Thacher State Park — Attraction in Town of New Scotland

Intro: From my previous review, I made it obvious I am looking for a view when I go on my walks/hikes, and I found the perfect park for that. This park is pretty much a cliff with a path going along the edge of it, very hard not to have a great view!

Entrance: Now here's a park that is VERY accessible, they have several parking spots along the entirety of the cliff, with multiple entry points along a main road. The signs aren't that big, but they are visible and clean.

Parking: Paved and painted parking, very well maintained, and due to the fact there is parking scattered along the entire cliff, plenty of parking. The only thing I'm not sure about is the parking fee. There was a 6$ fee at the parking near the Visitor Center and the Horseshoe section, there being a booth at the entrance of those places. I didn't check all the other parking spots along the cliff, so I do not know if that fee applies to all of them.

Facilities: Quite a bit, actually. I went directly to the Visitor Center, it's a hub for educational info and a small concession stand. Since I am trying to collect lapel/enamel pins of every location I go to, I did ask for one at the concession, and they did have one. They don't display the pins, so if you are looking for one, make sure to ask! Looks like even part of the Center was rentable, since they were setting up some kind of event there when I was leaving. All along the various parking spots and trail there were pavilions and picnic shelters, which looks rentable as well. There were even several bathroom buildings as well, very well maintained.

Trails and other Features: The highlight was definitely the trail, goes alongside the cliff face and offers plenty of opportunities to overlook the valley below. The trail itself is very easy, mostly clear flat paths, minimum exposed roots. However, you don't need to hike to visit various spots, like the Overlook, with parking right at it. There is a more challenging path, the Indian Ladder, but not by much, just a bunch of steps. It goes on for about half a mile, connecting between the Visitor Center and the La Grange Bush sections. You walk along the base of the rock face of the cliff, about halfway down, but the only hard part is the steep steps at the beginning and end. There is a small fall, but it dried up due to switching to underground streams, you can still see it during Spring melts and after heavy rainfall. There are rick climbing sections elsewhere, but I didn't check them out.

Final Word: I highly recommend this park! The fact that the hiking is optional to get to some of the better places makes this park very accessible to everyone. For the effort needed, the view...

Thacher State Park, located in New York, is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. This park offers a rich blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and breathtaking vistas.

Scenic Beauty One of the park's main attractions is the panoramic view from the Helderberg Escarpment. Visitors are treated to sweeping vistas of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. The scenic overlook is especially popular during the fall when the foliage transforms into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows.

Hiking and Trails Thacher State Park boasts an extensive network of trails suitable for all skill levels. The Indian Ladder Trail is particularly noteworthy, providing hikers with a moderate challenge while offering stunning views of waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and rich geological formations. The trail also passes by significant historical markers, adding a touch of history to the natural splendor.

Recreational Activities In addition to hiking, the park offers a variety of recreational activities. Picnic areas equipped with tables and grills make it an ideal spot for family gatherings and casual outings. For those interested in more active pursuits, the park has facilities for rock climbing, mountain biking, and even cross-country skiing during the winter months.

Educational Opportunities Thacher State Park is also home to the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center. The center provides educational programs, exhibits, and hands-on activities that are both fun and informative for visitors of all ages. It's a fantastic resource for learning about the local flora, fauna, and geology of the region.

Accessibility and Amenities The park is well-maintained with clean restrooms, ample parking, and clearly marked trails. There are also accessible trails and facilities, making it a welcoming destination for visitors with mobility challenges.

Conclusion Thacher State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone in the Albany area or beyond. Its combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and educational resources make it a perfect spot for a day trip or a weekend adventure. Whether you're looking to hike, picnic, or simply take in the stunning views, Thacher State Park offers something...

Thacher State Park is one of the best NY State Parks in the Capital Region. The park offers numerous recreational activities. There are many hikes in the park including the Indian Ladder Trail, Paint Mine Trail and the Long Path. There are also playgrounds, picnic benches, pavilions, volleyball nets, and disc golf in the park. There are a few caves in the park as well. However, you are not allowed to go into most of the caves without permission from the park. The most popular part of the park is the Indian Ladder hiking trail. The trail offers spectacular views of the area and is home to one of the richest collections of fossils in the US. Depending on how much rain there has been waterfalls can sometimes be seen along the trail. Check the website or call ahead to make sure the Indian Ladder Trail is open; it is not open all year! The visitor center provides lively information the geologic history of the park. There are several interactive displays. The center also has a nice viewing area. The staff at the visitor center is helpful and friendly. If you don't want to hike the park, plenty of good views can be obtained by simply driving through the park. Wildlife is also abundant throughout the park. You are likely to see large vultures flying around the cliffs! Nearby, Thompson's Lake provides a chance to get out on the water as well. Thacher State Park is a can't miss and must do if you're in the...