Discover Adventure at These Top Hiking & Biking Trails in the Albany Area
Looking to explore the natural beauty of the Capital Region? You can take a ride on bike paths, discover waterfalls and scenic views, or travel through forests and fields to find your zen. Pack your bag and plan your next adventure at one of these top hiking and biking trails in and near Albany, NY!
Grafton Lakes State Park
Trail Details: Open for Hiking and Mountain Biking
Just 35 minutes from Albany, Grafton Lakes State Park offers 25 miles of meandering trails. Tucked in between the Taconic and Hudson Valleys, this state park features six ponds, a beach and boat rentals, and picnicking areas.
Biking on a hot day? Enjoy a refreshing dip in the popular Long Pond after your ride. There is a seasonal vehicle entrance fee to access the park.
- Pro Tip: For a quieter experience, skip the main beach and hike the Shaver Pond Trail. It’s a 2-mile loop that feels much more remote and offers beautiful, serene water views without the crowds.
- Access: 254 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton, NY
Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail
Trail Details: Open for Hiking and Biking
The Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail offers a safe and fun hike or ride for the family. This bike and pedestrian-friendly route connects the Port of Albany to Voorheesville, and the entire trail is paved.
Previously the old Delaware & Hudson Railroad, the rail trail features interpretive signs with maps and historical photos. A volunteer committee hires local artists to create art on the trail.
- Pro Tip: Visit the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail early morning or at sunset for fewer crowds and the best views.
- Access: 8 Grove Street, Voorheesville, NY, at the Rail Trail Pavilion.
- Additional Access Points Available: See Rail Trail Map
John Boyd Thacher State Park
Trail Details: Open for Hiking and Mountain Biking
Take a scenic 30-minute drive west of Albany to discover John Boyd Thacher State Park, one of the Capital Region's most breathtaking outdoor destinations. Walk along the Helderberg Escarpment and take in the sweeping views of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys, the Adirondacks, and Vermont's Green Mountains.
Here, you can explore nearly 25 miles of trails suited for hiking or biking with levels for all ages. Families will find plenty to enjoy: Thacher State Park also offers volleyball courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, and reservable shelters.
For a more adventurous experience, try WildPlay Thacher, an adventure course featuring zip-lines and suspended obstacles.
- Pro Tip: Walk along the Indian Ladder Trail to capture views inside the waterfall!
- Access: 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville, NY
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Trail Details: Open for Hiking and Mountain Biking
Check out one of New York's most unique natural landscapes at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve! This rare inland pine-scrub oak barrens ecosystem features 18 miles of nature trails through the pine-scrub oak barrens ecosystem.
Stop by the Discovery Center to learn about the preserve's diverse wildlife and plant species in the Pine Bush. The preserve's interactive exhibits and educational programs make this a valuable stop for families and adventurous visitors.
The trails are open year-round, offering a variety of opportunities for hiking and mountain biking during the warmer months. Admission is free for all guests to enjoy this scenic trail.
- Pro Tip: Start at the Discovery Center so you can grab a trail map and choose the best loop for your time. Be sure to swing by afterwards and visit the gift shop!
- Access: 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY
Peebles Island State Park
Trail Details: Open for Hiking
Explore Peebles Island State Park, where rivers and rapids surround you on your journey.
The gentle rolling trail winds through forests and along the banks of the island, creating a picturesque path for hikers and joggers (no bikes allowed on the trails).
This state park is situated between the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers in Cohoes. Don't forget your picnic basket for after your walk! There is a seasonal vehicle entrance fee for the park.
- Pro Tip: Bring binoculars or a camera with zoom; the island’s best payoff is its rapids scenery of the Hudson and Mohawk, not a big summit view.
- Access: 1 Delaware Avenue North, Cohoes, NY
Bozen Kill Preserve
Trail Details: Open for Hiking
Looking for streams, waterfalls, old rock walls, and natural history? Come to the Bozen Kill Preserve in Altamont, which is maintained by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy.
Just over one mile of trails takes you through easy and moderate terrain. Enjoy open fields, shaded forests, and the beautiful Bozen Kill, which means "raging stream" in Dutch. This is a perfect hike for families or those who prefer less strenuous hikes.
- Pro Tip: Wear shoes with good traction, because even the shorter trails pass along ravine edges and waterfall viewpoints where footing can get slick.
- Access: 1/4-mile up Westfall Road, Altamont, NY
Poestenkill Falls/Mount Ida Falls
Trail Details: Open for Hiking
Explore Troy's best-kept secret! Within Poestenkill Gorge Park you can find a breathtaking, 175-foot-tall waterfall.
Take a short hike to the bottom of the falls and peer up as the water pounds down - it's incredible!
- Pro Tip: Be cautious during wet conditions and make sure to wear proper hiking shoes (and clothes that you don't mind getting wet).
