Nearby Outdoor Adventures Albany (New York, Rotterdam: camping, clubs, swimming)

[purrfectplace]

Does Albany have any swimming holes, mountains/hills to hike that are closer than 30 minutes? If not how far are they? Thanks.

[purrfectplace]

Okay....I guess noone knows. Here is what I have found so far- Thacher State Park looks cool from the website, and Pinbush preserve....that's all I got so far.

[juppiter]

Thatcher Park is pretty awesome; there are some hiking trails there. I'd say it's about 30 minutes from downtown, maybe less. If you got sick of that you can go to the Adirondacks, which is a longer drive, but becoming a "46er" (one who climbs all 46 peaks) is a distinctive honor around here.

[j12308]

Sure there's tons of outdoor stuff to do. Here are a few links that will help out. There are outdoor clubs to join as well that I'd imagine know even more activities in the area. Here's what comes to mind at the moment:

New York State Parks :: State Parks
LocalHikes - Hikes and trails near U.S. Metropolitan Areas
Hudson-Mohawk Group Outings
Parks & Trails New York - working to expand, protect and promote a network of parks, trails and open spaces throughout our state for use and enjoyment by all


Some of my favorite hike/walks close by are:

Lisha Kill Nature Preserve, Niskayuna
Five Rivers, Delmar
Plotter Kill, Rotterdam
Indian Kill Nature Preserve, Glenville
Christman Sanctuary, Duansburg

Some a bit further away, more like an hour
Vroman's Nose, further away, can't remember the town
Buck Mtn
Hadley Hill

Swimming:
State Parks, Grafton, Moreau, & several others
SwimmingHoles.info Swimming Holes and Hot Springs rivers creek springs falls hiking camping outdoors skinny dipping
Metroland Online - Summer Guide 2003

Best Swimming Hole - According to metroland.com best of 2005
Metroland Online - Best of 2005 - Readers Poll

1. Grafton State Park

2. Sacandaga Lake

3. Poestenkill Gorge

There's also a pond in Scotia for swimming, for a fee.