Trails

Directions | Trail Conditions | Recreational Opportunities

Downloadable/Printable Trail Map

Directions 

Central to the Capital District of New York State, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is easy to access from both I-87 and I-90.  Although there are 9 formal trailheads, the directions below will get you started at two of the more popular access points.

From I-90: Take I-90 East or West to I-87 (Northway) North, follow directions for I-87.

From I-87 North or South: Take I-87 to exit 2W (Route 5 West).  Travel west approximately 2 miles and turn left at light onto Route 155 South (New Karner Road).  Travel approximately 1 mile to a second light. Turn left into 195 New Karner Road.   Trailhead #1 (Karner Barrens East) is located at the rear of the Discovery Center parking lot at 195 New Karner Road. Trailhead #7 (Madison Ave. Pinelands) is another 0.25 mile at the third light where you turn right to the end of Madison Avenue Extension.

Trail Conditions

Please click here for information on current managent in the Preserve and trail/area closures.

Click here for weather conditions

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve contains nearly 18 miles of official marked, multiple-use trails. Most trails are considered easy to moderate and vary from wide open sandy trails to narrow, grassy woodland passages. The topography is generally flat with gradual slopes up and down the natural sand dunes.

In the spring and summer the Pine Bush can be very hot and dry. Please remember to bring your drinking water and sunscreen.

In the winter the Pine Bush trails can get icy. Cross-country skis, snowshoes or cramp-ons are a good idea.

Whenever you go out in the Preserve, these are some other things you might want to bring and do:

• Trail map
• Rain gear
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Day pack
• Comfortable hiking boots
• Snack foods
• Camera
• Check for ticks Click here for more information about ticks.

All unmarked paths and firebreaks are closed to all recreational uses other than by permit. Also, please respect private property that borders Preserve lands.

Temporary area closure: Various areas of the Preserve will be temporarily closed throughout the year while activities such as prescribed burning, mowing or other management activities are occurring. For your safety, please obey all signage at trailheads or along trails and call ahead if there is a specific area you are coming to hike in. 518-456-0655

Recreational Opportunities

While the Albany Pine Bush provides a special habitat for many plants and animals, it also provides visitors with an assortment of non-motorized recreational opportunities including hiking, jogging, nature study, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hunting.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission offers monthly outings and programs about the ecology, natural and cultural history of the Pine Bush area. Please call 518-456-0655 & press 1 for the Discovery Center for more information and to sign up.

If you would like the full version of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Guide and Trail Map, please contact us at: info@albanypinebush.org

Click here for information on deer ticks.