Saratoga Springs, New York

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...

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...

Hadley Mountain historically has faced its share of forest fires. The fires left thin soil, leading to more exposed rock on this fairly quick, scenic hike. Due to the rockiness, when you're thinking about heading out for this hike, be sure to grab a sturdy pair of hiking boots or at least your st...

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...

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; ...

Of the 10 trails at The Merck, The Wildlife Trail is a great hike through the forest that offers you the best way to see wildlife, streams and tracks. You can do the whole hike as a loop in about 2-2 1/2 hours or shorten it up with some shortcuts if you just want a quick hike. Great for family ...

The hike to beautiful Shelving Rock Falls is only a half mile and well worth the side trip if visiting the east side of Lake George.  Shelving Rock Road, the road to the parking area, is long, winding, and unpaved, but maintained pretty well and passable in a sedan. You'll want to take the road a...

The trailhead for Shelving Rock Mountain has enough room for about five cars but additional parking can be found on the road leading to it. Be sure to sign the log book and begin the hike by passing around the "stop" car barrier.The trail starts off following a small stream (on your right) but yo...

Augers Falls is a not so well kept secret in the Wells/Speculator area of the Adirondacks. It's usually not very crowded but the people that go to take it in come from far and wide. It's an easy family friendly hike (and that includes furry family, just keep them on leash) that offers some fantas...

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...

The Kane Mountain fire tower is one of the more frequented Adirondack towers due to the ease of the trail and its proximity to so many Caroga Lake camping areas. The short hike is family friendly and available year round, part of the trail doubles as a cross country skiing trail in fact. Driving...

Looking for the best view in all of Poultney, Vermont? Look no further than Lake St. Catherine Mountain. Located within Deane's Nature Preserve, this fast and easy hike tops as one of the best views and camping spots for the little time and energy needed to reach the summit. Only 30-45 minutes fr...

The Sacandaga River is accessed via a hand launch at the Speculator Ball Field Parking Area in the town of Speculator, NY. Follow the Sacandaga River 1.5 miles until you reach Kunjamuk Bay. The Kunjamuk River begins further up the bay to the left.  Approximately 4 miles up river is Elm Lake. Padd...

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 ...

Pillsbury Mountain is a fairly short but satisfying hike, ending with beautiful views of surrounding mountain ranges and lakes, and home to a defunct ranger station and fire tower. To get to the parking area within the Perkins Clearing wilderness area, head north on Route 30 out of Speculator and...