Rensselaer County

Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

 All Grafton ListingsRensselaer

 Grafton Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

12082, State Park, Grafton, NY, activities, attractions, Things to Do, Beach, Biking, Boat Launches, Boat Rentals, Bridle Path, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Nature Trails, Playgrounds, Winter Activities, Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Fishing, Ice Skating | Rensselaer Grafton Lakes State Park

518-279-1155
  Grafton Lakes State Park, 2,500-acres in size, is located at 100 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton, NY 12082, Rensselaer County in upper-Hudson Valley.

From NYSParks: "Grafton Lakes State Park, on the forested plateau between the Taconic and Hudson Valleys, includes six ponds and nearly 2500 acres. Long Pond has a large, sandy beach, which is a popular summer attraction. Anglers can go after rainbow and brown trout in Long, Second and Shaver Pond. Pickerel, perch, and bass are abundant in all ponds including Mill Pond and walleye are found at the Martin-Durham Reservoir. All ponds have launch facilities for canoes, sailboats and rowboats, electric boat are allowed. Visitors also picnic, walk the nature trails, and hike, bike or ride horses along the 25 miles of park trails." Grafton Lakes State Park | Rensselaer  website and more . . .
 All Petersburg ListingsRensselaer

 Petersburg Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

State Park, sandy beach, boat launch, bridle paths, hiking, biking, nature trails, cross-country skiing, fish for bass, bullheads, overnight camping, Things to Do, Boat Rentals, Campsites, Fishing, Hunting, Nature Trails, Playgrounds | Rensselaer Cherry Plain State Park

518-733-5400
  Cherry Plain State Park, a 175-acre park, is located at 10 State Park Road, Petersburg, NY 12138 in Rensselaer County. The park features a sandy beach on Black River Pond, with bathhouse and comfort station nearby. Picnic grounds and a boat launch are adjacent to the beach.

"Cherry Plain State Park has 175 acres and features a sandy beach on Black River Pond, with bathhouse and comfort station nearby. Picnic grounds and a boat launch are adjacent to the beach. The park also has bridle paths and hiking, biking and nature trails that serve for cross-country skiing in winter. Anglers fish for bass, bullheads and pickerel and may also ice fish in winter. The park has 10 trailer sites, 10 lakeside tent sites as well as 10 "hike-in" tent sites available for overnight camping." Cherry Plain State Park | Rensselaer  website and more . . .

12138, Taconic Crest Trail, hike in the Taconic Ridge State Forest, Things to Do at Petersburg Pass, Hiking, Nature Study, Photo Opportunities, Scenic Views, Winter Activities, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing | Rensselaer Petersburg Pass, Taconic Crest Trail

  Petersburg Pass, part of the Taconic Crest Trail, a 35 mile hike in the Taconic Ridge State Forest, located on Route 2 in Petersburg, NY 12138 in Rensselaer County.

Distance: 3 miles
Markers: White and Blue
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (Beginning of trail is steep for a short distance)
Elevation: 3000 feet. Ascent - 425 feet

"The Taconic Crest Trail runs 35 miles along the New York, Vermont and Massachusetts border, with an elevation of almost 3,000 feet at Berlin Mountain. A popular section of the trail begins in Petersburg, New York and leads to the popular "snowhole," a cave-like crevice where snow is often found into the early summer. The trail passes through the Taconic Ridge State Forest (nearly 4,000 acres) and an additional 7,000 acres of easement land." Petersburg Pass, Taconic Crest Trail | Rensselaer  website and more . . .
 All Rensselaer County ListingsRensselaer

 Rensselaer County Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

Hudson Highlands, Hudson River is an estuary, things to do in the Hudson Highlands, outdoor activities, fishing, boating, hiking, hike, Hikes, Things to Do, Birding, Bird Watching, Boat Rentals, Boating, Fishing, Hiking Trails, Historic Places | Rensselaer Hudson Highlands

845-225-7207
  Click to enlarge photo of the Hudson Highlands.

