Albany County is full of discoveries. Explore natural wonders in the Helderberg Hilltowns. Dive into history at world-class museums in the City of Albany. Marvel at New York State's second largest waterfall in Cohoes. Follow along as we showcase all there is to explore in the towns of Albany County.
New Scotland is located in the center of Albany County. Spanning 58 square miles, the town is home to a population of 9,000 as of 2010. The villages and hamlets of the town include Clarksville, Feura Bush, New Salem, New Scotland, Onesquethaw, Unionville and Voorheesville. Home to the iconic John Boyd Thacher State Park, the town offers scenic adventures, beautiful lakes and plenty of small town charm. Get the details below on a few of the attractions awaiting for visitors to explore in the Albany County town of New Scotland.
John Boyd Thacher State Park
John Boyd Thacher State Park, located in Voorheesville, is perched atop the Helderberg Escarpment, one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. The park boasts iconic panoramic views of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. Embark on an outdoor adventure with a trek across over 25 miles of trails to see waterfalls and hidden caves. Before hitting the trails, stop in the Visitors Center to view geological and historical exhibits showcasing the Helderberg Escarpment.
WildPlay Elements Park
Get your thrills at WildPlay Element Park. Located high above Albany in Voorheesville's John Boyd Thacher State Park, WildPlay features 15 ziplines and 60 aerial games. Channel your inner adventurer by climbing log ladders, soaring on ziplines, and swinging on rope swings. Mini-adventurers will love the kid-friendly course while extreme thrill-seekers can take advantage of the more challenging obstacle courses.
Wren & Rail
Eclectic food truck Wren & Rail sits in New Scotland against a picturesque landscape. The menu frequently changes but features fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced food for breakfast and lunch. Grab a bite to eat and then soak up the friendly atmosphere. Colorful umbrellas and twinkle lights accent the wood tables and unique milk crate seats.
Lawson Lake County Park
Lawson Lake County Park is a hidden gem in Feura Bush. The 420-acre park lies on the eastern escarpment of the Helderberg Plateau and is located near the border of New Scotland and Coeymans. Spy a variety of wooldland birds and other wildlife such as beavers, white-tailed deer and red foxes. The park features a lake, wetlands, forested upland, open fields, waterfalls and streams.
Albany County Rail Trail
The Albany County Helderberg Hudson Rail Trail, spanning nine miles from Voorheesville to the city of Albany, is a local treasure. A pavilion, similar in design to Voorheesville's former railroad station, caps off the New Scotland end of the rail trail. This summer, a new art installation by artist Susan Togut is going up between Main and Grove streets in Voorheesville as part of the Art on the Rail Trail program. Over the past few years, the town of New Scotland has also worked with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy to create a new park called the Captain Joseph Hilton Town Park. The park will be the home of the 1898 Hilton Barn, the largest post and beam structure still standing in Albany County. The new park will also provide direct access to the Albany County Rail Trail.
