There are lots of great places to hike and explore in the Capital region. These are some of the trails we have checked out in and around the Albany, NY area, and up to about an hour away. There are lots of great trails in the area, and plenty more out there that are not on this list!
This list contains lots of good hikes for kids, as we hike as a family.
Feel free to email me with questions or suggestions: marysa@anationofmoms.com
Also check out my other hiking posts:
~ Hikes for Toddlers in the Capital Region
~ Family Friendly Hikes in the Capital Region
~ Helpful Tips for Hiking with Kids
~ Tick Safety Tips
~ Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy 20 Preserve Challenge
~ Niskayuna 9 Hiking Challenge (looks like this has been discontinued?)
Anchor Diamond Park, Ballston Spa, NY
Ann Lee Pond Nature & Historic Preserve, Albany, NY
Art Omi, Ghent, NY (not hiking trails, but many acres to walk)
Ashford Glen Preserve, Schenectady, NY
Bauer Environmental Park, Colonie, NY
Bennett Hill Preserve, Feura Bush, NY
Bozen Kill Preserve, Altamont, NY
Christman Sanctuary, Duanesburg, NY
Dwaas Kill Nature Preserve, Clifton Park, NY
Falling Waters Preserve, Saugerties, NY
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center Interpretive Trails, Voorheesville, NY
Gray’s Crossing Park, Ballston Spa, NY
Great Flats Nature Trail, Schenectady, NY
Hannacroix Ravine Preserve, Voorheesville, NY
Henry Gerber Reist Bird Sanctuary, Niskayuna, NY
High Point & Hang Glider Ledge at Thacher State Park, NY
High Falls Conservation Area, Hudson, NY (about 45 minutes from Albany)
Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary, Selkirk, NY
Hyuck Preserve, Rensselaerville, NY
Indian Kill Preserve, Schenectady, NY
Keleher Preserve, Voorheesville, NY
Landis Arboretum, Esperance, NY
Limestone Rise Preserve, Knox, NY
Lisha Kill Natural Area, Niskayuna, NY
Moccasin Kill Sanctuary, Schenectady, NY
Normans Kill East Preserve, Delmar, NY
Normans Kill West Preserve, Delmar, NY
Overlook Mountain, Catskills, NY
Peebles Island State Park, Cohoes, NY
Phillipin Kill Preserve, Delmar, NY
Pine Hollow Arboretum, Slingerlands, NY
Plotter Kill Preserve, Schenectady, NY
Rensselaer Technology Park Bloomingdale Brook Waterfall Trail, Troy, NY
Restifo Sanctuary, Westerlo, NY
Rowland Hollow Creek Preserve, Saratoga Springs, NY
Sanders Preserve, Town of Glenville, NY
Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga, NY
Schiffendecker Farm Preserve, Glenmont, NY
Schoharie Creek Preserve, Esperance, NY
Tawasentha Park, Guilderland, NY
Thacher Park Indian Ladder Trail, Voorheesville, NY
Thacher Park Hiking Trails, Voorheesville, NY
Touhey Family Preserve, Delmar, NY
Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve, Vischer Ferry NY
Vosburgh Trails, Guilderland, NY
Vroman’s Nose, Middleburgh, NY
Western Turnpike Golf Course, Guilderland, NY (many miles of walking paths when course is not in use)
Wolf Creek Falls Preserve, Altamont/Knox, NY
Woodlawn Nature Preserve, Schenectady, NY
Woods Hollow Nature Preserve, Ballston Spa, NY
I am always on the lookout for great places to hike. My family is very active and we are always hiking when on vacation.
My Mom took us to the Catskills when I was young and unfortunately I don’t remember. These are great places to keep in mind now that I have a family and occasionally travel regionally.
I live in NYC so I have got to get up to the capital region this spring for one of these great hikes. My husband loves hiking and we can take my son.
Oh nice, I’ll keep these in mind if I’m ever in NY. I always enjoy gorgeous hikes!
Wow, so many places to hike! I would love to visit NY soon and visit some of these spots.
Such a great list. This is so helpful for those who hikes regularly.
I took my oldest on her first hike last summer! Next year my youngest will be walking and ready! Can’t wait to check out some of these spots!
That’s a lot of hikes you and your family did. I have not tried hiking before. I don’t think I have the stamina. LOL.
That place is so beautiful, and it feels so relaxing to be there.
Such a great place to have a great time with family.
I wish my kids enjoyed hiking more. They complain too much which ruins it for me.
Wow, its very beautiful there. My oldest daughter likes hiking and I want to find one that perfect for us to walk. Thanks for posting!
This is a killer hiking spot. I would love to check this spot out.
Oh wow! This is so much fun! I want to go on hikes with my family, too! I can’t wait to visit these spots.
We just went on a hike yesterday in our area here in Florida. Thanks for the list in case we head up north.
We hike as a family too. We have a lot of fun all together. Thanks for these suggestions!
It’s a family-like hiking place. Quite beautiful and clean.
When I was little, my sister and I sometimes went mountain climbing. That feeling is very interesting. This photo brings back many memories
My sister and I used to climb mountains. Interesting sensation.
In our neighborhood here in Florida, we recently went on a hike. I appreciate the list in case we travel to the north.