Albany, New York

Top Spots in and near Albany

  • Greene County, United States

    Hike to Newman's Ledge

    4 mi / 584 ft gain
    Located in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, this is an outdoors-mans(and woman's) dream spot! Although this hike is accessible year round, if you decide to go during the summer you should expect crowds. Luckily, there are so many different trails and activities that it won't even matter. North-S...
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  • North Adams, Massachusetts

    The Cascades Trail

    4.3
    1.97 mi / 315 ft gain
    The Cascades Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near North Adams, Massachusetts.
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  • Palenville, New York

    Kaaterskill Falls via Laurel House

    4.5
    1.67 mi / 360.89 ft gain
    This short hike is one of the most popular in the Catskills — and for good reason. From the Laurel House Road Trailhead, it’s less than a mile round trip to reach Kaaterskill Falls, New York’s tallest two-tiered waterfall, with a dramatic 260-foot drop into a rocky amphitheater. The trail itse...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Layman's Monument and Kaaterskill Falls

    3.05 mi / 892 ft gain
    Layman's Monument and Kaaterskill Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you to one of New York's tallest waterfalls at 231 feet and to the historical monument for Frank D. Layman, who passed away in 1990 while fighting a forest fire. This trail is located near Haines Falls, New York.
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  • Tannersville, New York

    Kaaterskill Rail Trail + Kaaterskill Falls

    5.0
    3.61 mi / 246 ft gain
    The Kaaterskill Rail Trail begins near Haines Falls, New York heading toward North and South Lake. The trail is set in a gorgeous forest, and is used for hiking, trail running, and birding trips. The trail provides exceptional views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, forests, and towns. 
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  • Adams, Massachusetts

    Explore Bellevue Falls

    5.0
    When you reach the falls, you can cliff jump into a large swimming hole at the base. The best time to visit the falls is from April to November. Please note that dogs are not permitted here. Parking is at a cemetery, and the gates are open from 8am to 9pm. Use common sense before cliff jumping - ...
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  • Haines Falls, New York

    Fawns Leap

    3.5
    Please be respectful if visiting this local swimming hole. Pack out what you pack in, carry out others' trash, and familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles.  Hidden in the Catskill Mountains is one of the coolest cliff jumping locations I have ever been to. The first time I went was a...
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  • Gloversville, New York

    Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway

    3.0
    This scenic byway starts in Fonda, NY and travels along Route 30 to Malone, NY.  The area described and pictured here is a 65 mile stretch from Mayfield to Indian Lake. Starting in Mayfield you will head north driving past the Great Sacandaga Lake. Continuing through the town of Hope  you will d...
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  • Stockbridge, Massachusetts

    Laura's Tower and Ice Glen

    5.0
    2.4 mi / 676 ft gain
    You will park at the end of Park Street in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.  From the parking are you will cross a beautiful bridge over the Housatonic River.  The trail crosses railroad tracks and immediately begins to climb into the woods.  You will reach a split in the trail, a left will take you...
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  • Great Barrington, Massachusetts

    Hike Monument Mountain

    4.5
    2 mi / 720 ft gain
    At 1642 feet (with a total elevation gain of 720 feet), Squaw Peak is a great spot to see both Mt Greylock along the Vermont border, and the Catskills in New York. There are several trail options here to get to the summit, but no matter which combination you choose, you can keep your trip under ...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Hike to Huckleberry Point

    4.5
    4.5 mi / 644 ft gain
    This is a 4.5 mile hike that is great for hikers of all skill levels. Because it is short and not overly difficult, beginners will enjoy this hike. There are some steep sections that will get your heart pumping, though, and a stunning payoff is waiting for you at the end.From the trailhead, follo...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Kaaterskill High Peak Trail

    7.85 mi / 1982 ft gain
    There are no direct views from the summit, so it is recommended to take the .25 mile shoot-off trail to Hurricane Ledge for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the spring, wildflowers line the trail. If you look carefully in the brush, you'll find wreckage from two old pl...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Hike to Plattekill Falls

    0.5 mi / 137 ft gain
    Just outside of Elka Park, New York, Plattekill Falls is accessible from Albany and New York City alike. This is a great hike for families and all skill levels. The falls are spectacular year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring.  From the trailhead, walk left past the red house unt...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Hike Twin Mountain

    6 mi / 1586 ft gain
    The DEC Parking lot, is located at the very end of a dead end, along Prediger Rd. Start at the trail head to the right of the trail kiosk and sign in sheet. The trail starts out very easy going as you approach the base of Twin. At mile 0.25, you’ll hit a junction where you’ll turn RIGHT towards T...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Hike Indian Head Summit via Jimmy Dolan Notch Overlook

    4.9 mi / 1512 ft gain
    The view from the summit of this hike is incredible. Bring a sack lunch and a camera - you'll want to stay for a while! This trail is open for use year-round and provides great snowshoeing in the winter and fabulous wildflowers in the spring and summer. This is also a great location for birding!
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Devil's Path to Devil's Tombstone

    5.0
    11.9 mi / 4475 ft gain
    The Eastern half of Devil's Path has four major summits: Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf and Plateau. Each summit is a straight climb up and down, then back up to as much as 3,900 ft. There are some sparse sections of level ground, but most is a steep descent uphill or steep slide downhill. Your ...
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