The best bet for some running along the Hudson River in the Albany area is the 5-mile waterfront stretch of the Mohawk Hudson Hike Bike Trail between Albany and Watervliet. The paved, multi-use path starts steps from downtown at the riverfront Corning City Preserve, and heads north for 5 miles, paralleling I-787. There are some nice sections of the path, with water and bridge views, especially the first 2 miles passing through a couple of riverfront parks. It’s not a 100% pristine route, since the highway is right there, but it’s a good opportunity to run for up to 10 miles out and back, all off-road, with the Hudson in your view. At the northern end, you can add a ~1 mile by heading over to Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park. Distances from Corning Preserve:
1.5 miles: I-90 4.3 miles: High St./Highway 378, 5 miles: End
Add-Ons: Do a quick tour of the Capitol area. From Corning Preserve, take Hudson River Way up the hill. Can also continue north on sections of the Empire State Trail.
Photo: Mark Lowenstein
The best bet for some running along the Hudson River in the Albany area is the 5-mile waterfront stretch of the Mohawk Hudson Hike Bike Trail between Albany and Watervliet. The paved, multi-use path starts steps from downtown at the riverfront Corning City Preserve, and heads north for 5 miles, paralleling I-787. There are some nice sections of the path, with water and bridge views, especially the first 2 miles passing through a couple of riverfront parks. It’s not a 100% pristine route, since the highway is right there, but it’s a good opportunity to run for up to 10 miles out and back, all off-road, with the Hudson in your view. At the northern end, you can add a ~1 mile by heading over to Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park. Distances from Corning Preserve:
1.5 miles: I-90 4.3 miles: High St./Highway 378, 5 miles: End
Add-Ons: Do a quick tour of the Capitol area. From Corning Preserve, take Hudson River Way up the hill. Can also continue north on sections of the Empire State Trail.
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Essentials
Up to 5 miles (8 km) one-way, or 10 miles (16 km) out and back
Flat
Albany End: Corning City Preserve, steps from downtown; Watervilet End: Trailhead & Parking
Easy access from downtown Albany. Parking at Corning Preserve
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!
A pleasant park with paved trails passing through fields, meadows, woodlands, an an arboretum. A perimeter route of the park is ~3 miles. Adjacent to the park is an indoor rec center with a running track, pool, and other fitness facilities.
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 option for a longer off-road run. This 9-mile paved multi-use trail goes from Coon’s Crossing in Halfmoon (near Mechanicsville) to Ballston Spa. Mainly wooded. Sights along the way include Round Lake and Shenantaha Creek Park.
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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Essentials
Up to 5 miles (8 km) one-way, or 10 miles (16 km) out and back
Flat
Albany End: Corning City Preserve, steps from downtown; Watervilet End: Trailhead & Parking
Easy access from downtown Albany. Parking at Corning Preserve
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!