Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail

Blueberry Hill East is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Albany, New York.

Blueberry Hill West Red and Yellow Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Albany, 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 house, to experience nature close to home.The Colonie Town Park is a beautiful, well-kept park just 20 ...

There are many parking areas within the park. Park at the overlook parking. From here you head west following the wood fence. This is the Cliff Top trail. Approximately after walking 0.5 miles you will reach the stairs that will lead you to the base of the cliffs. This marks the start of the Indian Ladder trail. The trail does have interpretive signs along the way. The trail will pass u...

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 through the top of the hill. Great open spaces dot along the trails to stop for a picnic. The scenery ch...

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 continue on into this nicely preserved old-growth forest. There are other trails that come off the ...