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Discover Albany's vast Pine Bush Preserve
Locally known as the Pine Bush, this 3,350-acre preserve is one of the largest of the 20 inland pine barrens in the world.
Locally known as the Pine Bush, this 3,350-acre preserve is one of the largest of the 20 inland pine barrens in the world. It is centrally located in New York's Capital District, set between the majestic Catskill and Adirondack mountains.
The preserve offers roughly18 miles of trails and rests on 3,200 acres of wilderness that feature expansive meadows and a discovery center. Known for its gently rolling sand-dunes, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is home to a unique variety of rare plants and animals, including the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly.
Visitors young and old are invited to venture into the preserve or explore the Discovery Center where learning comes naturally through hands-on activities. Also offered are programs for families, adults, and groups including school groups of all ages that include hikes, lectures and interactive presentations on a variety of subjects including history, plants, animals and geology. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are welcome and encouraged.
According to Albany.com, more than 200 bird species have been spotted on the preserve, including prairie warblers, red-tailed hawks and pileated woodpeckers. The Kings Road Barrens Trail and Great Dune Trail offer some of the best spots for bird enthusiasts.
Dogs are welcome to enjoy the preserve, too!
The preserve offers roughly18 miles of trails and rests on 3,200 acres of wilderness that feature expansive meadows and a discovery center. Known for its gently rolling sand-dunes, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is home to a unique variety of rare plants and animals, including the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly.
Visitors young and old are invited to venture into the preserve or explore the Discovery Center where learning comes naturally through hands-on activities. Also offered are programs for families, adults, and groups including school groups of all ages that include hikes, lectures and interactive presentations on a variety of subjects including history, plants, animals and geology. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are welcome and encouraged.
According to Albany.com, more than 200 bird species have been spotted on the preserve, including prairie warblers, red-tailed hawks and pileated woodpeckers. The Kings Road Barrens Trail and Great Dune Trail offer some of the best spots for bird enthusiasts.
Dogs are welcome to enjoy the preserve, too!
Pet Friendly
Albany, NY
Current Conditions
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Clouds
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| 8am | 57° | 55° | 48° | 53° | 49° |
| 2pm | 64° | 67° | 60° | 56° | 47° |
| 8pm | 72° | 64° | 65° | 62° | 47° |
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LOOK WHAT ELSE
IS CLOSE BY
Cole's Woods
Capital-Saratoga
Open year round, Cole’s Woods opened the first lighted cross-country ski trails in North America in December of 1971 and offers many recreational activities.
Cherry Plain State Park
Capital-Saratoga
The 175-acre Cherry Plain State Park features a sandy beach on Black River Pond, with bathhouse and comfort station nearby as well as picnic grounds and a boat launch.
Stay and Sleigh at Loon Meadow Farm
Capital-Saratoga
The 153-acre Loon Meadow Farm is located just 7 miles from downtown Saratoga and offers sleigh rides along a trail that features an historic, abandoned 18th-century pathway.
Crandall Park - Hiking
Capital-Saratoga
When winter rolls around, saucer sledding and ice skating are popular activities in Crandall Park; it is also located next to the Cole's Woods cross-country ski trails.
