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Albany Pine Bush Preserve
195 New Karner Rd #1, Albany, NY 12205, United States
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J
Review №1

Peaceful, beautiful trails. A couple of times you can hear cars and trains but for it being so close to the city its expected. And its free. We also enjoyed the discovery center despite it being geared towards children

Je
Review №2

Love it. The yellow trail was long-ish for my 3 year old but he managed and it was a great day for it.

Gr
Review №3

Soft and beautiful trails with hills for a challenge. Pretty empty and many trail routes so you can get lost here for hours if you want or just do a couple miles. Not muddy even after a rainfall.

Je
Review №4

This is a good place to visit if youre a nature lover. I have never seen a nature park similar to this, mainly because of its sandy soil. I must have walked for over an hour just by being here in this park. Lots of nature scenes, which can be boring to some but its nature you know. Birds fly here and there. Theres even the dump that was transformed into being a part of the whole park. Not anymore as a dump but you can see nature is coming back.

Br
Review №5

Clean, well maintained trails. Perfect for an easy walk for all ages. Unfortunately a portion of the blue trail runs parallel with the road so you hear a lot of car noise as you walk the trail.

Mi
Review №6

Great trails for the family and very close to everything. Lots of different habitats and eco systems to travel through. The visitor center is partially open and lots of the exhibits are look but dont touch due to Covid-19. However, staff is more than willing to help and explain for younger audiences.

Sa
Review №7

Pine Bush Birding Morning on June 1st was an interesting experience. This was my first time going with a group to listen to birds. We either saw or heard over 40 birds and although I still cant determine the type by the song it made me more aware. It was a perfect day to walk the 3 mile yellow trail and enjoy nature.

Mi
Review №8

Wonderful trails that are easy to walk. A peaceful place in a chaotic world.

Tw
Review №9

Nice trails, not too intense. Easy to find your way around. Experienced hikers may find it too simple.

Di
Review №10

Awesome place for a solitary walk in nature. Beautiful vistas as I search for the Karner Blue Butterfly. Great trails for all abilities. Great parking.

Ne
Review №11

A little bit of sand. A nice track. Stairs, nice brook, bridges, climbs, donwhill. These trails have everything. Never knew this stuff was so close.

Ch
Review №12

This is a great place to go for a nature walk or a trail run for the diversity of flora and fauna. Also, the visitor center is definitely worth a visit for the interactive exhibits about the Pine Bush.

Ka
Review №13

Moderate trail. Took the yellow trail-it took about 40 minutes. There were up and down slopes. Mostly a sand trail. Very cool nature setting. I wouldnt call it leisurely, to be sure, but it was not hiking. Had fun!

Dy
Review №14

Nicely maintained trails. Lots of parking and easy to get to. Easy trails perfect for bringing the kids

Pa
Review №15

Lots of easy and medium hikes. Can be a little dusty. Very pretty. Stop at the Visitors Center on 155 to get free maps before you start.

Am
Review №16

Beautiful preserve with lots of hiking trails. It’s beautiful and unique in every season. Clam and peaceful with lots of photo opportunities. They have a photo contest in Sept/Oct where you can submit your best shots from the preserves for prize and the exhibition so save your best clicks for that. The staff is very friendly and always welcome you with a smile.

Co
Review №17

Such an amazing place. Between the rare ecology and animal species and the miles and miles of trail that truly feel like wilderness this is an extremely special place.Sad to hear that it used to be much larger than it is nowadays...

Ka
Review №18

Such a wonderful paradise. I really loved the freshness of air.

Th
Review №19

Its true, the Karner blue is back! We saw lots of them today. Along with many red-spotted purples. The trails are very smooth and the whole preserve wonderfully maintained.

Je
Review №20

The trails here off Washington Avenue extension include the dune trail, red trail, blue trail loop. However I could not find the great dune either the trail is closed or the great dune is now covered with trees and grass?

森鳥
Review №21

Great place to hike if youre up for a bit of a challenge! Spring really is the best time for birdwatching but their nature programs are also worth checking out. It is a very interesting area to learn about so stopping in the nature center is an absolute must as it is very uniquely interactive. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

Do
Review №22

Really interesting landscape. Though the controlled burns look like they may have gotten a little out of control here and there...

Ri
Review №23

Was a nice place to visit and just take a walk. The children did a nice job for the butterflies.

St
Review №24

While I wouldnt call this a location to go for a hike ... I would say this is a fantastic place to explore nature and much of its beauty. Some of the trails are sandy and are covered with pine needles and leaves so watch your footing. Depending on what trail you end up taking they may be challenging for some individuals. Have s good time, be safe, and enjoy the beauty that is nature.

Je
Review №25

This was my first time exploring Pine Bush Reserve. I absolutely loved it. Its free to hike the 3 trails and visit the museum. Very educational, as well. The gift shop offers reusable bags and adorable tshirts.

Du
Review №26

Albany Pine Bush Preserve is beautiful. The walking is very pleasant and mild. The trails are beautifully maintained. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a leisurely nature walk.

Tr
Review №27

Very cool place for a quick hike. Was interesting to see the fire scaring on the pine trees from past Prescribed Burn Treatments

an
Review №28

Great trails with a variety of scenery from woods and fields to marshes and ponds.

Ja
Review №29

Beautiful sight and wonderful place to spend time with the family.

Ma
Review №30

A fantastic place to experience nature alone or with a family. The nature centre is well done and there is a creative outdoor sheltered playground. Lots of wonderful pine habitat for hiking with a lot of cool creatures. I was also able to find the Karner Blue butterfly.

St
Review №31

The discovery center is great. 4 stars because its kind of small but its interesting and educational. They also have a small outdoor area to play and have separate rooms for different activities that they organize for children. Plus its free!

Ca
Review №32

Very nice, learned new things about nature

Me
Review №33

Best place to escape in to nature without driving far.

El
Review №34

We ride Albany Pine Bush several times during the year and love the restoration work thats been done. Truly a unique and beautiful place to bring your horse.

Da
Review №35

Great trails, typically only see a few other people.

Em
Review №36

5 yr old granddaughter on break from school. Thought wed be there a very short time. Almost 2 hours later we left after promising her wed return another time. Staff wonderful, so much to do and see inside the building.

Jo
Review №37

Great little place for a hike. Trails are very well marked, dogs and bikes are allowed on trails and has a nice little visitor center. The only thing I wasn’t happy with was you can clearly see the garbage hill from the trail it kind of ruins it all.

Ma
Review №38

Awesome place to get in any distance hikes from beginner to advanced this place will not disappoint. Do wear bug repellent as the gnats can be quite annoying!

Ma
Review №39

Hiked a trail..enjoyed the signage and trail and the wealth of information

Jo
Review №40

You can ride your bike, walk, run the 8 miles from Mohawk to lock 16. Its a beautiful trail.

He
Review №41

Beautiful place stop to have a photo shoot with the family. Fall colors setting in on the leaves in the trees. Just absolutely gorgeous!!

Ja
Review №42

We went on a short nature walk it was my husbands cousin his two boys and myself we really had fun it was nice outside and it was nice to walk the trails and get some fresh air will definitely go again if Im in the area

Ni
Review №43

It is a serene beautiful place to enjoy nature thats 5 min from Crossgates

Da
Review №44

Great experience for the entire family. Lots of hands on opportunities for kids. Both my 5 year old and 12 year old loved it. Next time we look forward to walking the trails. Being 90 plus humidity we took a pass on the trails but enjoyed the covered outside play area.

Ja
Review №45

Quite unique, one of the largest pine barren ecosystems in the world. There is a visitors center and hiking trailers that are well maintained. The city has been very proactive in its preservation.

Ma
Review №46

Open and clean park. Take the kids to the playground or just sit back and enjoy the view. Nice spot to go fishing or kayaking.

Da
Review №47

Nice trails, clean and well maintained.

Bi
Review №48

Google insist on getting something written because I drive past this area once or twice a week. I have not been in the bush for about 60 years since I married the woman I used to park in the woods with in high school. It was pretty then.

M
Review №49

30ish miles of Trail in our backyard.

Jo
Review №50

This is a beautiful place, with many miles of trails.

Ma
Review №51

A wonderful place and rare habitat. There is something for everyone including childrens play areas and sandy trails for walking or biking. The center is well maintained with knowledge staff and thank you to all the volunteers who make it a special place.

Je
Review №52

The kids really enjoyed the Discovery Center here. Lots of hands on activities and things to learn. We found that the ladies working here were very helpful and informative as well.

Ma
Review №53

Short walking during Lupin day, to celebrate spring and looking for kernel butterfly

Le
Review №54

Very nice peaceful place

Ja
Review №55

Hidden gem. Lived here for 25 years before we found this.

Be
Review №56

Its awesome

No
Review №57

Between the rare ecology and animal species and the miles and miles of trail that truly feel like wilderness this is an extremely special place.

At
Review №58

Beautiful hiking trails and a wonderful exhibit at the museum that is a joy to explore for the kids. Take the small trails with the kids. For the longer hikes(4 miles) going solo or with a hiking partner makes for a great experience.

Ei
Review №59

It was a beautiful day to bring my Grandson and Daughter to the Lupine Fest there. No butterflies there yet. The trails there are really nice, and the nature museum a perfect place for all ages. Employees are very informative. All free to explore. Will definitely be back through the summer!

Vi
Review №60

Ticks were everywhere.

J
Review №61

Love how much good programs they have if you are willing to look into it. Liked idea reading books they posted around hiking trail for kids. My kids LOVED outdoor play-lab

Be
Review №62

Great place to just take a hike, walk your dog, enjoy nature, birdwatcher, or deer hunt. Not usually very crowded but you will see other people. I try to go during the week. Mixed success with deer hunting there, there’s tons of hikers, walkers etc so you have to plan accordingly.

