Where to Find Hiking & Biking Trails in the Clifton Park NY Area
Check Out Nature Preserves, Bike Trails, and More
Stroll, hike, bike - whatever your passion is, and however you like to walk your walk, there's a place for you to do it in the nearby area. Find hiking and biking trails in the Clifton Park NY area where you can enjoy the great outdoors.
100 Acre Wood Trail System
Come enjoy nearly 2 miles of scenic trails in the 100 Acre Wood Trail System in Malta. Although bikes aren’t allowed on this one, the trail system is perfect for walking and hiking as there are only a few moderate inclines throughout it.
Location: Trailheads and parking areas are located on Stonebreak Road and Luther Forest Boulevard in Ballston Spa/Malta
Read more about the 100 Acre Wood Trail System »
Dwaas Kill Nature Preserve
Owned by the Town of Clifton Park, Dwaas Kill Nature Preserve features 240 acres of mostly undisturbed habitat and some rugged, natural surface nature trails. These trails are open for hiking and walking.
If you arrive by bike, there is a bike rack at the trailhead.
Location: Parking area and main trailhead are located along the west side of Pierce Road in Clifton Park
Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve
This 700-acre preserve is a great choice for hiking and mountain biking. There are 4.5 miles of trails on a relatively flat terrain, as well as multiple access points.
Did you know the preserve is a designated Bird Conservation Area too? Keep an eye out for exciting species like orioles, great blue herons, and various species of hawks - you might even see bald eagles here!
Location: Four main access points
Mohawk Landing Nature Preserve
The Mohawk Landing Nature Preserve is a beautiful 6-acre riverfront park with a main hiking trail that runs across the property to a scenic overlook. There is also a seasonal nature trail that travels around a wetland area.
Visitors can take a casual walk, spread out a picnic at the riverfront, or just enjoy the view!
Location: Access at 640 Riverview Road in Rexford
Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway
The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway consists of a 36-mile path that runs alongside the historic route of the Erie Canal between Schenectady and Waterford/Cohoes. Some features to note along the way include the Cohoes Falls and the Flight of Locks in Waterford. This route is great for biking!
Location: Throughout the Capital Region with entrances in Rexford and Clifton Park
North Woods Preserve
An 80-acre forest comprises this beautiful preserve in the Country Knolls neighborhood. Here you will find easy to moderate hiking trails that travel through mature woodlands and by streams and a pond.
Location: Trailhead is located between 38 and 40 Shadow Wood Way in Ballston Lake, and parking is along the street
Shenantaha Creek Park
Shenantaha means "deep water," and it is the Iroquois name for Ballston Creek on the eastern boundary of this park. The paved trail that runs along the western boundary is the multi-use Zim Smith Trail, so you can park your vehicle at Shenantaha Creek Park and then explore the trail.
There are several trails on the property that connect to the playground, athletic fields, and picnic areas too.
Location: The entrance is on East Line Road in Ballston Spa
Ushers Road State Forest
This 100+ acre state forest features two marked hiking trails that are open to non-motorized recreation. The Ushers Road Trail is 1.5 miles long and loops through the property and back to the trailhead. The Spur Trail is shorter and connects to the multi-use Zim Smith Trail.
Location: Ushers Road Parking Area
Zim Smith Trail
The Zim Smith Trail is an 11.5-mile multi-use path that connects Ballston Spa to Mechanicville, and it passes through Malta, Round Lake, and Clifton Park in southern Saratoga County.
A majority of the Zim Smith Trail is paved, and it is open for hiking, biking, and other recreational activities. This trail officially begins on Oak Street in Ballston Spa, but one recommended starting point is Shenantaha Creek Park in Malta thanks to the nearby parking.
Location: The trail extends from Ballston Spa to Mechanicville
Kinns Road Park
Kinns Road Park is made up of roughly 64 acres of Saratoga County Forest and 32 acres of adjoining lands. There are wooded trails that are open for both hikers and walkers year round.
Although it is a dog-friendly park, a permit must be obtained from the Town of Clifton Park Town Clerk.
Tip: In the winter, the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, but snowshoeing is allowed as well.
Location: 625 Kinns Road in Clifton Park
Robert Van Patten Memorial Trail
This 1.6-mile long multi-use trail connects to Ushers Road and the intersection of Carlton Road and Van Patten Drive. If you want to take a quicker hike, then conquer this trail!
Location: At the intersection of Van Patten Drive and Carlton Road in Clifton Park