Albany, the capital of New York State, is located on the banks of the Hudson River. The city, which features rolling hills and is dotted with parks and gardens, is situated at the base of two mountain ranges, the Catskills and the Adirondacks. Hikers need not go far to find trails along the rivers or in the city parks. Many area hiking clubs plan trips to the surrounding area and take advantage of the nearby mountain trails.
Benefits
Heading to the gym to work out is always an option. If you prefer an outdoor activity that is easy on the budget, you might consider hiking. Joining up with others who enjoy trekking in the Albany area offers other benefits in addition to burning calories. Hiking with a group can bring social interaction, making the outing even more interesting. Normally, group demographics are diverse. Meeting new people is a viable way of broadening your scope and sharing experiences.
Adirondack Mountain Club
The inception of the Albany chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club dates back to 1922. Hikes are detailed on the chapter's website and ranked according to the effort level. Some hiking activities are extremely challenging in both elevation and endurance. Fitness level is important. Participants are urged to carefully match the planned hike to their individual ability.
During the season from May through October, this mountain club offers 2-hour evening paddling tours every Tuesday along the waterways in the capital region.
Taconic Hiking Club
Anyone interested in hiking activities is welcome to join the Taconic Hiking Club. Dues are $10 as of 2010. The group arranges hikes around the state's capital district and includes trips to outlying areas. Individuals interested in the club's activities can view the club's online blogs. The Taconic Club maintains an active agenda. Hikes are scheduled on weekends; some occur during the week. Bike trips, canoeing and kayaking are other outdoor activities enjoyed by Taconic members. During the winter season, club members dust off their skis and dig out their snowshoes for invigorating outdoor fun.
Meet-up Group
Hiking Mates of the Capital Region was organized as a meet-up group in 2006 and boasts a membership of more than 1,000 hikers. Ante up a current requested donation of $5 per year, then just show up. Those are the only requirements of the Hiking Mates. The group has held more than 750 events. In addition to trail hiking, the Mates participate in charity runs, go tubing down the river and hold picnics. They sometimes trek by the light of the moon and consistently schedule a 1-hour after work walk each Wednesday.
Area Trails
Although many hiking clubs plan some treks outside the city, the capital region offers some interesting trails. The Albany Pine Bush features nine trails ranging from easy to moderate. Pine Bush Preserve has 18 miles of trails shared by hikers and cross-country skiers. Travel 15 miles southwest of Albany to hike at John Boyd Thacher State Park. Amenities at the park include 12 miles of trails for hiking and winter snowshoeing.
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