10 Local Hiking Spots In the Clifton Park Area

New York State is perfect for outdoor exploration with nature preserves, state parks, forests, and even volunteer-maintained trails that are found all around the Clifton Park region. Whether you enjoy hiking or biking, there are plenty of trails to enjoy the beauty of New York’s rivers, wetlands, forests, and hills. From easy to challenging, there are trails for everyone. So if you’re looking for new places to explore, we at DePaula Chevy put together this list of hiking trails around Clifton Park just for you. Let’s get started!

1. Vischer Ferry Preserve

First up, the Vischer Ferry Preserve has 4.5 miles of trails perfect for either walking or biking through the 700-acre property. The trails through the preserve are relatively flat, so those who prefer a less challenging terrain will appreciate the easy nature of this trail system. Multiple access points along the trail, including Whipple Bridge, Clute’s Dry Dock, Ferry Drive Gateway, and Sugar Hill Road Extension, allow for walkers or bikers to begin in different spots to be able to view portions of the preserve according to preference or location.

This is a fun location for bird lovers as a wide variety of birds can be seen at this park, from waterfowl to large birds of prey. Bald eagles, hawks, orioles, and ducks are just a few birds to watch here. And for history lovers, this park offers remains of the Erie Canal, which once ran to the Buffalo, NY area. The Vischer Ferry Preserve has something to offer anyone and everyone.

2. Hayes Nature Trail

For folks in wheelchairs or parents pushing strollers, Hayes Nature Trail is perfect as it has sections that are friendly to wheels. Wildflower lovers will enjoy the lush meadows, and those with an interest in fairy tales may enjoy the fairy houses and gnomes, which can be found with sharp eyes while walking the trail. This loop is about 1.4 miles, is well-maintained, and is dog-friendly. You can access this trail year-round via Moe Road south of Clifton Park, where a parking area is located off Thoroughbred Way, or use the Liberty Way access by following Thoroughbred Way to its end and take a left.

3. Mohawk Landing

When you need a little nature fix with a beautiful view, but you don’t have time to walk very far, Mohawk Landing is the perfect spot. This is a six-acre waterfront park with a trail that takes you to a scenic overlook in only 800 feet. Walk along the riverfront to the overlook, and then loop through the wetland area where two streams run playfully through the wooded scenery. Take in the ribbon-like waterfall as you stroll along this easy trail made for gentle walks on flat terrain with a well-maintained seasonal use trail. You can access the trail west of Bryan Drive, off the south side of Riverview Road in Clifton Park.

4. North Woods Nature Preserve

North Woods Nature Preserve is an 80-acre preserve of mature forest, ponds, and waterways located in the Country Knolls neighborhood. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk and has a one-mile trail through the woods, which features bridges and a bench next to the pond. This is not a loop trail, but an out-and-back trail with moderate traffic to keep it worn. Strollers or other transport with wheels are not recommended without first scouting the trail for personal use, but the walk should be perfect for those looking for a moderate walk with a small amount of uphill hiking. Additionally, dogs are welcome on leash. Access the preserve between 38 and 40 Shadow Wood Way, where parking is located along the road.

5. 100-Acre Wood

Not far from Clifton Park in Malta is the 100-Acre Wood trail system, with two miles of beautifully constructed trails through a parcel of land set aside for public use by the Luther Forest Technology Campus. With bridges, stairs, boardwalk-style walkways, benches, and serene wooded scenery, this terrain is foot-friendly for those willing to do a little climbing. It’s well worth the drive from Clifton Park to see the overlooks along the trail, and this trail is both kid- and dog-friendly. It is the perfect trail for a family walk.

6. Zim Smith Trail

For those who love to walk their little ones in strollers or want to use other wheeled transport that’s non-motorized, the Zim Smith Trail is the perfect spot to enjoy the woods on a paved trail. There are nine miles of a paved trail that go through Saratoga County, and a portion of this trail passes through Clifton Park. If you bring your kids, there are playgrounds located along the path in some spots, and this is a great trail for bikers to get a lovely tour of the region. A portion of the trail is not paved but is still bike-friendly, and this trail links to the 100-Acre Wood trail in Malta. This trail is maintained by the National Park Service and is well-traveled.

7. Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway

The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway is another opportunity for history buffs to get a view of the historic Erie Canal via the former towpath alongside the old canal. With 36 miles of path between Schenectady and Cohoes, there is lots of room to roam. Bikers who want an especially long ride will be pleased to have this option for exercise, especially when you get to view the falls in Cohoes and the Flight of Locks in Waterford. For Clifton Park residents, there is trail access near the Vischer Ferry Preserve, which is linked to the Byway.

8. Ushers Road State Forest

In the Department of Environmental Conservation forest, Ushers Road Trail is one of two trails maintained in the Clifton Park area. This trail is 1.5 miles long, and loops back to the parking area provided, through woods on packed dirt. Be prepared with boots in case of mud, but campers are welcome in this forest if you are willing to carry in and out all the needed supplies. There is little to no elevation gain for this trail, but it does have roots and rocks to negotiate, so it may be more for experienced hikers.

9. Anchor Diamond Park

For hikers willing to drive to Ballston, the Anchor Diamond Trail in Anchor Diamond Park will offer a cool, shady hike through the woods on almost 2.5 miles of trail. There are other trails located within the park, which can be accessed at various points, as well. And dogs are welcome on leash. These trails are for foot traffic only, and they are hard-packed dirt with the potential for muddy areas. Serious hikers will be delighted by the waterways, wildflowers, birds, and forested scenery, which will offer a quiet respite from city life all year long. The park can be accessed on Middleline Rd in Ballston Lake.

10. Peebles Island State Park

Located in Waterford, Peebles Island State Park offers locals and visitors an opportunity to view the rapids in the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers where they meet. There are a few trails to hike within the park, though the perimeter trail may be one of the most desirable for those seeking views of the river from the island. The perimeter trail is about 2.3 miles around the outside of the island and features views from cliffs, winds through meadows, and offers glimpses of local wildlife. Fishing is permitted during set seasons, and picnic tables are located along the trail for those who want to enjoy the day outdoors. Dogs are welcome on leash, and the path is mainly foot-friendly. You can find this park on Delaware Ave in Waterford.