Outdoors
National forests, parks, lakes and recreation areas with hiking trails near Albany, closest first.
Good to know: Carry more water than you think you need, check the managing agency’s page for trail closures and fire restrictions, and start early on hot days.
24 mi north · National Park Service
In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surrendered his entire force.
49 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service
Grout Pond is a popular destination for camping, hiking, paddling, and fishing. Located in a beautiful mixed conifer and hardwood forest, the campground has 12 reservable sites and offers easy access to over 10 miles of mulituse trails.
51 mi southeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
With abundant wildlife, lush scenery and waterfront views, Indian Hollow Group Campground, located at the Knightville Dam and Reservoir, offers groups and clubs a recreational oasis.
Map of 26 places loads as you scroll.
In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surrendered his entire force.
Grout Pond is a popular destination for camping, hiking, paddling, and fishing. Located in a beautiful mixed conifer and hardwood forest, the campground has 12 reservable sites and offers easy access to over 10 miles of mulituse trails.
With abundant wildlife, lush scenery and waterfront views, Indian Hollow Group Campground, located at the Knightville Dam and Reservoir, offers groups and clubs a recreational oasis.
Fly fishing is popular in the Little and Westfield rivers where brown, brook and rainbow trout are stocked by the State. The Claude M. Hill Horse Trail provides horseback riding.
The launch boat ramp (10-hp limit) provides anglers easy access to the stocked brook, rainbow and brown trout, in addition to the native populations of warmwater fish.
The 700-acre lake is open seasonally for fishing and boating and has a large boat ramp available. The lake and river are stocked with trout by the State.
Winhall Brook Camping Area is nestled in the Green Mountains of Vermont along Winhall Brook and the West River, seven miles north of Ball Mountain Lake.
Hapgood Pond Recreation Area and Campground is situated next to its scenic namesake pond, 13 miles east of Manchester, Vermont. Visitors enjoy camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and hiking.
Townshend Lake is a flood control project operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serving communities within the West River Valley, and those downstream.
Built by of one of the first families of wealth in America. Designed by one of the nation's preeminent architects. The Vanderbilt Mansion is a home built expressly for the aristocratic lifestyle.
Visit the home of Eleanor Roosevelt. Here, Franklin and Eleanor entertained friends, the press, activists, and official state visitors in the relaxed atmosphere of Val-Kill.
Located within parts of four New England states: New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge is the only refuge of its kind to encompass an entire watershed.
From the Sound to the summits: the New England Trail covers 235 miles from Long Island Sound across long ridges to scenic mountain summits in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Northfield Brook Lake is a scenic day use park with a swim beach, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, tables and fire grills located throughout the park. The 1.7-mile-long self-guided hiking trail winds throughout the park.
Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters are located along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut.
Black Rock Lake is located next to Black Rock State Park. A portion of the 35-mile-long Mattatuck Blue Trail System crosses through the reservoir. The 21-acre lake is open seasonally for fishing and non-motorized boating.
The Ashuelot River offers fishing for bass and stocked trout. The lake is limited to 10-hp engines on vessels.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to come relax at Tully Lake. There are a variety of outdoor recreation activities for you and you family.
The lake offers fishing for largemouth bass and other warmwater species. The boat ramp is open to canoes and small, flat-bottomed boats only. Nearby Stoughton Pond is stocked with rainbow trout and has a 5-mph limit.
Otter Brook Lake Recreation Area is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day use facility offering many outdoor recreation opportunities everyone can enjoy. The park is located in Keene and Roxbury, New Hampshire.
Stoughton Pond Recreation Area is a day use area located to the north of North Springfield Lake. Stoughton Pond is located off State Route 106 on Stoughton Pond Road in Perkinsville, Vermont.
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is located within the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut. Its 536 acres provide excellent recreation opportunities and a chance to escape from the growing suburbia surrounding the park.
Edward MacDowell Lake is situated in a quiet corner of the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.
Chittenden Brook Campground is situated in a beautiful northern hardwoods forest, approximately seven miles from Rochester, VT. It is a small and semi-remote campground, perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping experience.
Moosalamoo Campground is a small remote campground located at the base of Mt. Moosalamoo, near Voter Brook. A large mowed grass field in the middle of the campground is good for a variety of activities, especially for groups with children.
Westville Lake is situated on the Quinebaug River in the towns of Southbridge and Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Albany. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
An activity Short shared by WildPlayElementParks.
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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
An activity Short shared by Alexa Brutus.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Saratoga National Historical Park (National Park Service), about 24 miles north of Albany as the crow flies. Next are Grout Pond Campground (49 mi) and Indian Hollow (51 mi).
Based on Albany’s average highs, March–June, August–November. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.