Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail Albany County
A 9-mile paved trail offering a mix of natural beauty and urban views, perfect for biking, walking, and running year-round.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail Albany County
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 9-mile paved trail offering a mix of natural beauty and urban views, perfect for biking, walking, and running year-round.
"Excellent trail for bike, run or walk, all paved with scenery all the way."
🚗 Parking Tip
More parking lots are available near Voorheesville, making it a convenient starting point.
🚶♀️ All-Weather Trail
The paved surface is ideal for walking, running, or biking year-round, avoiding muddy conditions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Creek Views
Near Albany
Enjoy picturesque views along a moving waterway, with a particularly beautiful creek section near Albany.
Waterfalls
Along the trail
Discover the beauty of waterfalls cascading down, adding a unique element to your walk or ride.
Noonan Trail Detour
Off the main path
Explore offshoots like the Noonan Trail for a more rugged hiking experience away from the paved path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Paved Path, Varied Scenery
Best for All Seasons
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tip
More parking lots are available near Voorheesville, making it a convenient starting point.
🚶♀️ All-Weather Trail
The paved surface is ideal for walking, running, or biking year-round, avoiding muddy conditions.
🚴♀️ Bike-Friendly Path
A smooth, mostly flat 9-mile path (18 miles round trip) perfect for cycling.
✈️ Plane Spotting
Catch glimpses of planes flying overhead from the nearby airport for a unique experience. [^Review]
Where to road bike?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tip
More parking lots are available near Voorheesville, making it a convenient starting point.
🚶♀️ All-Weather Trail
The paved surface is ideal for walking, running, or biking year-round, avoiding muddy conditions.
🚴♀️ Bike-Friendly Path
A smooth, mostly flat 9-mile path (18 miles round trip) perfect for cycling.
✈️ Plane Spotting
Catch glimpses of planes flying overhead from the nearby airport for a unique experience. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail for its smooth, paved, and flat surface, making it excellent for walking, running, and biking year-round. The scenic creek, waterfalls, and varied landscapes are highlights, though some note the presence of industrial areas. Parking is noted as better near Voorheesville.
"Amazing view, easy to walk since it's flat! Beautiful waterfall, lot of green everywhere! Airport is nearby so you can see some planes kinda close!"
Katalina Guerrero
"Very varried experience. Wonder the paved path through industrial sites as motized bikes worl past with the sounds of heavy traffic overhead and the beauty of waterfalls below. There were a lot of people, dogs, who greeted us with cheer. My dog and I had a nice walk but very different than our norm."
Michelle Vara
"What a nice place to walk, run, hike, bike, skate...! The path runs along a moving waterway with beautiful scenery. There are hiking paths cut off the main path, one being the Noonan Trail."
Karmen Lucas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail stretches from Albany to Voorheesville. Parking is more abundant near Voorheesville, with several access points along the 9-mile route.
Yes, parking is available at various points along the trail, with more options noted near Voorheesville.
Yes, the trail begins on the southside of Albany and extends towards Voorheesville.
Public transport options to trailheads may be limited; driving or ride-sharing is generally recommended. Check local transit schedules for specific routes.
Many users suggest starting closer to Voorheesville due to better parking availability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail is a public park and is free to access for walking, running, and biking.
As a public trail, it is generally accessible from dawn to dusk. Specific park hours may vary, so it's best to check local park regulations.
There is no admission fee to use the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trail, but they must be kept on a leash. [^Review]
For organized events or large gatherings, permits may be required. Contact Albany County Parks for details.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll encounter a varied landscape, including industrial sites, a scenic creek, waterfalls, and green spaces. [^Review]
Yes, the paved and mostly flat surface makes it very stroller-friendly. [^Review]
Restroom availability can be limited. It's advisable to use facilities at trailheads or plan accordingly.
The trail is 9 miles one way, making it an 18-mile round trip. Mileage markers are present.
Yes, there are hiking paths branching off the main paved trail, such as the Noonan Trail. [^Review]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can detour off the trail to find restaurants and stores, particularly in Albany and Voorheesville.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas or along the trail, but be sure to pack out all trash.
Direct on-trail food services are uncommon. It's best to bring your own snacks or plan stops in nearby towns.
Voorheesville offers local eateries and cafes, providing a good spot for a post-trail meal or refreshment.
Given the length of the trail and limited services, bringing your own water and snacks is highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic creek section near Albany, the waterfalls, and the sunset views offer excellent photographic opportunities. [^Review]
Yes, sunset provides beautiful golden hour lighting, making it a popular time for photography.
The trail's proximity to the airport allows for some interesting shots of planes flying overhead. [^Review]
The bridges, the creek, and the varied natural and industrial elements offer diverse subjects for photographers. [^Review]
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hours) offer the best light for photography, with sunset being particularly popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as on-trail amenities are scarce. Consider starting from the Voorheesville end for easier parking.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
You can enjoy miles of walking, running, or biking without any admission fees. The main costs would be transportation to the trail and any food or drinks you bring or purchase in nearby towns. It's an excellent way to experience the local landscape and get some exercise without spending a lot of money. 🚴♂️ Cyclists
The 9-mile stretch offers a good distance for a workout, and the option to do an 18-mile round trip provides a more challenging ride. Detouring into Voorheesville or Albany for a break or a meal is also a popular option for cyclists. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail by Bike
The trail offers a pleasant cycling experience, allowing you to cover significant distance while enjoying the changing scenery.When planning your bike ride, consider starting from the Voorheesville end, as it's noted to have more ample parking.
Walking and Running Adventures
While the trail features some industrial sections, it also boasts beautiful natural elements like a scenic creek and waterfalls, providing visual interest throughout your activity. [^Review] The presence of other users, including dog walkers, adds a sense of community to the trail. [^Review] For those seeking a bit more challenge, exploring the offshoot hiking paths like the Noonan Trail can add an extra dimension to your outing. [^Review]
Photography Opportunities
For landscape photographers, the sunset is a particularly rewarding time to visit, casting a warm glow over the surroundings and creating beautiful silhouettes.
The varied scenery, from industrial structures to natural landscapes, offers a unique blend that can be creatively captured. Whether you're using a smartphone or a professional camera, the trail provides ample opportunities to document your experience and capture memorable images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit