Cropseyville, 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 hou...

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...

Park in the parking lot on Hopper Rd. Walk to the end of the road where you will find the Hopper Trailhead. Take the right fork. The Money Brook trail will take you to a waterfall, the Mt. Greylock summit, and back to the end of Hopper Rd. The trail is long but worth the hike, exploring parts of ...

Park at the Junction of Sperry Rd and Rockwell Rd. To get to the trailhead, hike along Sperry Road for about 30 minutes. (Not to the end of the road, see map below.) Then hike along the March Cataract Trail, an out-and-back. You can bring dogs on leash. The trail is short but steep in some parts ...

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 throug...

Over 3 miles of trails provide access to all parts of the preserve, and end up winding through mixed terrain including a wetland, waterfalls, and old stone walls. The property crosses the Bozenkill Road at two points on either side of private parcels (with beautiful homes), so be vigilant there; ...

The hike to Tannery Falls may be a little confusing, I'll clear it up for you before you even go there! To get to The falls you will travel down a dirt road that isn't very well maintained during the winter. As you keep driving down the dirt road you will notice a pond , which means you are almos...

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 ...

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 ...

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 dr...

The Escarpment Trail runs the length of the Catskill Escarpment. The Escarpment rises steeply from the valley below forming the northeast corner of the Catskill Mountains. It offers great views toward the Adirondack Mountains to the north and the great Hudson River to the east. The trail is moder...

One of my favorite walks to a spectacular falls. The trail is easy to follow and one mile from NY parking lot and 0.5 from the parking lot. The apparent place to swim. There are several very nice, family safe swimmable pools in the creek above and after the falls. There are signs at the top of t...

Have you ever wanted to feel as if you were hiking two different locations at once? If so, then North Mountain is definitely somewhere to check out. Take the birch tree forests around Aspen, CO and pair it with the spruces/pines of the Adirondacks and you'll have this route in the Catskills. Par...

Hiking along the Appalachian trail I made a detour in Mt Everett State reservation. About a 2.5 mile detour lead me down to a beautiful 100ft waterfall called Race Brook falls. The waterfall felt made me feel like i was in the tropical jungle in Hawaii. Adding to the beauty of the waterfall were ...

Although this is a super short hike, it is definitely a tough one! The quick, steep climb is totally worth it once you reach the 260 foot cascade and pool at the end. Hike along the trail, hugging Spruce Creek all the way to the falls. If you hike in the spring, the creek and the falls will be ra...

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...