John Boyd Thacher State Park Visitor Center — Attraction in Town of New Scotland

A gem of a park, something for everyone. Drive up for the views of the Helderberg Escarpment, Albany and the Hudson valley and the Green Mountains beyond. Or, do some biking, or hike, or play sports from softball and basketball to soccer and sand volleyball, or enjoy the playgrounds and have a picnic or use the BBQ grills for a party. Bathrooms are available, but only in some locations. No food service, just bring your own.

For anyone who can do stairs and is steady to walk near steep drop offs, the Indian Ladder Trail is a very adventurous but fairly easy loop hike well worth the walk when it's open. Dramatic views of awesome natural wonder and regional viewscapes around every corner. You'll see a small vertical crevice cave, a very large rock overhang, and one or two natural springs (streams that come right out of the rock).

Great for school-aged kids and up, but not for anyone who is very afraid of heights. People with a moderate fear of heights or a very healthy respect for heights do fine. The dirt trail is on the side of the Escarpment, and plenty wide for secure walking, but the drop is quite big in some places so you need to watch where you are walking.

The trail is closed seasonally in winter, and anytime conditions may be unsafe - ice or strong flow from the springs or risk of rockfalls. This is usually in spring and fall, but it's weather dependent so call the park office in advance to check whether the trail is open when you want to hike it.

The geology here is world class, don't miss the new Visitor's Center (est. 2016/2017) with interactive exhibits on the local geologic history of the area -- fossils and caves and natural springs. There's also a viewing platform and...

I've been coming here all my life. Some of the trails are tough, good work out! Wear boots! Some areas are a tad dangerous so be cautious, especiallywith children. In the past we've enjoyed fireworks from here too which are viewable from the capital, albeit small. What stopped us from coming here for years now, is graffiti! We encountered on one trail. It was obnoxious and absolutely horrid. We immediately reported it to the office. They sent out an officer to take a report, and he assured us that they would cover it up, essentially get rid of it. It covered an enormous rock face! However, when we went back several times that season it was still there 😔 and we so we complained about it again, but to no avail. You don't drive up into the mountains and hike into the woods to encounter graffiti!!? I mean how hard would it have been to simply spray over it?? And perhaps post some "no graffiti" & "under surveillance" signs, here and there?? 🤔We have not been back since. So, do not know if the situation was resolved or worsened? As graffiti tends to spread like wildfire. Be interested to know if anyone else has information about its current condition? Since ee have found better maintained hiking...

John Boyd Thacher State Park is a breathtaking natural wonder that showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of the Helderberg Escarpment. This park offers an unparalleled outdoor experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its extensive network of well-maintained trails, visitors can explore the rugged cliffs, towering waterfalls, and lush forests that make up this scenic landscape. The panoramic vistas from the overlooks are simply awe-inspiring, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you're hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a leisurely picnic, John Boyd Thacher State Park is a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility and a connection...