November 17 is National Hiking Day! To celebrate this day of outdoor exploration and adventure, we’ve rounded up some of the best hiking spots in Albany County from the Helderberg Hilltowns to the heart of the capital city. Scroll on to find a lovely location for your next hiking adventure.

1. Pine Hollow Arboretum

34 Pine Hollow Road, Slingerlands NY

This living tree museum makes for an enchanting hike no matter the season. Explore over 3,300 unique trees and other woody plants native to locations around the globe such as China, Japan, and Russia. Earlier this year the arboretum received a prestigious, Level II arboretum accreditation reflecting Pine Hollow's dedication to a vast and varied number of tree and plant species. Pine Hollow offers private tours and events to help the public learn more about the distinctive trees that live there. 

2. Albany Pine Bush Preserve

195 New Karner Rd, Albany NY 

Explore this fascinating fire-dependent ecosystem along one of the Pine Bush's many hiking trails. Wander the trails and listen for one of the 200 species of birds who call the Pine Bush their home. Or marvel at the unique Pine Barrens take make up the preserve. The Pine Bush protects and is home to wildlife of the highest conservation need; take a guided tour or attend one of the Pine Bush's year-round events to learn more about this extraordinary ecosystem. 

3. Wolf Creek Falls Preserve

Wolf Creek Falls Preserve, Bozenkill Rd, Altamont NY

Go chasing waterfalls along the Wolf Creek Falls Preserve. Follow the waterfall signs throughout this scenic hiking spot to marvel at falls both large and small. Bring a carry-in/carry-out lunch and stop at the picnic area to rest and enjoy a meal among the trees. 

4. Peebles Island State Park

1 Delaware Ave, Cohoes NY

This beautiful state park is found at the junction of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers and provides spectacular views of both bodies of water as you traverse its wooded trails. It's also a beautiful scenic spot to stop and enjoy a picnic at one of the park's tables and grills or pavillion. 

5. Fox Preserve 

Fox Preserve, Latham NY

Traverse the woods along Shaker Creek at the 1.2 mile trail of Fox Preserve. This hiking trail makes for a quick scenic stroll and is situated across the street from the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Path; bike racks in the parking lot to the preserve make it a great spot to bike to. Enjoy a snack or lunch at the picnic area overlooking the Mohawk River. 

6. Corning Preserve

1 Quay St, Albany NY

Nestled right in the heart of the Capital City, take a hike or bike ride along the paved pathway of the Corning Preserve. The preserve offers beautiful views of the Hudson River and Albany's skyline. With a playground and picnic area on the grounds of the preserve, it's a perfect place to stop for an easy outdoor adventure with the family while visiting the city. 

7. Ann Lee Pond Nature Preserve

Heritage Lane, Albany NY

Located just footsteps away from Shaker Heritage Society, the site of America's first Shaker settlement, is the beautiful Ann Lee Pond Nature Preserve. A hike along the trails of this preserve reveal a stunning large pond, wetlands, forest and meadows. Venturing out during the fall promises a great opportunity for fall foliage spotting, but the preserve is lovely to explore at all times of the year. 

8. Heldeberg Hudson Rail Trail

8 Grove St, Vorheesville NY

For a whimsical outdoor adventure, hike or bike along the paved path of the Heldeberg Hudson Rail Trail. The Art on the Rail Trail volunteer committee of the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy has worked to create public works of art along the trail. The rail trail extends from Voorheesville to Albany with access points along the way in Delmar and Slingerlands. 

9. Huyck Preserve

5052 Delaware Turnpike, Rensselaerville NY

Find gorgeous sights along the 12 miles of trails that make up the Huyck Preserve. The preserve is home to one of the oldest biological research stations in the country, founded in 1931, which protects over 2000 acres of wetland and forest habitats. Trails wind along the Rensselaerville Falls, Lake Myosotis and Lincoln Pond, and beautiful forests, lakes, and streams. Guided hikes and events are offered throughout the year.

10. John Boyd Thacher State Park

1 Hailes Cave Road Voorheesville, NY

One of Albany County's most popular hiking spots, traverse the trails of Thacher Park for breath-taking panoramic views of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and Adirondack and Green Mountains and gorgeous waterfall sights. There are countless fascinating things to discover while exploring the park. Thacher Park is one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world, a migration corridor for hawks and a Birding Conservation Area. Guided tours and events are offered year-round including a guided exploration of the famous Indian Ladder Trail.