The Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail provides a unique recreational resource-a long off-road paved bicycle path-unavailable in most parts of the Country. All non-motorized uses such as walking/running, bicycling, and in-line skating are permitted. The trail begins within the hamlet of Pattersonville in the Town of Rotterdam and travels eastward to the Erastus Corning Riverfront Preserve in downtown Albany. Built during the late 1970's and early 1980's, the trail was constructed directly upon the old Erie Canal towpath and former railroad grades of the area's first transportation routes. At approximately 35 miles in length, the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail is one of the longest paved rail-trails in the United States. In Schenectady County alone, the trail is about 25 miles long and completely continuous except for a short gap in Rotterdam Junction and a 1.25 mile gap in the City of Schenectady where the trail traverses local streets through the Stockade Historic District. This seventeenth-century neighborhood is one of the nation's oldest and most significant cultural resources relating to early European settlement.
As you ride, jog or stroll along various sections of the Bike-Hike Trail you will encounter many wonderful natural settings including some spectacular views of the scenic Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. But make sure you take notice of the numerous historic sites associated with this ancient travel corridor including the remnants of the Erie Canal. These aqueducts, towpaths and locks are among the oldest canal features in North America. Also, please take the time to explore the community and take advantage of the many cultural sites, parks, restaurants and lodging opportunities available near the trail. The serenity of traveling through this linear shaded green space will be an experience we guarantee you will enjoy.
The Schenectady County Forest Preserve is located in the Town of Duanesburg on Lake Road. The 102 acre forest serves as a multi-recreational property where the public can hike, hunt (Nov15-Dec15), fish, x-country ski and snowshoe. This preserve is historically significant as one of James Duane's original Great Lots where remains of stonewalls, a farm house foundation and a small family cemetery can be found.
The Gateway Landing-Rotary Park is located in the Town of Rotterdam along the Mohawk River, immediately west of the City of Schenectady's Historic Stockade area. This park provides dock space for small boats, car top boat access to the river, fishing opportunities and an important link to the river front along with a connection to the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail.
The Indian Kill Nature Preserve is located in the Town of Glenville on Hetcheltown Road. The 100 acre preserve is comprised of a number of diverse habitats including, native hardwood forests, conifer plantations, wetlands and a stream stocked with rainbow trout. The preserve is an attractive area for hiking, fishing, and nature study.
New York State's aviation history soars here! ESAM presents aviation history from the pioneer era to the jet age, with a focus on New York State. The Museum features two galleries, a Hall of Fame, an Art Gallery, research library, Air Park, and flight simulator.
Our Central Parks has beautiful rose gardens with more than 200 varieties of 4,500 roses in flower from June until frost. While you’re in the Park, catch a concert at the Agnes Macdonald Music Haven Stage, go for a swim, try your luck at fishing, serve a game of tennis or just relax and enjoy the duck pond. Central Park is also home to many festivals, including Tuesday in the Park, a celebration of community life each August.
Bordered by the Mohawk River, Collins Park in Scotia has everything for a family outing: Picnic pavilions, playground, tennis and basketball courts, ball fields and swimming in Collins Park Lake. Watch for fireworks on the fourth of July or spend a Tuesday evening watching the Coors Light Water Ski Show Team practice on the Mohawk. And be sure to sample some original fast food at Jumpin’ Jack’s, a Schenectady County tradition.
A full-service rock climbing gym unlike any other! Fun and challenging routes for climbers of all levels, safe and instructive environment for beginning climbers, state-of-the-art climbing wall, lead routes, top-level bouldering and a traversing wall for hours of fun. Highly trained staff, locker room and shower area, full rental gear. Located within Center City Sportsplex.
The Erie Canal was called the greatest engineering feat of its era and solidified our area’s place in post-colonial development. The opening of the Canal in 1823, as well as the rapid expansion of railroads, gave new stimulus to commerce and industry in Schenectady County. This prompted Thomas Edison to establish Edison Machine Works, soon to become General Electric Company and today known to millions as GE, in Schenectady.
Fishing is especially great at Collins Park in Scotia and at the lock parks along the Mohawk River. Anglers will also find excellent fishing at Central Park in Schenectady and at Mariaville Lake. If you need bait, stop by Nick’s Bait Shop on Broadway Hill, a fisherman’s paradise. Nick’s has a pictorial display of the great fishing you’ll find in Schenectady County and will show you all the big ones that didn’t get away.
The Stockade Historic District is one of the oldest and best preserved neighborhoods in the United States, with roots dating back to a 17th century Dutch colonial trading settlement.... The Stockade Historic District was home to all of Schenectady's most important 17th, 18th and 19th century figures. Over a hundred architectural landmarks survive virtually intact. The Stockade Historic District offers examples of nearly every architectural type, period and style of residential and religious buildings dating from ca. 1690 to 1930. The Stockade, as it is called by the local population, is a neighborhood where a high-density, slow paced, urban character prevails.
A United States Parachute Association (USPA)-affiliated skydiving center! USPA is the national certifying organization for all skydiving activities in the United States. All instructors hold valid and current certifications with an average of more than 3,000 dives and 18 years’ experience. Mohawk Valley Skydiving uses state-of-the-art equipment and the most current instructional methods available. Experience Tandem Skydiving or Accelerated Freefall!
Par 37, 9 hole golf course.
Par 35, 9 hole golf course, driving range. Golf carts available.
Boat launch, storage, service.
