One of the best parts of Albany, New York, is its central location in the state, making it an ideal home base for exploring everywhere from New York City to the Adirondacks. But sometimes you only have time for a few hours of exploration and want to make the most of your time. Here are a few of our favorite areas to hike and soak up the colorful landscapes this fall:
- Thacher State Park
Thacher State Park Facebook Page This scenic park just 15 miles south of Albany can compete with any park in the state when it comes to panoramic views of the mountains, forests, and rolling hills throughout the region. There are also 12 miles of trails in the park, including the well-known Indian Ladder Trail.
- Saratoga Spa State Park
Flickr/Sandra Foyt
If you’re looking for the park with the most diverse set of options for activity and entertainment, Saratoga Spa State Park is hard to beat.
Saratoga Spa State Park FB page This one probably isn’t much like the state parks you’re used to visiting, but it’s one of the most unique spots in New York. The Performing Arts Center, National Museum of Dance, and the Spa Little Theater are just a few of the cultural centers that make this park a hub for all kinds of community activities. Of course, they’ve also got a ton of outdoor activities for visitors to choose from, including 12 miles of trails, ice skating, disc golf, fishing, tennis and more.
- Albany Pine Brush
Albany Pine Brush Preserve FB page
The ecological diversity of this preserve, which has existed for thousands of years, makes this a great place to discover all kinds of plants and wildlife.
Albany Pine Brush FB Page What once covered more than 40 square miles of pine barrens has now been whittled down to 3,200 acres between Albany and Schenectady and is known as the Albany Pine Bush. Even so, it is one of the largest inland pine barrens in the world. It’s also been named a National Natural Landmark.
- Kaaterskill Falls
Flickr/Rohit Ravindran
This stunning falls in the Catskills provides some of the state’s most colorful views in area.
Flickr/Wilson Bilkovich While Kaaterskill Falls is currently closed to the public, the viewing platform at the park is open, and it’s a pretty fantastic sight.
- Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve
Tripadvisor / James B It’s not always an option to travel far outside the city for a little outdoor exploration. If you’re in Albany and are looking for an easily accessible hike, head over to Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve, which sits right on the Mohawk River, a tributary of the Erie Canal.
Do you have a favorite way to celebrate autumn near Albany? Tell us all about it in the comments, or use our nomination page to let us know all about it.
Thacher State Park Facebook Page
This scenic park just 15 miles south of Albany can compete with any park in the state when it comes to panoramic views of the mountains, forests, and rolling hills throughout the region. There are also 12 miles of trails in the park, including the well-known Indian Ladder Trail.
Flickr/Sandra Foyt
Saratoga Spa State Park FB page
This one probably isn’t much like the state parks you’re used to visiting, but it’s one of the most unique spots in New York. The Performing Arts Center, National Museum of Dance, and the Spa Little Theater are just a few of the cultural centers that make this park a hub for all kinds of community activities. Of course, they’ve also got a ton of outdoor activities for visitors to choose from, including 12 miles of trails, ice skating, disc golf, fishing, tennis and more.
Albany Pine Brush Preserve FB page
Albany Pine Brush FB Page
What once covered more than 40 square miles of pine barrens has now been whittled down to 3,200 acres between Albany and Schenectady and is known as the Albany Pine Bush. Even so, it is one of the largest inland pine barrens in the world. It’s also been named a National Natural Landmark.
Flickr/Rohit Ravindran
Flickr/Wilson Bilkovich
While Kaaterskill Falls is currently closed to the public, the viewing platform at the park is open, and it’s a pretty fantastic sight.
Tripadvisor / James B
It’s not always an option to travel far outside the city for a little outdoor exploration. If you’re in Albany and are looking for an easily accessible hike, head over to Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve, which sits right on the Mohawk River, a tributary of the Erie Canal.
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Address: John Boyd Thacher State Park, 830 Thacher Park Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186, USAAddress: Saratoga Spa State Park, 19 Roosevelt Dr, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USAAddress: 195 New Karner Rd #1, Albany, NY 12205, USAAddress: Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USAAddress: Riverview Rd, Rexford, NY 12148, USA
