State Parks

Adirondack State Park

New York State is one of only a few that does not have a national park, yet the Adirondack State Park offers a vast tract of pristine wilderness that is slightly less than half public and is managed and protected from development by the Adirondack Park Agency.

Grafton Lakes State Park

Peebles Island State Park

Saratoga Spa State Park

Saratoga Spa State Park is unique for its historic architecture and various venues, including the Gideon Putnam Hotel, the National Museum of Dance, and the Lincoln mineral baths. Running and walking trails offer a nice peak of foliage around the State Park. The Saratoga Spa Golf Course is also located on the premises and is public, like everything else in the State Park. During the early 20th century people from a wide radius were drawn to the park's baths for their healing powers. The State Park also has status as a National Historic Landmark.  

Thatcher State Park

A trail on John Boyd Thatcher State Park starts on high elevation and adsends moderately so that a clear day offers a breathtaking panoramic view in many directions, including the Albany area and Vermont's Green Moutains.

Parks

Albany Pine Bush Preserve

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is an incredibly unique ecosystem and environment and is located in the hear of Albany. Over three thousand acres of this pine barrens ecosystem are preserved along with 20 rare species. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is especially unique because of the combination of pine trees in a sand based soil and the fact that it is inland and not coastal, which is where this combination usually occurs (i.e. Cape Cod). The Pine Bush Preserve is open for walking and running and limited recreational activities.

The Crossings of Colonie

Extensive park space located in a city of about 100,000, the Crossings of Colonie offers a paved path for biking and a short dirt and rock trail for running. The 130 acre parcel also has a reflecting pool that is sometimes used for ice-skating in the winter months.

Schenectady Museum Nature Preserve

The Schenectady Museum Nature Preserve does not have a web site. Instead use this link for directions to the preserve in Niskayuna, where you can walk your dog, walk, run, cross-country ski, and snow shoe. The map shows the preserve's access point on Whitmyer Drive.

Tawasentha Park

Guilderland's Tawasentha Park provides miles of trails for walking and running, including a few nice hills. Use this link to access the Park's brochure, published by the town of Guilderland's Parks and Recreation.