Argyle, New York

Of the 10 trails at The Merck, The Wildlife Trail is a great hike through the forest that offers you the best way to see wildlife, streams and tracks. You can do the whole hike as a loop in about 2-2 1/2 hours or shorten it up with some shortcuts if you just want a quick hike. Great for family ...

Lake Shaftsbury State Park is a small park in Southern Vermont between Bennington and Manchester. It is well-loved by locals as swimming spot in the summer, especially for families with kids.  Less well known is the nature trail that meanders around the perimeter of the lake. While only a mile in...

The Lye Brook Falls Trail is a 4.7 mile hike through scenic trails just outside of Manchester Center, Vermont. The trail is open year-round, but the best time to go is during spring blooms or to see the fall colors. This hike is family friendly and fun for all ages. Dogs are allowed on this trail...

Looking for the best view in all of Poultney, Vermont? Look no further than Lake St. Catherine Mountain. Located within Deane's Nature Preserve, this fast and easy hike tops as one of the best views and camping spots for the little time and energy needed to reach the summit. Only 30-45 minutes fr...

The hike to beautiful Shelving Rock Falls is only a half mile and well worth the side trip if visiting the east side of Lake George.  Shelving Rock Road, the road to the parking area, is long, winding, and unpaved, but maintained pretty well and passable in a sedan. You'll want to take the road a...

The trailhead for Shelving Rock Mountain has enough room for about five cars but additional parking can be found on the road leading to it. Be sure to sign the log book and begin the hike by passing around the "stop" car barrier.The trail starts off following a small stream (on your right) but yo...

Black Mountain is located on the Eastern side of Lake George and is the tallest mountain above Lake George. The trailhead is located on Pike Brook Road (off from Hulett's Rd, Route 6) in Clemons, NY. The parking area is about one mile up Pike Brook Road, on the right.This hike to Black Mountain i...

There are a few ways to approach these two peaks. We chose to do a traverse using two vehicles.Starting at Edgecomb Pond Rd you will park along the road. There will be a sign and yellow discs directing you to the start of the trail. The first 0.4 miles is following a dirt road. You will then ...

This 1.6 mile round trip hike starts from the Ice Beds parking lot in the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont.  The trailhead is close to the parking lot entrance, following the blue-blazed trail.  Be sure to read the signs, as the far trailhead is a hike to the cliffs, not the ice beds. Af...

Hadley Mountain historically has faced its share of forest fires. The fires left thin soil, leading to more exposed rock on this fairly quick, scenic hike. Due to the rockiness, when you're thinking about heading out for this hike, be sure to grab a sturdy pair of hiking boots or at least your st...

A great loop for the summer, Woodford is also amazing when winter winter comes to the State Park. It also comes earlier than just about anywhere else in Southern Vermont. At 2,400 feet above sea level, this is an easy spot to find winter without spending a fortune at the local ski resorts. Woodfo...

Once you drive onto N. Long Pond Road you will follow it appproximately 1.5 miles to the end. From the parking you can take the short walk back on the road to the start of the trail. The trail is actually a rough Fire Tower Road. You will follow this for about 1.3 miles. Here you will see a se...

The hike to Hamilton Falls is an enjoyable 6.8 miles roundtrip voyage through gorgeous forest scenery alongside a babbling brook. Be sure to visit the upper and lower falls! This trail is kid and dog friendly, so why not bring both?! If you are visiting the falls in the summer, bring a towel and ...

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 hou...

Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park is a unique collection of hiking trails and walking paths that meander more than 204 acres of fields, forests, gorges, cliffs, and gardens. The best way to explore these enchanting trails is to pack a picnic and lace up your hiking boots for a full-day ramble. ...

At the trail register stay to your right at the fork in the trail. The left trail will be where you return. At approximately 0.5 miles you will reach an open ledge area, as you look up a rock cairn will mark where you pick up the trail. At 0.8 miles you will reach the first of two ladders to a...