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 Reporter |
Summary: The Albany Pine Bush is a unique inland pine barrens environment. This sandy area is home to the endangered Karner blue butterfly. The trails are mostly flat with only a few small hills - making it ideal for easy hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. You can obtain a map of all areas of the preserve on the web: http://nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/eastern/preserves/ The trails are marked with round colored disks. Most are loops (red, yellow, blue) and a few are connectors (white). This hike is a big loop following the perimeter trails in a clockwise direction... red -> white -> red -> yellow -> blue -> red -> white -> red Please stay on trails. This is a environmentally sensitive area. Trailhead: From Albany, take Western Ave (NY Rte 20) west. Turn right onto New Karner Road (NY Rte 155) going North. Turn left onto Washington Ave Ext at the blue water tank. Follow this road to the end. (Lat:42.71661 Lon:-73.8787) Trail Guides for Albany Pine Bush: Exploring the Nature Conservancys Preserves in New York State by Scott Edward Anderson (Countryman Pr) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: NYS DEC Ranger 518-783-2036 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by George Senft, who has posted 26 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JD on 4/15/2008 Hiked there last year in the fall, nothing spectacular, but a descent place for an easy hike close to home. There was one part where it got kind of swampy (not on the trail, but visible from it) and that was pretty cool, green moss growing all over and stuff. Met some bikers and other hikers (and one wierdo, so don't go alone), but not crowded. Enjoy! 
Reviewed by ALD on 5/14/2007 My 7 yr old and I went there 2 weeks ago through the Kings Road entrance. It was an okay walk, but the ticks were unbelievable! Even with repellent and proper clothing, we found 17 deer ticks between the 2 of use. 
Reviewed by the captain on 10/22/2006 boring. awful. noisy. despite the wind rattling the leaves, all that we could hear was the nearby traffic. even peeble island which is right near 787 is quieter than this place. if you can block out traffic sounds go for it, but i don't think i'll go back there. 
Reviewed by KG on 9/18/2006 I adored this Albany Habitat. What a great place to bike, job or just saunter. My dog was thrilled too. Pluses: Maps provided at the trailhead, well-kept trails, few other hikers even on weekends.
Reviewed by Chris on 3/30/2006 TICKS!!! Hey just hiked the Pine Bush on Sunday 3/26/06. I used the Kings Road entrance in Guilderland. After returning from our short hike I found at least 20 ticks covering my dogs body. After doing some research I discovered that lyme disease is prevalent in this area. I strongly advise using caution if you decide to hike this area. Me and my dog both stayed on trail the entire time
Reviewed by G on 12/9/2004 You can obtain a map of the pine bush here: http://nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/eastern/preserves/art7467.html Be sure to check your dog and yourself for ticks - they may carry lyme disease.
Reviewed by EPP on 12/5/2004 I'm a relatively new hiker and thought I couldn't possibly go wrong with the Pine Bush. And although it was a nice easy trail to walk on, I was pretty dismayed by the trail markers, or lack thereof. My companion and I went in and got fairly deep into it when we realized the markers just were gone - one minute its clearly marked, you're walking on an obvious trail and then you find a yourself without any markers or direction whatsoever. Very disconcerting - we obviously couldn't get lost out there, without finding civilization eventually so we went on - and found ourselves in places that were not on the map at all. Eventually we turned around and retraced our way back out but I was disappointed at how confusing it was.
Reviewed by MITCH on 11/11/2004 Have not hiked the Pine Bush in 3 years. Previously was a frequent hiker. Entered on Madison Ave. Ext., was disturbed by the removal of the trail map. The display is pretty, but does nothing toward finding the trails. Followed the "Red" trail expecting it to be a loop and was dismayed to find that it didn't return us to Madison Ave. Had to ask a jogger for directions. Since we hike the Adirondaks and spent many years hiking the jungles of Africa it was a bit troubling to get confused in Albany, NY. Are the maps being replaced. Are there any available? Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Albany County Hiking, Albany County Trails, Albany County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||