Explore the best rated trails in Glens Falls, NY. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Zim Smith Mid-County Trail and Spring Run Trail. With more than 28 trails covering 479 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We did 11 miles of this trail. We went from Nassau Lake to Valatie. It was mostly flat. It did go on a road for a short section. There was ONE bench the whole way and no bathrooms. Valatie did have several places to eat. Please be aware that many are closed on Tuesday, so that limits the selection somewhat. Pizza ab Mexican we’re closed. Deli and diner were open. Overall it was worth the trip.
*PLEASE NOTE that the portion from Bridge Street to the Onondaga Creek, Syracuse NEEDS UPDATING on the Trail map, as connecting trail is now available and this isn't reflected in the map.* Today was our 3rd ride (each out and back) on this trail, completing the section from Port Byron to the Inner Harbor in Syracuse. Today's ride in nice weather was 21 miles round trip to the Camillus Museum from Syracuse. We enjoyed the museum and the newer section that is paved along the west side of Onondaga Lake from the Fair Grounds parking area to the south part of the lake. We did miss a turn heading up the hill to turn off the trail to the parking area so we could cross 690; not sure there was clear signage on that; there was going back down. We were able to go through the portion on the NYS Fairgrounds and noted that this is not open to biking during the colder months (I believe Oct-April 1); it wouldn't be hard to go around, but signage would be helpful on that, too. Signs for this portion of the Empire State Trail were quite good otherwise. Since we haven't had much rain in the past month, trail conditions were excellent on today's portion. Least favorite was the road portion (or "sidewalk ride") on Hiawatha Blvd as it was very busy. Parts of the portion we did today is hillier than most sections; it was not difficult for us "intermediate level" bikers, but parts wouldn't be the best for younger children or somebody who hadn't biked in a while.
The key to enjoying this trail is knowing what to expect. It is a packed gravel trail that is a little washed out in some places. They did pave some of the hills, too. Since it is gravel, there isn’t as much traffic as a lot of the other rail trails in the area. The Waterford part ends at the lock. The lock welcome center has restrooms when it is open. When we stopped there on a Sunday, they had live music and food. We saw lots of dragon flies, chipmunks and other wildlife on the ride. The Cohoes side is not as well maintained as the Halfmoon side. The openings to cross the road are a bit narrow and the signs are covered in graffiti. The Cohoes side could use a face lift, but I would not skip it.
Nice trail, compacted gravel. Parallel to canel and train tracks. Rather exposed (no shade). Cute little town (Fort Ann) with a great brewery.
Parked at 1007 Kinderhook St. and headed down towards Stuyvesant Falls. Nice ride. I then rode back to my car for lunch before heading toward North Chatham. Pavement in good shape both ways and I enjoyed the scenery. Will definitely ride it again in the fall.
We rode from Castleton University to the end of the trail at the New York state line, and back 5/2023. We were able to get our Burley Bark Ranger (dog) bike trailer through the roadway gates with some difficulty, backing up, straightening, trying again. For several miles, this happens every 5 to 7 minutes. Then it gets better. I’m not sure if a two seat child trailer would make it through. There is a Poultney River loop trail that can be accessed from the rail trail, but it’s definitely not for bikes towing trailers like we do. Poultney is very cute, and we saw a pizza shop, and creemee stand there. The surface is great for slightly knobby tires. Bucolic farmland, quiet, sunny ride. One of the multiple snowmobile bridges crosses a river, and it’s a great spot for a shaded picnic and tossing a stick for the dog.
Valatie to Nassau in the early morning en route to northern NY. Beautifully maintained well-marked trail along water, past farms and through woods. Parking at several locations was easy to find. Looking forward to returning to do other sections of the trail.
Did a small section from Jordan to Solvay. Nice Ride about 14.5 miles on a cooler sunny day. Muddy in a couple spots. Hope to complete more sections soon ¿¿¿
Short trail that connects to Spa National Park and passes the Saratoga YMCA. Beautiful flowers along the short trails from backyards of residents. Photo ops are plentiful.
Very well maintained, safe and smooth for rollerblading. Really enjoyed it ¿
Just did about 14 miles on this trail. Started in Niverville and headed south to Valatie, then back north to North Chatham and back to Niverville. Surface is very good and well maintained. It is obvious the volunteers who take care of this trail do a great job (thanks, Ron! Just met you today). There is some non-trail surface (sidewalk, shared road) but very little and not much of a distraction from the beauty of the rest of the trail. Well worth a light rain to get wonderful fall color photos.
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