Rousing Recreation in New York’s Capital Saratoga Region

Start enjoying the Capital Saratoga Region’s beautiful outdoor spaces with a visit to John Boyd Thacher State Park in Albany County. The short but scenic Indian Ladder Trail is great for hikers of all ages – and its beautiful waterfall views are a fabulous reward for the trek. If you’re more of a biker than a hiker, take to the park’s miles of scenic singletrack mountain biking trails instead.

You’ll find trails worth trekking all over the region. Washington County’s Anthony’s Nose hike takes visitors to the top of Record Hill to see the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge, while Hadley Mountain in Saratoga County is crisscrossed with trails overlooking Great Sacandaga Lake. In Fulton County, climb Kane Mountain’s soaring fire tower for unobstructed views of the Silver Lake Wilderness, or pick up the Southern terminus of the Northville-Placid Trail and hike a stretch – or the entirety – of the scenic 217-kilometer route. Mountain bikers of all skill levels can’t miss a spin on the Wheelerville Trails.

For more of a long-distance adventure, one of New York State’s gems is the Empire State Trail, which stretches all the way from Albany to Buffalo. Most walkers, hikers and bikers choose to complete a small portion of the trail, popping in to see the highlights, many of which you’ll find in the Capital Saratoga Region. Don’t miss the chance to stroll the Green Island Bridge in Rensselaer County.

With countless preserves, reservoirs, and rivers, you’ll find loads of opportunities for sailing and fishing across the Capital Saratoga Region. In Albany County, Tivoli Lake Preserve boasts incredible boating and wildlife spotting conditions, while Basic Creek Reservoir is a great go-to spot for reeling in American eels and Northern pike. Next door in Schenectady County lies Aqueduct Park, where you can rent kayaks and canoes to paddle your way along the peaceful Mohawk River and Erie Canal Heritage Corridor. In Washington County, the Batten Kill and Mettawee Rivers are stocked with hundreds of trout for catch-and-release fishing in the spring and summer.

The fishing fun doesn’t stop even when cold winter temperatures roll around. When the lakes are frozen, ice fishing becomes the local water sport of choice. Each year, Fulton County hosts a variety of ice fishing contests on the Great Sacandaga, Caroga and Canada Lakes, where anglers compete to reel in the heaviest catch of the day.

The Capital Saratoga Region has plenty of gems beyond the hiking trails and sparkling lakes, starting with family-friendly agricultural tours. In Washington County, follow along the Apple and Berry Trail to explore area farms and orchards, picking fresh produce and sipping on expertly spiced cider along the way. Find more treasures along the Maple Trail, where all sorts of sweet treats – from maple lattes to maple ice cream – await. Try an entirely new experience on the Fiber Trail, where you can see how eco-friendly clothing is created, from raw wool to woven wares.

Head south to unwind at Saratoga Spa State Park, where you can soak in rejuvenating waters in 12 natural mineral springs. The park’s Creekside Classroom Environmental Education Center offers classes and tours for an enlightening deep dive on the surrounding landscape. If you’d prefer to enjoy the views without getting wet, grab your golf gear for a round at Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course’s 18-hole championship course or nine-hole executive course.

Just under an hour away lies the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site in Rensselaer County, once the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle. The park now hosts guided tours – complete with a replica of a 1700s-era British cannon just like the ones used in the battle.

Fly into Albany International Airport (ALB) and rent a car to explore the natural marvels of the Capital Saratoga Region. The area is about 3 hours north of New York City by car. Amtrak also provides rail transportation from New York City, Montreal and Boston to the Albany-Rensselaer, Schenectady, Fort Edward-Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs stations.