Albany, New York

This 2.3 mile loop trail is lightly trafficked and great for all skill levels. Starting out the trail register, you will see signs from The Nature Conservancy which manages the preserve. Descending down a hill with lots of exposed tree roots, you will then cross over the meandering Lisha Kill and...

Not all adventures have to involve scaling crazy-steep mountains or paddling down intense white-water rapids. Some of the best adventures are the relaxing and mellow ones right in our backyards. When I cannot get into the woods every day, I go to the Colonie Town Park, just 10 minutes from my hou...

The historic preserve is operated by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, so trails are clearly marked and extremely well maintained. There are features of the original farm that the land was used for from the 18th Century, including hand-thrown stone walls and an old logging road that cuts throug...

Over 3 miles of trails provide access to all parts of the preserve, and end up winding through mixed terrain including a wetland, waterfalls, and old stone walls. The property crosses the Bozenkill Road at two points on either side of private parcels (with beautiful homes), so be vigilant there; ...

The Escarpment Trail runs the length of the Catskill Escarpment. The Escarpment rises steeply from the valley below forming the northeast corner of the Catskill Mountains. It offers great views toward the Adirondack Mountains to the north and the great Hudson River to the east. The trail is moder...

Park in the parking lot on Hopper Rd. Walk to the end of the road where you will find the Hopper Trailhead. Take the right fork. The Money Brook trail will take you to a waterfall, the Mt. Greylock summit, and back to the end of Hopper Rd. The trail is long but worth the hike, exploring parts of ...

Park at the Junction of Sperry Rd and Rockwell Rd. To get to the trailhead, hike along Sperry Road for about 30 minutes. (Not to the end of the road, see map below.) Then hike along the March Cataract Trail, an out-and-back. You can bring dogs on leash. The trail is short but steep in some parts ...

Have you ever wanted to feel as if you were hiking two different locations at once? If so, then North Mountain is definitely somewhere to check out. Take the birch tree forests around Aspen, CO and pair it with the spruces/pines of the Adirondacks and you'll have this route in the Catskills. Par...

Although this is a super short hike, it is definitely a tough one! The quick, steep climb is totally worth it once you reach the 260 foot cascade and pool at the end. Hike along the trail, hugging Spruce Creek all the way to the falls. If you hike in the spring, the creek and the falls will be ra...

Please be respectful if visiting this local swimming hole. Pack out what you pack in, carry out others' trash, and familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles.  Hidden in the Catskill Mountains is one of the coolest cliff jumping locations I have ever been to. The first time I went was a...

This scenic byway starts in Fonda, NY and travels along Route 30 to Malone, NY.  The area described and pictured here is a 65 mile stretch from Mayfield to Indian Lake. Starting in Mayfield you will head north driving past the Great Sacandaga Lake. Continuing through the town of Hope  you will dr...

At 1642 feet (with a total elevation gain of 720 feet), Squaw Peak is a great spot to see both Mt Greylock along the Vermont border, and the Catskills in New York. There are several trail options here to get to the summit, but no matter which combination you choose, you can keep your trip under ...

This is a 4.5 mile hike that is great for hikers of all skill levels. Because it is short and not overly difficult, beginners will enjoy this hike. There are some steep sections that will get your heart pumping, though, and a stunning payoff is waiting for you at the end.From the trailhead, follo...

The DEC Parking lot, is located at the very end of a dead end, along Prediger Rd. Start at the trail head to the right of the trail kiosk and sign in sheet. The trail starts out very easy going as you approach the base of Twin. At mile 0.25, you’ll hit a junction where you’ll turn RIGHT towards T...

The Eastern half of Devil's Path has four major summits: Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf and Plateau. Each summit is a straight climb up and down, then back up to as much as 3,900 ft. There are some sparse sections of level ground, but most is a steep descent uphill or steep slide downhill. Your ...

Devil's Path is roughly more than 24 miles long, althought it feels like an eternity of milage. Going thru the summits of Indian head, Twin, Sugarloaf, Plateau, Hunter, and Westkill Mountains. Its brutal. Its painful, Its unique. Be prepared for anything and everything. You will encounter wild l...