Enjoy the Ride: 7 Bike Paths in and Around the Capital Region
Cyclist Stacey Rattner takes us on a tour of some of her favorite trails in the 518.
The last time I bought a bike—an orange Trek 1000—I was 14 weeks pregnant. Twenty-three years and hundreds of miles later, it was time to retire it.
I picked up my new-and-improved two-wheeler last July. I couldn’t contain my excitement, not unlike my 6th birthday when I unveiled my sparkly banana seat Schwinn in the driveway of my Queens home. That bike took me places. And so would this Cannondale.
Nearly every weekend from August to October, my husband and I traversed the rail trails and paths within about an hour’s drive of the Capital Region. Some were flat. Some were so hilly I ate my pride and walked a bit. We found a “meh” trail with a remarkable finish, an overwhelmingly stunning trail with a “meh” finale, and everything in between. I imagine we’ll return to some this summer (definitely the Harlem Valley Rail Trail) and discover many more new ones. But if you’re looking to get out on two wheels this season, here are my recommendations, organized by increasing distance from Albany:
Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail
Albany–Voorheesville
9 Miles
If you’ve done any riding or walking in the Capital Region, you’ve probably been on this trail. Nestled among waterfalls, murals, and Adirondack chairs for a pause, this is one not to miss. Located right in the heart of our city (it starts on South Pearl Street), this path’s only downfall is that it’s a popular trail not only for bikers, but walkers, runners, and strollers, too. It’s pretty flat with a slight downhill coming back from Voorheesville. Speaking of Voorheesville, the town is worth a pit stop, whether you’re grabbing breakfast at Pretty Alright Breakfast Club or a burger and a beer at Blackbirds Tavern, both of which are located just minutes from the bike path. (Blackbirds Bike Cafe closed for the winter and has yet to reopen.)
Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail
Cohoes–Niskayuna
13 Miles
This ride—a part of the larger Mohawk Hudson Bike Hike Trail that we hadn’t yet explored—was a game-day decision. We parked in Cohoes (there’s a trailhead in Alexander Street Park) and pedaled until we reached baseball fields (and restrooms) at Niskayuna’s Jeff Blatnick Park. It’s an elevated, shady, urban trail along the river passing an Erie Canal lock.
Empire State Rail Trail
Hudson–Tivoli
17 Miles
Don’t make this your first ride of the season. It’s hilly, but worth every granny gear! Park just down the road from Olana (at the intersection of Routes 23 and 9G) and hop on the Empire State Rail Trail. You’ll travel on back roads past apple orchards (inhale), and if you take a short detour to Clermont State Historic Site, you’ll get views of the Hudson River. The peak here for me was the village of Tivoli—specifically Thrift 2 Fight, a thrift store with a purpose, and Fortunes, a very memorable ice cream shop. On our way home, we stopped for a water break at Otto’s Market in Germantown and talked to some bikers who had just started on a multi-day ride from Albany to NYC and were spending their first night in Tivoli.
Harlem Valley Rail Trail
Copake–Millerton
13 Miles
Of all the trails, this one was my favorite. My only regret is that we rode it just once last summer. We parked in Copake (an hour-ish from Albany) and hopped on our bikes for 13 miles. The journey gave me Cape Cod National Seashore vibes, with its tranquil swamps and secluded boardwalk. I couldn’t stop inhaling the peaceful beauty. And then there was Millerton. I fell in love with the extraordinary Oblong Books, enjoyed a yummy lunch at Oakhurst Diner, and fueled up on Irving Farm Coffee before heading back. In the future, the rail trail will be extended north up to Chatham, making it even more convenient for Capital Region residents.
Warren County Bikeway
Hudson Falls–Lake George
13 Miles
This was my husband’s favorite. If you’re starting in Hudson Falls, you’ll first follow the Glens Falls Feeder Canal Trail (yes, it follows a canal!) before hopping on the Warren County Bikeway in Glens Falls. The canal trail wasn’t my favorite, but it was truly amazing to end up on two wheels in Lake George on a flawless autumn afternoon. Lunch was more about the view than the food, and the bonus of the day was when I stripped my shoes and socks to wade in the water.
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail
Pittsfield, MA–Adams, MA
12 Miles
Another easy drive from Albany is Pittsfield, MA, home of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. This flat trail had many quiet stretches alongside a lake and hills with several opportunities to stop and take a break on a park bench. There wasn’t much to do in Adams on a Sunday afternoon, so think about packing a lunch for this one. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could probably find your way to North Adams, home of MASS MoCA, though the path won’t take you that far.
Norwottuck Rail Trail
Belchertown, MA–Northampton, MA
11 Miles
We discovered this trail while in Amherst, MA for our son’s cross-country meet, and went back with our bikes not long after. The trail seemed way wider than the others with pleasant views. Though it passes through Amherst (home of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art), it starts in a town called Belchertown and ends in Northampton, where you should check out R. Michelson Gallery and dive into a sundae at Herrell’s Ice Cream & Bakery.
I know summer is here not because the calendar says so but because my cycling catalogs and text alerts are starting to roll in. It’s time to dust off the bike, fill the tires with air, and hit the trails. Happy Riding!
—Stacey Rattner
Have a favorite local-ish bike trail? Drop it in the comments!