Johnny Miller's Adventure Guide: Saratoga Hiking, Biking, Trails & More In Saratoga County NY

Camp Saratoga

2008-11-20T00:00:02Z

Town of Wilton
Size: 310 acres with five miles of trails
Scenery: Forested
Terrain: Forested and field floor. Some sand.

Trip Tip: Try to spot the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly

Camp Saratoga was operated as a Boy Scout camp from 1930 to 2001, and then it became part of the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. The preserve is 310 acres and located only 8 miles from downtown. This park encompasses a variety of ecosystems including woodlands, wetlands, open areas and streams. This habitat supports the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly. There are trail maps and environmental information available at the trailhead parking area.

For more trail details and activity schedule check out Wilton Wildlife Preserve.

Directions: SCOUT ROAD

Follow Route 50 north through the Wilton shopping area for 6 miles. Turn left onto Edie Road, proceed 1.5 miles and turn right onto Scout Road. The parking area and trailheads are 0.7 miles on the left.

Woods Hollow Preserve

2008-11-19T23:37:34Z

Town of Milton
Size: 130 acres
Scenery: Lake, Woods, and Wetland
Terrain: Natural

Trip Tip: Environmental Educational Signs

Take a break one afternoon and discover a diverse eco-system that supports an array of flora and fauna in the Town of Milton. There are several, well-maintained trails to choose from, with the majority of them consisting of former logging roads that meander over rolling terrain and sandy soils. The extensive trails are well marked with colored, plastic discs with interpretative signs along the way, which provide interesting and concise information on the area's history and ecology.

As you journey further toward the center of this 130-acre parcel you'll discover a placid lake that was once used as a water supply for the local community. The wooden dock next to the dilapidated pump house extends from the eastern shoreline and provides a stable platform for bird watching or basking in the warm sun.

The upland that surrounds this watering hole supports vegetation that includes White Pine, Red Oak, Quaking Aspen and Gray Birch. Sandy soils outside of the wetland area have a variety of wildflowers, such as Purple Lustrife and Pink Lady Slipper, which can be identified by referencing the signs alongside the paths.

The main entrance off of Northline Road has ample space for parking. There is a trailhead kiosk displaying a map of the preserve. Remember, as you venture about, staying on marked trails will help reduce needless erosion and trespassing on private property.

Directions: NORTHLINE ROAD

From Saratoga Springs travel 5 miles south on Route 50 to the traffic light at the intersection with Northline Road. Make a right and continue for a short distance to the parking area on the right.

Bog Meadow Trail

2008-11-06T22:59:03Z

City of Saratoga Springs
Length: 2 miles
Scenery: Wetland
Terrain: Old Railroad Bed, Boardwalk

Trip Tip: Great Birding, but check yourself for ticks.

This trail was once a passenger railroad line that went from downtown Saratoga Springs to Saratoga Lake. With the help of volunteers, the Saratoga Open Space Project converted the railroad bed to a nature trail in 1993. The trail connects Route 29 and Meadow brook Road, cutting through three distinct wetland systems. This trail is a mellow walk just east of Downtown Saratoga Springs. This destination is an excellent spot for bird watching, jogging and great for the kids. There are benches along the trail. Interpretive signs provide history about the old railroad and the environment. Closer to the Meadow brook Road trailhead there is a boardwalk and viewing platform built through the wetland, although the access can be flooded. Numerous wild flowers and plants flourish along the trail, which include: May Apple, Marsh Marigold, Early Meadow Rue, Red Trillium, Trout Lily, Strawberry, Partridge Berry, Spotted Wintergreen and American Elm.

Directions: ROUTE 29

Drive east from Saratoga Springs on Lake Ave (Rte 29) past Walton's Sport Shop and the Parting Glass. Continue under the Northway (I-87) past Weibel Ave. The trailhead parking area is less than a mile on the right.

Directions: MEADOWBROOK ROAD

From the Route 29 trailhead: Continue east on Route 29 to the first traffic light; make a right onto Stafford's Bridge Rd. Take your first right onto Meadowbrook Rd; the parking area is a quarter mile on the right. Park here and walk up the road about 50 yards to the trailhead on the right.

