The Outdoor Enthusiast’s Guide to New York’s Capital Region
Albany, NY, and its surrounding area offer a variety of outdoor activities year-round. Learn more about all the amazing things to do outside.
Spending time outside is one of the most popular things to do in Albany, New York. With weather that reflects the best of all four seasons and a diverse and dynamic topography, the region features many outdoor activities for both residents and visitors to enjoy all year long.
Hiking and Trails
One of the greatest things about hiking around Albany is the diverse terrain that includes a variety of trail types for all levels of hikers. From family-friendly day hikes to intense, multi-day backpacking journeys, adventures offered by John Boyd Thacher State Park, Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, Albany Pine Bush, and Pine Hollow Arboretum provide plenty of options to fit every type of hiker.
Family-Friendly Hikes
Family- and kid-friendly trails abound in Albany’s outdoor spaces. AllTrails lists more than a dozen specific hikes suited for kids in the Albany area based on real users’ experiences. The options range from the gentle 0.6-mile Beaver Tree Trail at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center to the 37-mile Mohawk-Hudson Canalway Trail with many alternatives in between.
Advanced Hiking Routes
For the more advanced hiker, the Capital Region boasts several mountain trails that will challenge your limits outdoors. Two of the most popular options include Mount Greylock, a 5.1-mile loop with steep climbs and amazing views, and Black Mountain near Lake George, a seven-mile out-and-back trail that offers rock scrambling opportunities.
Water Activities
From beautiful Lake George and Thompson Lake State Park to the mighty Hudson River and the many smaller ponds and estuaries throughout the region, water activities are a huge part of outdoor life excursions in Albany, particularly in the summertime.
Kayaking and Canoeing Spots
People looking to get down and paddle in the water have a lot of options available in and around Albany. Popular options include kayaking on the Hudson via the Corning Preserve Boat Launch and Henry Hudson Park as well as lake kayaking at places like Lawson Lake and Albany Pine Bush Preserve.
Best Lakes for Fishing
Fishing in the Capital District is another popular activity, although this is one that requires a license for anyone over the age of 16. Luckily, getting a fishing license is easy to do online, and it costs as little as $20. With license in hand, you can enjoy fishing on many popular lakes and ponds in the Capital District, such as Hudson Crossing, Tivoli Lake, Mill Pond, and Ballston Lake.
Popular Swimming Areas
The lakes and ponds around Albany are also great spots for swimming. Among the big guns, of course, are Lake George and Grafton Lakes State Park. However, the Capital District also has many smaller spaces for outdoor swimming, such as Buckingham Lake Park, Cherry Plain State Park, and Brown’s Beach on Saratoga Lake.
Biking Adventures
Whether you are going for distance or thrills, Albany and its surrounding areas are home to many bike trails that can both challenge the strongest athlete and offer a great workout for the casual cyclist.
Cycling Routes
Long-distance road bikers are in for a real treat in Albany. The Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail is a 97-mile stretch that covers the distance between Albany and Frankfort, with other trails, including the Erie Canalway Trail and the Empire State Trail, branching off along the way. More casual road bikers may also want to check out the nine-mile Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, which starts at the city’s south end and extends through Delmar and Slingerlands to Voorheesville.
Mountain Biking Trails
For the adventure-loving cyclist, the mountainous terrain around Albany provides the perfect backdrop for thrilling mountain bike trails that challenge and excite. Some of the more popular choices can be found around Albany Pine Bush, Colonie Mohawk River Park, and Saratoga Spa State Park.
Winter Sports
The diverse weather throughout the region means that Albany boasts fun outdoor activities throughout the year. In winter, this includes popular cold weather activities such as skiing and ice skating.
Ski Resorts and Slopes
With Vermont and the Berkshires so close by, it may not be your first thought to stay in Albany for great skiing, but that would be a mistake. Schenectady’s Maple Ski Ridge is a mere 30 minutes from the city and offers great slopes for kids and beginners. More advanced skiers can also take advantage of their proximity to some of the Northeast’s best slopes. In fact, Jimny Peak Mountain Resort in the Berkshires is only about a 45-minute drive, as are the Catskills.
Ice Skating Rinks
Ice skating outdoors is another treat available in and around Albany during the winter months, starting right in the heart of the city at the Empire State Plaza. Swinburne Park also maintains an outdoor rink in winter, as does Elm Avenue Park.
Camping and Outdoor Lodging
For those looking to spend more than just a few hours outdoors, Albany and the Capital District feature many campgrounds and state parks that offer outdoor lodging opportunities during all or part of the year.
Best Campgrounds
Individuals who want to pitch a tent will find a variety of spaces near Albany where they can do just that. North-South Lake, Woodford State Park, and Moreau State Park all offer campgrounds. The area also has many privately-owned campsites. Some of the more popular choices include Rustic Barn Campground and Pop’s Lake Campground.
RV Parks and Facilities
For people who want a more comprehensive outdoor stay experience, the Albany area contains several RV parks and facilities. Among the most popular is Arrowhead Marina & RV Park, located northwest of the city, which is always in high demand from May through October. Another popular choice is Broken Wheel Campground, located east of Albany, on the line where New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont converge.
Relocating to the Capital Region? Start Here!
While visiting Albany and New York’s Capital District is a pleasure in any season, to truly appreciate all the outdoor activities this area has to offer, you really need to live here. If a move to Albany or the surrounding areas is already in your plans, make sure to reach out to us at Mabey’s Moving and Storage. As a full-service moving company, we can help you pack, transport, store, and set up your next Capital District home. Contact us to learn more and get a free quote.