Click to enlarge photo of the Hudson Highlands The sign reads:
"For much of its 315-mile course, the Hudson River flows straight and broad. But at the Highlands, the Appalachian mountain chain intersects the river to create a fifteen mile stretch of rugged, mountainous landscape. This area contains the river's narrowest and deepest points, as well as its fastest currents. The Hudson River is an estuary, a mixture of salt and freshwater, and the saltwater line extends just north of Beacon. The River is tidal all the way up to the Troy Dam above Albany." Hudson Highlands | Rensselaer  website and more . . .
 All Schodack ListingsRensselaer

 Schodack Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

12033, Nature Preserve, Hudson River shoreline, hiking trails, picnic areas, educational kiosks, Things to Do, Birdwatching, Boating (Kayaks, Car-top boats), Interpretive Signs, Winter Activities, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing | Rensselaer Papscanee Preserve

270-2888
  The Papscanee Preserve, 156-acres in size, with over 2 miles of hiking at the Hudson River shoreline, is located at Route 9J Staats Island Road, East Greenbush and Schodack, NY 12033 in Rensselaer County.

"The Papscanee Island Nature Preserve is open to visitors under the management of the Rensselaer County Legislature. The preserve is a 156-acre natural area located in East Greenbush and Schodack and offers public access to over 2 miles of Hudson River shoreline. It is open dawn to dusk 365 days each year, and is free to the public." Papscanee Preserve | Rensselaer  website and more . . .
 All Schodack Landing ListingsRensselaer

 Schodack Landing Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

12156, volleyball nets, horseshoe, Things to Do at Schodack Island Park, Biking, Boat Launches, Fishing, Grills, Hiking, Hunting, Nature Trails, Picnic Tables, Playgrounds, Playing Fields, Winter Activities, Cross-Country, Ice Skating | Rensselaer Schodack Island State Park

518-732-0187
  Schodack Island State Park, 1,052-acres in size, is located at 1 Schodack Island Way, Schodack Landing, NY 12156, 12.7 miles south of Albany, NY in Rensselaer County.

"Schodack Island State Park sits off the eastern shore of the Hudson River just south of Albany. Approximately seven miles of Hudson River and Schodack Creek shoreline bound the 1,052-acre site. A day-use facility, the park has been designated a State Estuary, and a portion of the park shelters a Bird Conservation Area (BCA) that is home to bald eagles, cerulean warblers and blue herons that nest in the cottonwood trees. Schodack Island State Park | Rensselaer  website and more . . .
 All Troy (Rensselaer) ListingsRensselaer

 Troy (Rensselaer) Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

12180, Park and Golf Course, 18-hole public golf course, hockey arena, playground, attractions, Troy, NY, public skating, Things to Do at Frear Park, Golf Course, Hockey Rink, Ice Rink, Playground, golf course, Nature trails, Walking trails | Rensselaer Frear Park & Municipal Golf Course

518-270-4553
  Frear Park and Municipal Golf Course, a 247-acre park, offering an 18-hole public golf course, hockey arena, playground and more attractions, is located at 155 Oakwood Ave., Troy, NY 12180 in Rensselaer County.

In addition to the Frear public golf course, the park offers a hockey rink also used for public skating. The rink opened in 1974 and was the first enclosed ice rink in the area. In 1979, improvements were made by adding a lobby and extra locker rooms. Frear Park & Municipal Golf Course | Rensselaer  website and more . . .
 All Walloomsac ListingsRensselaer

 Walloomsac Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

12082, Battles of the American Revolution, Battle of Bennington, Walloomsac, New York, Revolution, history, battles, Saratoga, Historic Site, Grafton, Rensselaer County, Hudson River Valley, Revolutionary War, battle | Rensselaer American Revolution - Bennington Battlefield "State Historic Site"

518-686-7109
  Battles of the American Revolution
Battle of Bennington
Date: August 16th, 1777
Between: British, including British marksmen, German (Hessian), Canadian, Indian and Loyalist (Tories) troops against American Continental Army (mostly New England militia).
Location: Walloomsac, New York; just 10 miles from Bennington, Vermont American Revolution - Bennington Battlefield  "State Historic Site" | Rensselaer  website and more . . .

 More Hudson Valley  Hiking Trails | Places To Hike


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Albany Albany County
      [23 listings over 10 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Columbia Columbia County
      [7 listings over 5 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Dutchess Dutchess County
      [24 listings over 14 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Greene Greene County
      [17 listings over 7 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Orange Orange County
      [38 listings over 17 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Putnam Putnam County
      [20 listings over 6 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Rockland Rockland County
      [44 listings over 15 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Saratoga Saratoga County
      [4 listings over 3 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Schenectady Schenectady County
      [2 listings over 2 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Ulster Ulster County
      [30 listings over 12 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Westchester Westchester County
      [83 listings over 35 locations]



Places to Hike | Hiking Trails
Rensselaer County
Hudson River Valley


Review this list of the best places to hike in Rensselaer County, New York. Hiking trails are listed by town within Rensselaer County in the upper-Hudson Valley. Find many trails hiking in Rensselaer for the beginning, intermediate, and experienced hiker.

