The Great Outdoors
We鈥檙e surrounded by so many spectacular locations. Looking for hiking, biking, boating, rafting, climbing, running or more? We've got rivers, lakes, mountains and parks galore.
1) Saratoga State Park
518-584-2535
With its pools, mineral springs, picnic areas, running and walking trails, you鈥檒l want to check out this pretty place just minutes from downtown. With plenty of grassy open spaces for frisbee and beautiful forested paths, there is truly something for everyone here.
2) Moreau State Park
518-793-0511
The pristine sandy beach is one of the best around. Great campgrounds in shady woods. 3,000 acres of woods and trails! Birding is big here. And this park has 7 accessible campsites intended for use by persons with disabilities.听Groves of trees shelter picnic grounds and a pavilion overlooking the lake. Wooded campgrounds are quiet and secluded, offering facilities for group campers, as well as tent and trailer sites.
3) Sacandaga River
Into whitewater rafting?听 The river has Class II and III rapids. Water flow is controlled by a dam on the Great Sacandaga Lake, so the flow is the same all day. With a minimum of 8 hours and up to 15 hours of rapids, the river is ready when you are. Rafting outfits run from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
4) Hadley Mountain
Forest Ranger: 518-696-2893
The 3.3 mile trail is rated as moderate. The fire tower is open, but good views can be had without climbing it. On a clear day, the summit gives you excellent views of the Great Sacandaga Lake to the south, the High Peaks to the north, and Lake Champlain to the east.
5) Saratoga National Historic Park
You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy the spectacular views of the Hudson River meandering through the rolling hills. The paved 10-mile Battlefield Tour Road winds through the whole park, making for a great cycling route. And the 4.2 mile Wilkinson Trail is a favorite for hikers. Bike, drive, or hike--your choice. But be sure to bring a picnic lunch so you can sit and feast your eyes for a while.
6) Saratoga Lake
A great place to fish, the lake is 4.5 miles long, about 1.5 miles wide at its widest point, and about 95 feet deep. You鈥檒l find some large and smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleyes waiting for you. Need a boat rental, check out听.听, one of the only public beaches, is open from 10-4 in the summer. Looking for a great place to kayak or picnic on the lake, try听.
7) Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve
518-371-6667
Enjoy this 600-acre preserve with the whole family, including pets. The Preserve has three areas: a wetland ecosystem, the remains of the Erie Canal, and the site of the town鈥檚 first settlement. There is a small parking lot at the Whipple Bridge at the intersection of VanVranken and Riverview Road.
8) Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
518-450-0321
With more than twelve miles of marked trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and year-round educational programs, the Preserve & Park is a local gem. Entrance is free. On winter weekends starting in January, the snowshoe and cros- country ski rental center is open in the log cabin adjacent to the Camp Saratoga Parking Lot #1 on Scout Road from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
9) Sacandaga Lake
518-332-5970
The Great Sacandaga Reservoir is an undiscovered Mecca for boating, water sports, snowmobiling, skiing, fishing and all kinds of outdoor recreation. The Lake is 39 miles long with an average depth of 40 feet. Just 22 miles from Saratoga Springs, the Great Sacandaga Lake offers visitors spectacular scenic beauty and an environment rich with outdoor amenities.
10) Saratoga PLAN
Saratoga PLAN, which stands for preserving land and nature, actively manages 10 nature parks that hold 22 miles of trails that are free for the public to explore. Participate in Letterboxing from Easter through Thanksgiving. Get county trail maps, help conserve, and more!
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