Catskill Mountain Adventure from Albany
Capital Saratoga/Catskills Regions Approximately 170 miles
The first stop of the journey is the John Boyd Thacher Park, just southwest of Albany on Routes 85A and 157, atop the spectacular Helderberg escarpment. Here you can walk along the Indian Ladder geological trail down the face of the escarpment. This area is among the richest -- and most scenic -- fossil bearing formations in the world. Hike, picnic on the grounds, or swim the pool.
From Albany follow Route 85 (New Scotland Avenue) to Route 157. Take the scenic route through farm country in the scenic Helderbergs via Route 156 to Route 443 to Route 30 south. Visit any of several attractions: the Old Stone Fort Museum in Schoharie, with its 1860 schoolhouse and 1760 Dutch Barn; Lansing Manor, a restored 1800s country estate; or the visitors' center at the Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project, with its hands-on displays.
At Grand Gorge follow Route 23 and wind around the Catskill Mountains to Cairo. Take Route 32 south to the Catskill Game Farm -- stop and see 2000 animals. Take Route 23A, which winds upward through the Kaaterskill Clove, an area celebrated by painters and photographers. The road will take you along hairpin turns, with mountain cliffs on one side and deep ravines on the other. This is some of the most beautiful hiking territory in the Catskills.
The route will bring you to Hunter Mountain, where on weekends you can take a chairlift ride. Travel along Route 214 to Route 28, and at Mt. Tremper take Route 212 into Woodstock, famous for its arts community.
Follow Route 375 to Route 28 to Kingston for a walkabout tour of the Urban Cultural Park and its choice waterfront restaurants. Route 32 brings you north to Saugerties, the site of the Woodstock '94 rock concert and the home of many wonderful antique stores, and Catskill, where you can take Route 23 to the Thruway (I-87) for your return to Albany or other points north or south.