Ballston Veterans Bike Trail

2008-11-06T17:58:05Z

Town of Ballston, Saratoga County
Activities: Biking, running, walking
Length: 3 1/2 miles
Scenery: Natural, railroad tracks
Terrain: Asphalt

Trip Tip: Parallels Ballston Lake

White Beach, Timeson and Oakwood were frequent stops on the Schenectady-Saratoga Trolley line that once ran off to the west of Ballston Lake. General Electric employees and other visitors looking to recreate and relax on Ballston Lake frequented the trolley. Converted to a bikeway and walking trail, this flat and straight, asphalt covered path is a great destination for the whole family. The trail stretches for three and half-miles between Outlet Road to Route 146A in the Village of Ballston Lake. As you ride on the trail, interpretive signs remind you of the past with information on the early settlers dating back to the 1700's. The small metal trail markers every quarter mile are a convenient way to keep track of your progress. Active railroad tracks run parallel between the bikeway and the lake. A high bank on the east side of the trail provides a nice visual barrier for the tracks. Expect for the occasional train breaching the sounds of nature, the thick foliage around the trail gives you a feeling of solitude.

Directions: Outlet Road, Northern Trailhead

Travel south from Saratoga Springs for 9.5 miles on Route 50 through Ballston Spa to the traffic light at Outlet Road. Remember to stop in Ballston Spa at the Wild Tea Co to pick up an energy drink before hitting the trail. The Good Times Café sign is a good landmark marking Outlet Road. Continue east on Outlet Rd. The trailhead is on the right just before you go over the railroad tracks, although the parking area is a few hundred yards down the road on the left. The parking area is large enough for plenty of vehicles and has one picnic table. The Good Times Café is great spot to eat after your adventure.

Directions: Route 146A, Southern Trailhead

To reach the southern trailhead in the Village of Ballston Lake, continue south on Route 50. Make a left onto Route 146A and drive east toward the Village of Ballston Lake. There is a small parking area on the left. Carney's Restaurant, located 100 ft from the south end of the bike path has great food and drink. Patrons are welcome to park in their lot while using the trail.

Hudson River/Champlain Canal

2008-11-06T16:36:02Z

Town of Saratoga, Village of Schuylerville, Saratoga County
Activities: Kayak Touring, Walking Trails
Length: Unlimited
Current: South
Scenery: Wooded shoreline, farms

Trip tip: Lock 5

This launch will give the flatwater paddler access to a diverse waterway. This section of the Hudson River, which flows through Schuylerville, is part of the Champlain Canal, a component of the New York State Canal System. The Champlain Canal has a total of 12 locks, which start in Troy and connect to Lake Champlain in Whitehall, NY. One mile upstream of the Schuylerville put-in is Lock 5. Paddling through the lock is always an exciting adventure. It's free for non-motorized crafts. To access the lock, paddle up to the lock and get the Lock Keeper's attention. The Lock Keeper controls the lock and when he knows you're there he'll open the doors. Paddle into the lock and hold onto one of the ropes hanging down along the walls. The doors will close and this lock will lift you 19 feet up to the next section of the canal. The mouth of the Battenkill is also just upstream from the put-in, which is a beautiful wooded section of river to paddle. Paddling south from the put-in will give you beautiful views of farmland and Saratoga National Battlefield off in the distance. The current flows south. When the water levels are high, the strength of the current increases. I suggest paddling north first and letting the current help you on the way back south to the put-in.

Directions: Route 29
Drive east out of town on Lake Ave (Rte 29) toward Schuylerville. Take a right at the light in Schuylerville staying on Rte 29. Continue through town and make a left at the next light staying on Rte 29. The access at Fort Hardy Park is on the left just before the bridge.

Spring Run Trailhead - Moreau Lake State Park

2008-11-01T10:16:45Z

Trail: Spring Run to Western Ridge
Length: 4 miles
Trailhead: Spier Falls Road South
Terrain: Rugged

Trip Tip: Beware of the Porcupines!

Named for the stream running down the thickly vegetated mountainside at this destination is part of Moreau Lake State Park. The trail immediately begins with a climb up the dirt utility road just south of the trailhead, marked with a large swing gate. The trail continues to climb up the ridge as it crosses under the utility lines, where it another trails spurs off to the left. The trail to the left is used by rock climbers to access the cliffs up to the right. The base base of the cliffs are covered with large scree and a canopy of trees. I've seen porcupines in this area on several hikes and my dog got hit once its quills, so beware. The spring run trail continues straight over some rugged sections of a bed. Continuing on this trail will take to an overlook with great views of the Hudson River and the Southern Adirondack Mountains. The trail also connects to the Western Ridge Trail and other trails that take you over to the Overlook Trail. After the hike there is a good swimming spot on the rocks across the road and through the trees. The Hudson River is a beautiful spot with clean water at his location.

Directions: Spier Falls Road
Travel north on Route 9 out of Saratoga. Route 9 parallels I-87. Continue north on Route 9 for 6.5 miles from Route 50. Make a left onto Corinth Mountain Rd (County Rte 101). Stay on this road until you come to a stop sign and a T intersection with Spier Falls Rd. Make a right onto Spier Falls Road and travel to the bottom of the hill along the Hudson River. Just past the Spier Falls Road boat launch is the Spring Run trailhead on your right.

Eastern Ridge Trail - Moreau Lake State Park

2008-11-01T10:16:08Z

Trail: Eastern Ridge Trail
Length: 4 miles
Trailhead: Spier Falls Road North
Terrain: Dirt and Rocks

Trip Tip: Limited Parking

An easier choice than the Western Ridge trail as you start a higher elevation on top of the ridge. This hike continues along the Eastern Ridge of the State Park connecting with several others trails that lead to the main area of the park. Views off to the east of the Hudson River and the Southern Adirondacks are good in the winter and months when the leaves are off the trees.

Directions: Spier Falls Road
From the Adirondack Northway (I-87) take Exit 17 South. Continue south for a short distance on Route 9 and make a right onto Old Saratoga Road. Continue on Old Saratoga Road toward Moreau Lake State Park. Make your first right onto Mountain Road. Continue around the eastern border of the park and make your first left onto Spier Falls Rd. Follow Spier Falls Rd to the top of the mountain. The trailhead is marked by a gate on the left side of the road.

Hadley Mountain

2008-10-27T14:58:15Z

Driving Time from Saratoga: 1 hour
Trail Length: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1525'
Summit Elevation: 2675'
Scenery: Forest
Trail Conditions: Slab Rock, Natural Rugged Terrain

Trip Tip: Fire Tower

Hadley Mountain is located one hour north of Saratoga Springs in the Wilcox Wilderness area of the Adirondack State Park. When you reach the summit of this popular destination you will be rewarded with expansive views of Great Sacandaga Lake to the south and on a clear day the High Peaks to the north. Lake Champlain lies off to the east with the Green Mountains off in the distance. The trailhead and trail are maintained well for the amount of foot traffic this mountain gets. A couple of sections on the hike are steep and will definitely get the heart pumping.

Directions: Tower Road, Hadley
Drive north out of Saratoga Springs on Route 9N. Continue on Route 9N through the town of Corinth following signs to the Town of Lake Luzerne. When you come to the traffic light in Lake Luzerne, make a left onto Route 4 to the Town of Hadley. Follow Route 4 over the Hudson River. Just up the road make a right onto Stony Creek Road (Route 1). Travel about three miles north and make a left onto Hadley Hill Road (Tower Road). Continue 4.6 miles and make a right onto Tower Rd. The trailhead parking area is 1.5 miles on the left.

Spruce Mountain

2008-10-27T14:55:36Z

Driving Distance from Saratoga: 13 miles
Trail Length: 1.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1003'
Scenery: Forested
Trail Conditions: Varied rugged terrain

Trip Tip: Fire Tower

This is a short hike in the southern most part of the Adirondack State Park in northern Saratoga County. The hardest part of the hike is climbing the fire tower at the top (an excellent view if you have the courage to go all the way to the top). Several logging roads intertwine with the hiking trail on the hike up. Look for trail markers along the way heading in a northerly direction. The trail crosses land used by the Blue Jay Hunting Club on a lease from International Paper, so hiking is not recommended during hunting season (late September through early December).

Directions: Spruce Mountain Road, South Corinth
Head out of Saratoga Springs on Route 9N (Church Street). Continue north on Route 9N for 11 miles and make a left onto Wells Road, in South Corinth. Go two miles and make a right onto Spruce Mountain Road. The trailhead is at the dead end.

Cottage Park Trailhead - Moreau Lake State Park

2008-10-27T14:48:22Z

Trail: Cottage Park Trail
Trailhead: Sherman Island Boat Launch
Length: 1.5 miles
Terrain: Dirt, Grass, Rocks

Trip Tip: Swimming and Rope Swing in the Hudson River.

Named for the site where an old hotel that housed workers for the hydro-electric plants on the Hudson River. You can still see the remains of the hotel foundations along the road. This trail starts out flat and them climbs to the ridge above. Once you cross under the powerlines the trails divides. Both trails continue up the ridge to the Eastern Ridge Trail. This area is always great for exploring a natural forest with thick trees and rugged terrain. The trail off to the south has some neat features as it continues along a spine between two creek beds. If you continue to the top, eventually you will connect with the Western Ridge Trail taking you to the Western Overlook for views of the Green Mountains of Vermont. Most the forest is Pine and Hemlock trees with a high canopy.

Directions: Spier Falls Road
From the Adirondack Northway (I-87) take Exit 17 South. Continue south for a short distance on Route 9 and make a right onto Old Saratoga Road. Continue on Old Saratoga Road toward Moreau Lake State Park. Make your first right onto Mountain Road. Continue around the eastern border of the park and make your first left onto Spier Falls Rd. Follow Spier Falls Rd up and over the mountain. At the bottom of the hill make a right into the Sherman Island Parking and River Access area.

Moreau Lake State Park

2008-10-27T14:43:51Z

Size: 4000 acres+
Trail length: Varied
Scenery: Forested
Trail Conditions: Mixed

Trip Tip: State Camp Ground with lots of Outdoor Activities

Moreau Lake State Park is the ninth largest state park in New York with over 4,000 acres of open space in Saratoga and Warren counties. This includes 14 miles of shoreline along the Hudson River, an easily accessible lake, miles of hiking trails and a weekly schedule of programs. There are several opportunities to view the Adirondacks from the mountain ridge that divides the main park from the Hudson River.

During the spring, summer and early fall there are 148 tent and RV campsites available for a nominal fee. The lake is open for swimming and kayaking. There is a nature center, playground and organized environmental education programs at the main park.

Directions: Main Park Entrance,
Drive north out of Saratoga Springs on Route 9, which runs parallel with I-87. Continue on Route 9 for 12 miles until the road turns west toward I-87 and South Glens Falls. Make a left onto Old Saratoga Road. Continue on Old Saratoga Road past Mountain Road to the park entrance on the right.

Peaked Rock Trail

2008-10-27T14:37:39Z

Washington County
Town of Cambridge
Trail Length: 2 1/2 miles
Scenery: Forest screened views of Washington County farmland
Terrain: Rugged

Trip Tip: Stop into Battenkill Valley Outdoors for a trail map

This hike begins roughly 30 miles east of Saratoga Springs. The Peaked Rock Trail meanders along Snake Ridge in the Battenkill State Forest. Located in Washington County this 983 acre mixed forest is an excellent day adventure. The trail leads to Peaked Rock at 1100 feet above the Battenkill River. Vermont lies just on the other side of the range. This moderate hike yields rewarding views of Washington County and beyond. From the parking area, the trail starts out along a stream that divides two parcels of farmland. As you begin your journey, you'll notice Battenkill Valley Outdoors' store in their new solar log building on the other side of the stream. The trail starts out as a gradual climb up an old logging road. Once the trail crosses a stream it starts to gain elevation. Pale green slate constitutes the trail surface. As you continue past birch, oak and hickory trees the grade becomes quite steeper until you reach the saddle connecting to Goose Egg Ridge. One last steep pitch will get you onto Snake Ridge. From here the trail continues over the peak for 1.5 miles out to Peaked Rock. As you hike along the ridge there are glimpses of the green mountains to the east and farmland in the valley to the west. The trail lies close to the border between public and private property, respect private property and stay on the trail.

Scenic Directions: Rte 313, Cambridge
From Saratoga Springs, drive east on Route 29 through the Village of Schuylerville to the Town of Greenwich. Continue on Rte 29 to the Town of Battenville. Make a right onto Rte 61 east to the Town of Shushan. When you come to Dead Lake, Rte 61 goes left and then immediately right. Continue on Rte 61 to Rte 313. Make a right onto Rte 313 south. The trailhead/parking area is one mile south on Rte 313, just past the entrance for Battenkill Valley Outdoors. You will see a designated NYSDEC Trailhead/Parking area sign.

The above trail description is from Johnny Miller's Adventure Guide - Saratoga County and beyond. For more information on outdoor recreation destinations in Washington County, Saratoga County and the Capital Region check out www.johnnymilleradventures.com. Johnny Miller's Adventure guide is also circulated free through out the region available this at participating businesses.

