Capital Region Bike Trails

New York's Capital Region is home to many miles of multiuse trails that are perfect for biking, as well as running or walking. A mix of terrain features riverside views, forested paths, straight and level areas for leisurely cycling or strolling, and steep hills for those wanting a challenge.

In this article, we'll highlight several favorite area trails. Click the name of each trail to see further details.

Zim Smith Trail

With 9 miles of trail, mostly paved apart from the southern gravel portion, this path extends from Halfmoon to Ballston Spa. A cutoff trail leads to the Global Foundries area in Malta In addition, plans are in the works to extend the trail further on the southern end.

You'll ride through marshland, through the charming small town community of Round Lake, over a bridge with views out to the forest area surrounding the Global Foundries plant, and end by the railroad in Ballston Spa. Multiple parking spots along the way allow for easy access from any of the nearby communities, with Shenantaha Park in Malta and the parking lot next to Leah's Cakery in Round Lake two popular starting points.

Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail

This trail extends from Albany, following the Hudson River north and connecting to the Mohawk River section from Cohoes, leading west beyond Schenectady. Entirely paved, with some small sections following roads, the trail includes incredible views of the Mohawk River, beautiful wooded sections, and easy stops in Albany or Schenectady for food.

The trail stays fairly level in sections, although you'll encounter some steeper hills in sections heading west through Niskayuna. Some good starting points with plenty of parking are the Colonie Town Park or Lions Park in Niskayuna.

Albany County Rail Trail

This trail (also known as the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail) extends from the North Pearl Street in Albany into the southern Albany suburbs of Delmar, Bethlehem, and Voorheesville. With some newly paved sections, this is a great spot for bike riders and runners of all levels. You'll encounter a mix of suburban surroundings, creek views, and farmland as you traverse the trail.

Dedicated parking areas can be found in Voorheesville, Slingerlands, Delmar, and the trail terminus at North Pearl Street. You can also rent a bike via CDPHP's bike share program from the Albany end of the trail.

Champlain Canalway Bikeway

This trail follows the old Champlain Canal north from the Waterford area north. While a plan is in place to complete a fully connected trail, for now you can bike/walk on individual sections, connecting on roads in between. Currently, you can find parking areas and sections of completed trail within the town of Halfmoon using the link above.

Warren County Bikeway

This path extends just over 9 miles from downtown Glens Falls, ending at the shores of the lake within the village of Lake George. Built on a former railroad line, the trail contains a paved path with a variety of city, suburban, woods, and water's edge terrain. At the north end of the trail, you'll go through the historic Lake George Battlefield Park.

Any other area trails you'd like us to include? Drop a note in the contact form.

Check out one of my favorite Adirondack trail guides.