The Capital District area of New York state is a sports lover's paradise. Around Albany, hikes feature breathtaking mountain ranges and lush valleys with miles of well-marked and maintained trails. In Albany, several clubs organize hikes and work to preserve and protect the surrounding wildlife.
Geography
The geography around Albany provides hikers with various terrains from relatively flat terrain to strenuous climbs. The Albany Pine Bush is a 20-mile long trail that features rolling hills. This sand base path winds past habitats for various plants and animals, such as the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly. The Albany region is best known for its fall hikes. The hikes during this season provide views of landscape with leaves changing in color from green, to vibrant shades of red and finally to burnt orange or yellow.
Features
Across Albany, numerous hiking clubshelp organize weekly hiking activities. Most of these clubs offer activities year-round. The Taconic Hiking Club is open to individuals who are interested in hiking, nature study, camping, backpacking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. This club hikes in the surrounding Capital District area. Hikes vary in distance from five to 25 miles. Hikes occur on various days through the week. The shorter hikes tend to be during the week while the longer hikes are on the weekends.
The Albany Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club multiple weekly outings. All hikes are rated on a system from A to C. This system explains the effort level and mileage hikers can expect during each hike. In addition to these hikes, the Albany Chapter sponsors guided canoeing and kayaking trips and bike rides. During the winter, this club offers snowshoeing trips and cross country skiing adventures.
Benefits
With the Albany Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, members work to protect and preserve the New York forests, wildlands, waters and parks surrounding the Capital District area. This organization, which has over 3,400 members, combines outdoor recreation, such as hiking, with advocacy and environmental education. Members of the Adirondack Mountain Club work towards passing legislation that protects the environment. For example, as of 2010, the club is advocating for the passage of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed clean air regulation. The members state that this rule would reduce acid rain. As for education, the club offers educational workshops before the monthly chapter meeting. An example of these workshops includes learning how to read animal tracks along a trail.
Considerations
Hiking is generally a safe and healthy activity, but hikers should follow a few tips to ensure safety. When out hiking, take plenty of drinking water. Even if you pass fresh looking streams or rivers, plan to only consume your own water to guarantee it is potable. Stay on the trail to avoid getting lost or suffering an injury. Finally, always let someone back at camp, home or in the group know where you are hiking and when you plan on returning.
Fees
All the leaders of the local Albany hiking clubs are volunteers. Instead of paying salaries, your dues go to helping maintain trails, education projects and to support conversation and advocacy programs. As of 2010, fees to join the Taconic Hiking Club are $10 per year. With the Adirondack Mountain Club, dues range from $40 to $60 annually. Discounts are provided for students, families and seniors.
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