in addition to its startlingly fresh, crisp apples — twelve varieties in all! Delivery is also available within 15-mile radius.

Just Meats, 1023 Route 29, Schuylerville. A carnivore’s paradise, this butcher shop has deli sandwiches made to order (call ahead for pick up, 518-507-6061) and fresh meat, milk and eggs for purchase.

Saratoga Gluten Free Goods, 176 Broad Street, Schuylerville. Trust me, you do NOT have to be gluten free to enjoy these amazing, homemade baked goods. Grab yourself some lemon blueberry cheesecake bars. You’ll thank me later.

Harvest and Hearth, 251 County Route 67, Saratoga Springs. Terrific wood-fired pizza and more are available for takeout and dine in. Located on Fish Creek, right next door to Kayak Shak, if you’re up for a paddle!