Searching for a way to cover a lot of ground, enjoy the fresh air and see the sights? Pedal your way across Albany County! Biking is a fun activity for visitors (and residents) to discover all that the area has to offer. Whether you are looking to hit a trail, explore the riverfront, or ride through a scenic park, there are a variety of wonderful cycling locations to choose from in Albany County.
Plus, thanks to Capital District Transportation Authority there are now bike rental stations across the Capital Region! Now in its 10th season, CDPHP Cycle! rolls out more than 600 green-and-purple bikes (including 400+ pedal-assist e-bikes) across Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Cohoes, Saratoga Springs and beyond each spring. Pricing is pay-as-you-go: $0.08 per minute on standard pedal bikes and $0.15 per minute on e-bikes, with free daily ride time built in for members. Download the app, find a bike, and pedal on an adventure.
Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail (Erie Canalway/Empire State Trail)
The Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail is the paved path that runs 7 miles north from the Corning Riverfront Preserve in downtown Albany along the Hudson River to Watervliet. Continue another 4 miles (including a 2-mile on-road stretch through Green Island) and you'll reach Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes. The Mohawk-Hudson is a segment of New York's 750-mile Empire State Trail, which also includes the Erie Canalway Trail heading west toward Buffalo and the Hudson Valley Greenway heading south toward New York City. Ride a casual hour by the river, or use Albany as your jumping-off point for a longer trip across the state.
Albany Pine Bush
Pedal pushers will love a ride on official, marked trails in the 3,400-acre Pine Bush Preserve, a globally rare ecosystem located right in Albany's backyard. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is one of only 20 inland pine barrens left in the entire world with 18 miles of trails to explore. Most trails are considered easy to moderate and vary from wide open sandy trails to narrow, grassy woodland passages. Head on a cycling adventure in this extraordinary habitat!
Six Mile Waterworks Park
Tucked off Fuller Road in the eastern stretch of the Pine Bush, Six Mile Waterworks Park centers on 57 acres around Rensselaer Lake with a playground, picnic tables, fishing platforms, and easy trails for all skill levels. A half-mile path from the Six Mile trailhead links up with the 1.7-mile Rapp Barrens Trail, making it a great spot for a short ride before or after a longer day in the preserve. Family-friendly, free, and right in the city.
The Crossings of Colonie
Situated around the corner from Wolf Road in Colonie, The Crossings is 130-acre park featuring a pond, acres of meadows, marshy wetlands and woods. There are 6.5 miles of multi-use trails winding throughout the park that are ideal for a leisurely bike ride. For a map of the trails, click here.
John Boyd Thacher State Park
Just southwest of the city of Albany sits Thacher State Park, one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. Mountain bike on over 25 miles of trails for an unforgettable mountain trek. You'll soak up panoramic views of the Adirondack, Catskill and Green mountain ranges, while riding by magnificent waterfalls.
Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail
Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail is a 9-mile hike/bike trail that connects the communities of Voorheesville, New Scotland, Bethlehem, and Albany. The trail's path follows the former Delaware & Hudson Railroad Line, so it is a great way to pedal through Albany County and observe the beautiful scenery.
