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.
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.
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!
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
That looks like a great place to explore. I am only 3 hours away from there so I might just go there someday soon.
Oo nice, what a gorgeous spot. We’d love to get here one day. We especially love finding places with lots of flowers.
I love lupines! They are so beautiful when they are in full bloom. Can’t wait to see them this summer.
i actually lived in albany a few years ago and would love to be able to visit again- this place looks amazing
What a gorgeous place to visit any time of year! Thanks for the tick warning, I have to admit ticks are one of the few creatures I really hate.
This looks like a pretty amazing experience. I would love to visit with my family. I know everyone would love it.
Seems very interesting to visit there with your loved ones. I will surely add this place to my must-visit list.
What a lovely place to go hiking and exploring. Those flowers look beautiful too. I hope I get to explore that part of the country someday.
That looks like a lovely place to go. I really love going outside and exploring with the family. This would be a perfect place for my family to visit someday.
I am ready to get out and see all the signs of spring. The birds are super happy at my house, cannot imagine what it would be like in the wild.
This looks like great place to hike every time of year. I like the signs of springs, birds and butterfly makes colorful and happy.
This place is a perfect place to hike in warmer days! I’d love to enjoy the nature.
It looks like a great place to hike and picnic! I wish we had something like this where I was.
Awww.. Looks beautiful, fun and peaceful. I appreciate scenery like this. No Traffic. No noise. Just quiet.
I really love places like this. Thanks for sharing!! Can’t wait to be free on going out and traveling again.
That is such a splendid place to explore in all the seasons. By the way, I’ve never seen Lupine before and they look gorgeous in your picture. I hope once this Coronavirus scenario gets better and we should start traveling again!
I’d love to visit here one day! It looks amazing!
Looks beautiful. The tick part scares me though. I’m always freaked out about ticks. But it’s definitely better to be prepared and know your dangers than miss out on such beauty.
Wow, this place is gorgeous. I can almost smell the fresh air. lol Thanks for the info. If I’m ever out that way, I’ll have to check it out.
Looks beautiful! Sounds like a nice place to visit.
This place looks so fun. I’d visit one day.
Every scene is just so lovely! A terrific place to visit for sure.
New York is one of my bucket list and Thank you for sharing best thigs to do in New York.