The Zim Smith Trail is a nearly 9-mile multi-use path that stretches from Coon’s Crossing in Halfmoon (near Mechanicsville) to Ballston Spa. The trail is situated between Albany and Saratoga Springs. The paved trail is a great option for a long, off-road run. The Coon’s Crossing terminus is located 20 miles north of Albany, and Ballston terminus is located 7 miles south of Saratoga Springs. The trail runs through a combination of open and wooded terrain, and is a slight uphill if starting in Coon’s Crossing. Some interesting spots along the way (heading west) are Round Lake (3 miles) and Shenantaha Creek Park (6 miles). It’s a slight uphill if starting in Coon’s Crossing. There are parking lots at each end of the trail.
Flickr: Peter
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Essentials
- Up to 8.7 miles (14 km) one-way
- Parking lot
Current Weather & Forecast
Albany, US
8:19 pm,
Jun 3, 2026
clear sky
21°C
L: 21°
H: 21°
Daily ForecastHourly Forecast
Tomorrow
5:00 pm
21° / 21°°C
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19 mph
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11° / 18°°C
0.9 mm
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11 mph
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10° / 19°°C
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11° / 20°°C
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Tomorrow
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16° / 16°°C
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Tomorrow
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18° / 18°°C
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16° / 16°°C
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Other Routes in Albany, NY
Our 10k 'runseeing' tour of Albany captures some of Albany's important and historical highlights. Includes the Capitol, Empire Plaza, Washington Park, Lincoln Park, waterfront. A good tour of what works and doesn't in urban planning. Tulip festival in May!
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One of our favorite places to run in the Albany area. A loop of the park is ~2 miles, featuring views of the Hudson River and Mohawk River. Extend with a path to the historic Erie Canal Lock. Great water views!
Running is permitted in this 467-acre historic cemetery located six miles north of downtown Albany. It's a pastoral spot, and many runners head here for the quiet paths and hill training opportunities.
For some scenic and gentle trail running, this area of pine barrens features 20 miles of rolling hill trails, from wide open sandy trails to narrow grassy woodland paths. The trails are color-coded and well marked. Located 8 miles west of Albany.
Schodack Island State Park, located 10 miles south of Albany, is a good spot for some gentle path and trail running. The park borders the Hudson River, and has 3-4 miles of mainly wooded trails.
A good opportunity for a longer off-road run in the Albany area. The multi-use path follows the bed of a former railroad for nearly 9 miles west to Voorheesville. The landscape is a mix of residential suburbs, fields and farms, and some woods.
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