Boulder Loop Trailhead — Attraction in Albany

I hike but I'm not a seasoned hiker. This is a moderate trail which my wife and I finished in 2 hr and 15 min. The scene at the "summit" is very pretty and definitely worth it. We did the loop counterclockwise. The ascent starts off momentarily easily and then very quickly becomes moderately physically involved. The trails are well maintained, clearly marked with yellow paint on the trees, and stones are somewhat arranged to look like staircase for your ascent. Going back down was fairly easy and much more a breeze for us - so save your energy and start the trail COUNTERCLOCKWISE! When you come down, the views are to your left and the terrain is more negotiable. Going down on the way way you had come up would be somewhat physically challenging due to rocky boulder terrain and sharp edge stones. Highly...

We snowshoed because we saw this trail listed in a blog on good snowshoe trails. I wouldn’t recommend snowshoes for this hike, though. Trail often too narrow & lined by rocks, so that the wide and clumsy snowshoes were a handicap. Also very steep at times (I fell 3 times). The trail is marked as moderate in my map, which is probably correct. 4 stars because I prefer trails that offer views, brooks etc along the way to one that meanders through the woods and leads up to one (admittedly) breathtaking spot. It took us around 1.5 hours to get to the top taking the counterclockwise route. Total hike: 2.5 hours with breaks and enough time to take in the scenery at the top. 1 quart of water for 2 ppl wasn’t...

A well marked trail will some moderately inclines. This trail took us about two hours at a steady pace. If your an unseasoned hiker (like me) you will feel the inclines on the way up and it will feel like a little work. It's not hard by any stretch and is passable for virtually anyone. The trek is worth the it. The views are fantastic and most is well shaded in the trees which helps on...