Pack a picnic and savor summer at parks and preserves in Albany County! Don't feel like preparing a picnic meal? Eliminate the hassle and order takeout from a nearby local restaurant to enjoy in the great outdoors. Scroll on to explore some of the most picturesque places to picnic in Albany County.
The Crossings of Colonie
The Crossings, a 130-acre park, is located around the corner from Wolf Road in Colonie. Picnic tables are conveniently scattered throughout the park next to the playground and near the winding paths. Grab a seat at one of the picnic tables overlooking the picturesque pond, home to many friendly ducks. After enjoying a picnic, embark on a leisurely stroll along the 6.5 miles of multi-use trails meandering throughout the meadows, marshy wetlands and woods.
Nearby Takeout: TORO Cantina on Wolf Road offers a variety of takeout options including Taco Bars serving 4-5 to-go.
Corning Preserve
The Corning Preserve, situated on the banks of the historic Hudson River, boasts unforgettable views of both Albany's skyline and the historic waterway. The scenic waterfront park has plenty of benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the landscape. Searching for a fun post-picnic adventure? Rent a pair of kayaks from the Upstate Kayak Rentals Self-Serve Kayak Rental Hub at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch to see Albany from an entirely new perspective.
Nearby Takeout: Bring takeout from downtown Albany's The Hollow Bar + Kitchen to enjoy at the Corning Preserve.
Six Mile Waterworks at Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Six Mile Waterworks is the eastern-most end of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and a wonderful spot within the preserve for a picnic! The area boasts picnic grounds with tables and grills, a playground, restrooms and shoreline docks for fishing in Rensselaer Lake. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is one of the best remaining examples of an inland pine barren left in the world, so plan a picnic in this unique habitat!
Nearby Takeout: Enjoy fresh eats to-go from Honest Weight Food Co-Op, a quick 5-10 minute drive from Six Mile Waterworks.
Washington Park
Washington Park is a picture-perfect urban escape in the heart of the City of Albany. Scout out a picnic table or bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic at any of the park's scenic open spaces. The 89-acre city park boasts a playground, a variety of monuments, benches and many winding paths for walking and biking. It's a top spot in Albany for birdwatching, so keep an eye out for wildlife!
Nearby Takeout: Iron Gate Cafe is a go-to spot in Albany for breakfast and lunch that has picnic-goers covered with takeout.
John Boyd Thacher State Park
Nestled atop the Helderberg Escarpment, John Boyd Thacher State Park is the ideal picnic place for outdoor adventurers. Picnic tables are tucked within the trees and scattered throughout the park's 25 miles of trails. After dining al fresco in the woods, embark on a hike to marvel at waterfalls, discover hidden caves and soak up stunning panoramic views of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains.
Nearby Takeout: Pick up a takeout meal on your way up at Andrew's Burger Shed in Slingerlands or Farmhouse Tap + Tavern in Altamont.
Bonus: Thacher Park is a stop on the Nature Bus, a free service offered weekly on Saturdays through October, brought to you by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy in partnership with CDTA.