Dm
Review №63

Nice place close to the civilization yet very natural and primal

Al
Review №64

ALWAYS well kept, beautiful scenery, crisp, fresh air, wide variety of vegetation, the purple trail is friendly challenging and fun

Al
Review №65

Amazing preserve. So beautiful, the staff are really nice and helpful. The Discovery center is interactive and great for kids!!!

Br
Review №66

Not only is this one of the few inland examples of the globally rare pitch pine-scrub oak ecosystem, but they also have an amazing visitor center!

Da
Review №67

Beautiful trails.. 1st time in winter. Staff friendly and helpful.

Ju
Review №68

Great for a relaxing walk

Ma
Review №69

Nice to walk the small remaining portion of what was a large natural pine bush area when I was young. Most of it was paved over for Crossgates :(

ma
Review №70

I love the Pine Bush. Its beautiful in all seasons, the trails are well maintained, and the chance of seeing an endangered specie is actually pretty good. And its all free, even the museum, which is good for a few hours to entertain a kid. Theyre also always having events and sponsoring things, which turns out to be a great reason to be outdoors for a while.

Da
Review №71

Great place to learn and discover as well as great trails. In the winter its a great place to cross country ski.

Ch
Review №72

This is a great educational center for students, professionals, families and anyone wanting to learn more about their local ecosystem and its components.

Ja
Review №73

Great nature trails to hike.

Me
Review №74

I love everything about the pine bush. The lupine in the summer, the quiet trails to walk, the super cool conservation station and I attend lots of registered events like bird counting and am always fascinated by the educational seminars. My favorite one was learning about turtles!

Ge
Review №75

Nice nature preserve with some hiking trails and a few biking trails. The trails are very Sandy so they dry out quickly. Its a great place to go in the early spring to avoid mud. Watch out for the ticks, they have more than their fair share.

Li
Review №76

I went to the Information Center to get ALL the Information Pamphlets for ALL 14 Trails!! So when nothing to do or no one home I can have Something Relaxing - Beautiful - Interesting and Part of P.T. (Physical Therapy) for Free NOT MUCH is THAT NOW a Days and Sooi Much More Fun then Going to some building lol!!

Na
Review №77

Really beautiful place with lots of different trails. A unique ecosystem and peaceful place to be. Highly recommend.

ma
Review №78

Great trails.

Ef
Review №79

Nice park to Walk and relax.

Em
Review №80

Very nice walks available! The information center had much more than I anticipated, including some really cool displays for kids (or adults!)

Er
Review №81

I did not go into the center, my dog and I spent the afternoon hiking the trails. The trails are well maintained, and very clearly marked. There are little informative plaques along the way as well. This is a nice little area, I will be going back to check out the other trails.

R
Review №82

Very unique park with nicely maintained trails. Definitely worth it!

Da
Review №83

Neat little place for kids, and adults. Trails to walk, pet friendly and very educational. Alot of information inside about wildlife,plants, and more.

Ed
Review №84

An easy, exhilarating hike during the winter

Ch
Review №85

Peaceful location to commune with nature.

Ti
Review №86

Beautiful preserve to visit or even just enjoy as you drive by. Always beautiful yellow flowers every year too!

Sn
Review №87

A nice average walk for beginners who want to feel like theyre in nature

Pr
Review №88

When I went there for the first time, it was kind of quite. But once inside the trail, it was awesome. Would love to explore the place more

Ch
Review №89

Beautiful place to hike. Maps available digitally and physically, as well as a bird checklist for bird watchers. Definitely planning on a trip back with more time to spare.

Sa
Review №90

Its good for walking dogs and would be a good experience for school aged kids as well

Jo
Review №91

Small, but highly interactive wildlife center educating the public about the life cycles if the Pine Bush. Includes nature trails.

Sh
Review №92

Nice (albeit small) nature center with some great hiking trails

Da
Review №93

Had a nice walk with the dogs and seen a deer

Va
Review №94

So much fun to explore indoors! My 3.5 year old loved it.

Ri
Review №95

Great place with very friendly staff. Lots of nice scenic trails to go hiking on.

Am
Review №96

Nice maps and trails. Very well maintained info board.

Mi
Review №97

Nice short walks with lots of native wildlife.

Do
Review №98

A nice place to hike. The resources center staff were helpful and lots for kids to do there

nl
Review №99

I took my kids (ages 9, 10, and 12) and it was easy for them. Very sandy, but its cleared well. Not much to see, but the hilly parts are partitioned off into steps that make it easy for younger climbers. There was also a book posted periodically to keep them entertained. I will go again.

Ka
Review №100

I went with my 3 year old and we had a great time. There were a variety of different hikes. We did the blue trail which was perfect. My only complaint was there were no benches along the trail.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:195 New Karner Rd #1, Albany, NY 12205, United States
  • Site:https://albanypinebush.org/
  • Phone:+1 518-456-0655
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
  • Hiking area
  • Nature preserve
Working hours
  • Monday:9am–4pm
  • Tuesday:9am–4pm
  • Wednesday:9am–4pm
  • Thursday:9am–4pm
  • Friday:10am–4pm
  • Saturday:10am–4pm
  • Sunday:9am–4pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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