Pack plenty of water, snacks, and your hiking gear, and select a great place to hike at Rensselaer Hiking Trails where you can experience the thrill of a challenging hike; or for beginners, the satisfying feeling of spending a day outdoors surrounded by nature.

Although hiking and walking may appear to be the same activity; hiking usually refers to the experience of walking on trails and paths away from the noise and pollution of an urban area. Hiking trails are often surrounded by clean air, trees, the sounds of birds and the wonderful breadth of nature. In contrast, you can walk just about anywhere, including busy streets in a nearby city such as Troy, New York. Rensselaer hiking offers a range of trails for all levels of hikers. The beginning, intermediate, and experienced hiker can find places to hike that are suitable for their level of expertise.

Hiking with Kids
Hiking is ranked among the best activities for kids. Most kids will enjoy a hike. When you're in the planning phase of deciding where you and your child will hike, let the child's ability guide you. Some kids are more active and have more energy than other children. Let the age of the child and each individual child's ability to walk distances be your guide.

The benefits of hiking with kids are many. Hiking allows you to share an experience or adventure with your child where you can discover nature and a healthy outdoor environment. Learn about birds, small animals, wild flowers, trees, and more about the natural world around us. You can work together with your child to map out and determine the hiking route that best suits you and your child's ability. In addition to the many benefits listed above, is the fact that hiking is good for your mental and physical health, and hiking is often free. A hike is within reach of most people that are reasonably healthy, regardless of financial circumstances.

Involve your child in the planning stages of a hike. Select a trail together, and then create a simple map that your child can read while on the trail. You can also teach the child how to read trail markers. If your child is not initially interested in hiking, you may want to reward your child at the end of a hike for helping to find the hiking markers and the way forward or back to home base. This added incentive may encourage your child toward becoming a hiker.

During the preparation phase of the hike, give children a list of hiking essentials and let them pack their own backpack. The backpack should include gear similar to your own such as a whistle, rainwear, compass, and first-aid kit. In addition to involving the children in "the adventure of hiking" they will feel grownup and responsible as you work together to make the hike a success.

Before embarking on your hiking adventure assemble adequate supplies including plenty of water, healthy snacks that your child enjoys, and a map that your child can read. Involve them in decisions of where to hike as you would involve another adult. Here are some suggestions toward building a successful hiking experience with kids:

  • Invite your child's friend so they can share the adventure together; as we all know, "Grownups can get boring."

  • Find a trail that includes an activity the kids enjoy at the end of the hike. For example:
  • Pack protein snacks that are good for the kids and that they enjoy eating.

  • In cool weather, pack warm dry clothes and backup clothing.

  • The most important thing to remember is that hiking should be fun. Don't stress if you cannot complete your hike, or if it starts to rain, or if it's too hot. Just enjoy the day together. These memories will last a lifetime for both you and your children.

    The upper-Hudson Valley offers places to hike for all hiking levels, at Hiking in Rensselaer. Find miles of trails situated in parks and preserves in Rensselaer County. Whether a beginner, intermediate, or advanced hiker looking for a challenge, you'll find trails to match your experience. Check this list of places to hike in Rensselaer. Hiking trails can vary in difficulty and in the time it takes to hike a trail. Hikes can take you across flat fields requiring less stamina or on hiking paths along mountain ranges, requiring that the hiker is in excellent health and has good stamina and endurance.

    A hike can take only an hour or take several months involving camping equipment and gear. Although hiking paths vary in difficulty, it is believed by most that hiking is good for your physical and mental health as well as your spirit. Many hiking paths are located in large parks or forest preserves such as Catskill Forest preserve offering many challenging hikes. Regardless of your skill level, all hikers can benefit from a natural environment that allows you to breath-in fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature, the singing of birds, and the sounds of small animals running about.

    Photographers, be sure to bring your camera as hiking trails often run through scenic landscapes offering great photo opportunities. Before starting your first hike, review essentials for hiking.

    Essentials for Hiking Safety

    Tips for Safe Hiking.



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