One of the great natural areas in the Capital Region is the Albany Pine Bush.  This 3,300 acre preserve is a great place to visit and explore throughout the year.

There are many trails throughout the Albany Pine Bush, and I recommend checking out their trail maps.  There are quite a few trail heads scattered throughout the area where you can pick up trails.

** My big tip about hiking in the Pine Bush is that there are a lot of ticks.  We have almost always left with a tick on us, even when there is snow on the ground.  Educate yourself about ticks and do a thorough tick check!  Also try to stay centered on the trails, and make sure kids do not wander off the trails or into the brush!

There are almost 20 miles of trails to check out, and they are easy trails, since the Pine Bush is mostly flat, hilly at most.  There are plenty of short trails, under a mile, and a few that are several miles.  Some start right at the Discovery Center, while others are in neighborhoods and along roads.

CC-BY-SA-3.0/Matt H. Wade at Wikipedia

We have hiked in the Pine Bush during all seasons, including winter.

The Pine Bush is a great place to snowshoe in the wintertime.

If you have a chance to go in the warmer months, be sure to keep an eye out for the beautiful blue lupine, which supports the Blue Karner Butterfly and other pollinators.  The Pine Bush hosts a great Lupine Festival in the spring, which is a fun event to attend.

The Pine Bush is home to the endangered Karner Blue butterfly, so if you look carefully, you might find one.

Image Source: USFWS Midwest via Flickr

You can also check out the Pine Bush Discovery Center located off Route 155 (195 New Karner Road).  There are lots of great exhibits and information there, and it is free to visit.

Visit the Pine Bush at

https://albanypinebush.org/

Check out the whole list of trails we have hiked in the Capital Region here.

Check out our other Things to Do in Albany, NY!

Marysa

About the Author: Marysa

Busy blogger and mom of two girls. We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure!


Here are a few trails nearby:

Bozenkill Preserve, Altamont, NY
Christman Sanctuary, Duanesburg, NY 
Hannacroix Ravine Preserve, Voorheesville, NY 
Hyuck Preserve, Rensselaerville, NY
Indian Kill Preserve, Schenectady, NY 
Landis Arboretum, Esperance, NY
Limestone Rise Preserve, NY

Moccasin Kill Sanctuary, Schenectady, NY 
Thacher Park Indian Ladder Trail, Voorheesville, NY
Thacer Park Hiking Trails, Voorheesville, NY

Vosburgh Trails, Guilderland, NY
Wolf Creek Falls Preserve, Altamont/Knox, NY 
Woodlawn Nature Preserve, Schenectady, NY