Simpson Park — Attraction in Millersburg

This used to be my favorite place to walk in Albany and I visited several mornings a week, but over the last couple years it's been overrun by homeless encampments and a lot of sketchy people. There is frequently garbage strewn along the trail now, and some of the camps are massive. I've seen human waste, used needles, half-eaten food, clothing, abandoned sleeping bags, and a host of other refuse. People at the camps regularly cut trees to make fires. I often see off-leash dogs, some of which have been aggressive towards my dogs, and plenty of loose/feral cats. I used to see wildlife frequently but lately it's just an occasional duck on First Lake and the odd invasive fox squirrel. Apart from some uncomfortable interactions with people clearly in the throes of mental health or drug crises, the homeless mostly keep to themselves, but recently a man threatened to shoot me and my dogs if he ever saw me again on the (public) trail, and I'm not sure I feel safe walking there any longer. I reported the incident to APD but they said there likely wasn't anything they could do. Heartbreaking to see this happen to what was a really lovely part...

This is one of my favorite parks. I stop here every time I go through Albany. Next to it is the beautiful talking water gardens and those are worth seeing too. Simpson park has nice ponds and lots of places to picnic. I love that the spots feel private and there is plenty of shade. Restrooms are available and tons of space to walk your dog or...

Trailhead is cute, bathrooms and such. But during the wet season very muddy. I’ve seen reviews saying bark trail but did not experience that at all. Didn’t bother us as we had mud boots. Did encounter a lot of tents and trash but no one bothered us and I didn’t feel threatened. Will probably come back when it’s dryer....