Palmer Lake State Forest

2008-10-27T14:34:04Z

Town of Corinth
Size: 2000 acres
Length: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Scenery: Forest
Terrain: Gradual Climb

Trip Tip: Public Access is April 1st to September 30th

Davignon Road is a dirt road that provides public access to this forest preserve. This secluded area in the Adirondack State Park is excellent for a mountain biking adventure. Park your vehicle off to the side on Davignon Road just before the bridge over Daly Creek. Palmer Lake Cooperative Fishing Area is just over two miles up the road with an elevation gain of about 700 feet to the lake. This forest preserve is available to the public for fishing access from April 1st to September 30th. Public access is made possible with a cooperative effort between New York State and The Mettawee Lumber and Plastics Company. From October 1st to March 31st The Champlain Valley Sportmans Club leases the 2000 acres for hunting.

There is a parking area 1/2 mile past the NYSDEC sign at the end of Davignon Rd. Palmer Lake lies off to the west about a mile from the parking area. The small lake provides fishing, excellent birding opportunities, and beautiful views of the forest. There are several trails from the parking area. They are wide with deep ruts, due to past logging and present day four wheelers. The trails tend to be muddy in spots. On one of my scouting adventures, I tried to ride through some standing water and my bike and I sunk a good two feet into the muck, although the ride up the road and beyond was great. You definitely want to start your ride just off of West Mountain Road.

Directions: Davignon Road
Drive North out of Saratoga Springs on Rte. 9N. Before you come to the Town of Corinth, make a left onto Mosher Rd(Rte 10). There is a large sign for Great Sacandaga Lake and three smaller signs for Jenny Lake, Hunt Lake and Efner Lake. Mosher Rd turns into West Mountain Rd. Continue west for 8 miles. Davignon Rd is on the left just past the sign for the Town of Day as West Mountain Rd winds down a small hill. Park on the shoulder of Davignon Rd just before the bridge.

Taylor Road County Forest

2008-10-27T14:30:55Z

Town of Wilton, Northumberland
Difficulty: Beginner -Intermediate
Size: 486 acres
Trail Length: 3 miles
Scenery: Woodland
Terrain: Rolling dunes

Trip Tip: Double track

Tucked away in the middle of suburbia, in the Towns of Wilton NY and Northumberland, is the Taylor Road County Forest. This 486-acre plot of forested land is a great destination for mountain biking. The trails throughout the forest were created by ATVs, even though motorized vehicles are not allowed in the forest. The smooth double track trails are in excellent shape. The ground consists of soft soil and some sand. You can build up speed and bank a turn on one of the many berms that exist. In the middle of the forest is a private plot of land which is posted and easily avoidable. This natural area consists of red and white pine trees and some hardwood. The forest is home to white-tail deer, red-tail hawks and the Karner Blue Butterfly. During the spring and summer, keep an eye out for wildflowers such as pipsissewa, shinleaf, wild lupine and starflower. The trails are numerous and begin and end at different locations along Taylor Road, King Road and Ruggles Road. Unfortunately, there are some roads jutting into the forest that have been used by inconsiderate citizens for dumping their trash.

Directions: Taylor Road
Go northeast out of Saratoga Springs on Rte 50. Continue past "Big Box Shopping" 5 miles to Taylor Rd. Make a right onto Taylor Rd. There is pull-off on the left at the Wilton/Northumberland Town Line Sign, just around the corner.

Lake Desolation State Forest

2008-10-27T14:26:03Z

Size: 828 acres
Length: Varied
Scenery: Forest, Streams
Terrain: Dirt Road

Trip Tip: Network of Trails

Plank Road was once used for access to a glass factory in this area. Now an abandoned dirt road, this is the main trail through the NY State forest. The dirt road is public and has great mountain biking for all ability levels. Access to the road can be intimidating because of all the private property surrounding it. Property owners along the road have excessively posted signs to deter people from using the public land. Respect private property and stay on designated trails.

The southern parcel, 348 acres of the total 828 acres, of the forest preserve are outside of the Adirondack State Park. This parcel was part of the Kayderosseras Patent. Black Creek and West Vly Creek drain this watershed. The maximum elevation is 1895 feet verses the lowest point of 1660 feet. Wildlife commonly seen in this area includes moose and snowshoe hare. In the wetland areas you may be able to spot wood ducks, mallards, beaver and muskrat. Most of the forest is hemlock and white pine with some hardwood scattered throughout.

Ride through the puddles! They're not that deep!

Directions: Lake Desolation Rd
Take Rte 9N North out of Saratoga Springs. Continue a few miles and make a left onto Middle Grove Rd. Drive past Ndakinna Wilderness Project and continue 4.2 miles to Lake Desolation Rd on the right. Drive up Lake Desolation Rd to the lake. Continue on the dirt road around the west side of the lake until you see the forest preserve sign on the right. Park here and go on an adventure.