Lions Park — Attraction in Town of Niskayuna

🚂✨ Step Back in Time at the Niskayuna Rail Station! ✨🚂

Imagine a time when trains chugged through the Mohawk Valley, connecting bustling towns and delivering goods that fueled the local economy. The Niskayuna Rail Station, built in 1843, was at the heart of it all, linking Troy to Schenectady and beyond. Now, this slice of history is waiting for you to explore at Lions Park!

🏛️ What Makes It Special? • Historic Landmark: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. • Rich Legacy: A key player in early regional railroads that later merged into the New York Central Railway. • Beautifully Restored: From its 1800s design to its charming details, this station stands as a testament to our past.

🌳 Why Visit Today? While the trains are long gone, the spirit of the station lives on! Located along one of the busiest stretches of the Empire State Trail, it’s a perfect spot to: • 🖌️ Unleash your inner artist: Paint or photograph the stunning Mohawk River views. • 🚴‍♂️ Take a break: Rest along your cycling or walking adventure. • 🕰️ Relive history: Soak in the nostalgia of a time when the station buzzed with energy.

📍 Where to Find It: Lions Park, Niskayuna — a scenic gem in the heart of Schenectady County.

Discover the stories that shaped our community and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding this historic treasure.

🛤️ Plan your visit today and let the echoes of the past inspire you! #HistoricNiskayuna #DiscoverSchenectady #EmpireStateTrail...

The park itself isn't much more than a parking lot, some grassy area, a gazebo, park benches, and an overgrown boat launch.

But that's not what most locals come for. Is the miles-long, paved and well maintained trail along the Mohawk River, that extends East to Cohoes and West to Schenectady.

The parking lot offers sufficient space and features a nice clean restroom.🚻 The trail is shared by cyclists and pedestrians, so take some precaution while walking and don't dash across the way before turning and looking. That said, most cyclists do use best practice and alert you before passing.🚴🚴‍♀️☝️

You can walk as far as you care to in either direction. In the summer months, you might do better heading West if you care to catch more glimpses of the Mohawk.🌊

There are a few spots to sit down and take a break. Also the cabin next to the parking lot doubles as an art studio some days.🏠

The river offers beautiful scenery and a diverse watershed that makes the trail a good spot for birdwatching.🦆

Enjoy the park and trail, and if you find this review helpful,...

Park is a town managed bike/hike access point for the paved NYS CanalWays trail and has kayak/canoe access to the Mohawk River (carry craft across mowed grass and bike trail to the dirt/mud footpath to the right of the Depot). People often bring camp chairs to picnic on the grass (no grills provided). Several points with river views (banks are heavily vegetated). Variety of woodland, meadow, water birds and swallows; muskrat, rabbits, turtles, frogs, non-venomous snakes. Benches along the trail. Small gazebo. Old rail station on the is used for artists in residence. Indoor public access only in non-pandemic conditions. There is often a water bowl for dogs on the porch. Public restrooms near the entrance to the lot. Free parking. Sometimes lot can fill during prime summer days. Find my review helpful?...