- Access: Large parking area on Linden Avenue, Troy, NY
Kaaterskill Falls
Trail Details: Open for Hiking
For a short hike with a huge reward, head to Kaaterskill Falls! This 1.3-mile round trip hike brings you to the tallest two-tier waterfall in New York State.
Located only 1 hour south of Albany, you can witness the babbling brooks and fabulous falls while you hike up toward the massive waterfall and large natural pool.
- Pro Tip: Use the Laurel House Road side for the easiest and safest first visit. It gives you a short walk to the viewing platform without committing to the steeper lower-trail descent.
- Access: Multiple Trailheads; See trail map for more details
Plotter Kill Preserve
Trail Details: Open for Hiking
Discover the rugged beauty of Plotter Kill Preserve, a hidden gem in Schenectady County known for its beautiful waterfalls and scenic gorge views. The Plotter Kill, a tributary of the Mohawk River, features three waterfalls that can be viewed from designated trails and overlooks.
The same gorge that creates these stunning cascades also brings steep slopes and rocky ledges, so plan ahead with sturdy footwear and use caution along the trails in all conditions. This preserve is ideal for families looking to explore nature, with more than 600 plant species and rewarding views throughout the hike.
Visit in spring for powerful, fast-moving water, or in winter when the falls transform into striking formations.
- Pro Tip: In wet conditions, stick to the recommended blue-trail route to the lookouts instead of trying to cross near the stream, especially when water is high.
- Access: Parking lot off of Mariaville Road, Rotterdam, NY
Christman Sanctuary
Trail Details: Open for Hiking
Check out this easy and beautiful hike in Schenectady County. The Christman Sanctuary has a 2.2-mile loop featuring creeks, a stunning towering 30-foot waterfall, and a variety of locust, cedar, spruce, red pine, and white pine trees planted by devoted farmer Will Christman.
You don't need a full day for this stroll, visit this National Historic Landmark, maintained by The Nature Conservancy, today!
- Pro Tip: Follow the blue markers clockwise from the parking area if your goal is the main waterfall, and don’t rely on memory alone because some sections can feel lightly marked.
- Access: 3281 Schoharie Turnpike, Delanson, NY
Hannacroix Creek Preserve
Trail Details: Open for Hiking and Mountain Biking
Take a short 25-minute drive south of Albany to explore Hannacroix Creek Preserve, a scenic destination managed by the New Baltimore Conservancy.
This family-friendly preserve offers four marked trails, making it easy to customize your visit for a quick outing or a full day of exploration.
Follow the trails to discover a picturesque waterfall, striking rock ledges, and the historic remains of an old paper mill. Along the way, you’ll find a mix of wooded paths and creekside views that showcase the area’s natural beauty.
Mountain bikers can take on the LaVerne Irving Trail, though some sections are more technical and may require walking your bike. Plan accordingly and wear proper footwear for a comfortable visit.
- Pro Tip: Give yourself extra time to explore the historic ruins and boardwalk areas. This preserve is more rewarding when you slow down instead of rushing straight to the waterfall.
- Access: NY-144 (just south of Finke Road), New Baltimore, NY
Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail
Trail Details: Open for Hiking and Biking
Witness history while traveling along the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail. Hugging the banks of the old Erie Canal, this trail offers around 40 miles of paved trails from Rotterdam Junction to Albany. Travel under the Mohawk Bridge, on abandoned rail lines, and by canal systems built in the 1800s.
Part of the Empire State Trail, this section provides plenty of picnic-friendly pit stops. Park your bike at the Fox Preserve in Colonie, where you can take a short hiking adventure on the shaded forest trails. You're sure to enjoy your trip along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers!
- Pro Tip: Plan your ride with the on-road gaps in mind, because most of the Albany-to-Cohoes section is paved off-road but a middle stretch is better suited to cyclists comfortable riding near traffic.
- Access: Multiple Access Points; See Maps
Hunter Mountain via Becker Hollow Trail
Trail Details: Open for Hiking
Experience one of the Catskills’ most rewarding hikes at Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, a historic landmark offering some of the best views in New York State. In 2017, the New York State DEC completed a full rehabilitation of the tower, preserving its role as part of the region’s forest fire observation history.
Standing at an elevation of 4,040 feet, Hunter Mountain is home to the highest fire tower in New York. From the top, hikers are treated to sweeping, unobstructed views of the Catskill Mountains, making the climb well worth the effort.
Located just over an hour from Albany, Hunter Mountain is a popular destination for experienced hikers. The Becker Hollow Trail is the shortest route to the summit at 4.7 miles round trip, but it’s also the steepest. The trail begins at a small parking area and quickly ascends, with consistently challenging terrain throughout the hike.
- Pro tip: Pack light but bring plenty of water. This is the fastest route to the summit, but it gains more than 2,200 feet in just over 2 miles and feels steep almost immediately.
- Access: Becker Hollow Parking Lot, 4120 NY-214, Elka Park, NY
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