Explore the best rated trails in Amsterdam, NY, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Zim Smith Mid-County Trail and Spring Run Trail . With more than 22 trails covering 476 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
As others have mentioned, this is a rough trail. Although somewhat scenic, it requires a lot of vigilance to slog through the gravel and overgrown path. We have hybrid tires, so perhaps mountain bikes would offer a more comfortable ride. The high point of our trip was staying at the Stamford inn and eating at the Millpond Inn.
About a 45 minute ride on the Erie Canal path ,starting at the Medina lift bridge, through farmland and villages (Middleport, Gasport) herons that are absolutely not afraid of you! Beautiful in the fall!
Parked in Bloomville and traveled 7 or 8 miles. E bikes with wide tires. There are spots that are a little rough because larger stone base, but they are minimal. Trail is a real beauty. We did see 2 UTV’s, first one was rude. Also gave right of way to a horse and rider. We were concerned the whining of our e bikes might freak him out. We pulled over and shut them off. Beautiful horse, he looked thankful. We’ll be on this one again, especially when the leaves are changing. Canopy covers lots of the trail, so you can get cooled off.
This is a well maintained rail trail and a wonderful ride!!
This is a great trail with views of streams, wetlands and lakes. It is very well maintained
Well maintained and places to stop along the way.
We did 11 miles of this trail. We went from Nassau Lake to Valatie. It was mostly flat. It did go on a road for a short section. There was ONE bench the whole way and no bathrooms. Valatie did have several places to eat. Please be aware that many are closed on Tuesday, so that limits the selection somewhat. Pizza ab Mexican we’re closed. Deli and diner were open. Overall it was worth the trip.
*PLEASE NOTE that the portion from Bridge Street to the Onondaga Creek, Syracuse NEEDS UPDATING on the Trail map, as connecting trail is now available and this isn't reflected in the map.* Today was our 3rd ride (each out and back) on this trail, completing the section from Port Byron to the Inner Harbor in Syracuse. Today's ride in nice weather was 21 miles round trip to the Camillus Museum from Syracuse. We enjoyed the museum and the newer section that is paved along the west side of Onondaga Lake from the Fair Grounds parking area to the south part of the lake. We did miss a turn heading up the hill to turn off the trail to the parking area so we could cross 690; not sure there was clear signage on that; there was going back down. We were able to go through the portion on the NYS Fairgrounds and noted that this is not open to biking during the colder months (I believe Oct-April 1); it wouldn't be hard to go around, but signage would be helpful on that, too. Signs for this portion of the Empire State Trail were quite good otherwise. Since we haven't had much rain in the past month, trail conditions were excellent on today's portion. Least favorite was the road portion (or "sidewalk ride") on Hiawatha Blvd as it was very busy. Parts of the portion we did today is hillier than most sections; it was not difficult for us "intermediate level" bikers, but parts wouldn't be the best for younger children or somebody who hadn't biked in a while.
Starting in Colonie in the parking lot on rt9 it was a great ride headed towards Schenectady. Smooth paved surface. A little on a local road but minimal car traffic and clearly marked. Plenty of bench’s and stopping areas along the way.
The key to enjoying this trail is knowing what to expect. It is a packed gravel trail that is a little washed out in some places. They did pave some of the hills, too. Since it is gravel, there isn’t as much traffic as a lot of the other rail trails in the area. The Waterford part ends at the lock. The lock welcome center has restrooms when it is open. When we stopped there on a Sunday, they had live music and food. We saw lots of dragon flies, chipmunks and other wildlife on the ride. The Cohoes side is not as well maintained as the Halfmoon side. The openings to cross the road are a bit narrow and the signs are covered in graffiti. The Cohoes side could use a face lift, but I would not skip it.
Nice trail, compacted gravel. Parallel to canel and train tracks. Rather exposed (no shade). Cute little town (Fort Ann) with a great brewery.
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