Things to do in Upstate New York
Northern Region
Adirondack Wild Center
🌲 What: There are indoor and outdoor things to do at this very cool museum. Be sure to check out the "Wild Walk" and walk up a trail of bridges through the treetops of the Adirondack forest.
💰 Cost: $14 for kids, $23 for adults, free for kids 4 and under.
🚗 Parking: Free on-site.
🚻 Bathrooms: Yes, indoor facilities
📍Google map directions: Here
Chestertown: Sleigh Rides at Circle B Ranch
🛷 What: Horse-drawn sleigh rides through scenic winter landscapes.
💰 Cost: $35-$250 (depending on privacy).
🚗 Parking: On-site parking.
🚻 Bathrooms: Usually available on-site.
ℹ️ Read more about Circle B Ranch
Corinth: Spruce Mountain Firetower Hike
👣 What: A 2.9-mile out-and-back hike with a bonus letterboxing activity.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: On-site parking.
🚻 Bathrooms: None.
Glens Falls: Feeder Canal Trail
❄️ What: A peaceful winter walk or snowshoe along the frozen canal. Bring a sled for little ones!
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Trailhead lots (Dix Avenue is a good start).
🚻 Bathrooms: None—plan ahead.
Glens Falls/Queensbury: Snowshoe in Cole’s Woods
👣 What: Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Note: Walking is NOT permitted on groomed trails.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: On-site parking.
🚻 Bathrooms: None.
ℹ️ Trail map and parking details here
Lake George Village: Light Up the Lake
🎄 What: Stroll through holiday lights while enjoying the lake and mountain views in the village.
Note: This is a new installation in Lake George this year, along with the ice-skating rink on Beach Road.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Public lots nearby.
🚻 Bathrooms: Public restrooms available in nearby parks.
Lake George: Shelving Rock Falls Hike
❄️ What: An easy 1.7-mile roundtrip hike to a beautiful frozen waterfall. Ideal for families.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Trailhead lot at Shelving Rock Road.
🚻 Bathrooms: None—plan accordingly.
Newcomb: Adirondack Interpretive Center
🌲 What: Explore easy, family-friendly trails through wooded areas and along lakes, perfect for snowshoeing. Look out for wildlife!
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Trailhead lots on-site.
🚻 Bathrooms: Indoor facilities at the visitor center.
North Creek: Gore Mountain
⛷️ What: Downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and scenic gondola rides. Great for all skill levels.
💰 Cost: Starting at $65/person (lift tickets); snowshoeing trails free with equipment rental.
🚗 Parking: Free on-site parking.
🚻 Bathrooms: Indoor facilities at the base lodge.
North River: Ski and Snowshoe Trails at Garnet Hill Lodge
👣 What: Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails with stunning views of the Adirondacks and nearby Thirteenth Lake. Equipment rentals available.
💰 Cost: $30/person for trail passes; rentals extra.
🚗 Parking: Free parking on-site.
🚻 Bathrooms: Indoor facilities at the lodge.
ℹ️ Trail passes and rentals here
Pottersville: Natural Stone Bridge & Caves
❄️ What: Winter wonderland snowshoe tours through caves and over frozen streams. A unique Adirondack experience!
💰 Cost: $17/adult, $9/child.
🚗 Parking: On-site parking lot.
🚻 Bathrooms: Available on-site.
Queensbury: West Mountain
⛷️ What: Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing for all ages. Night skiing adds extra magic!
💰 Cost: Starting at $35/person (tubing); $65/person (skiing).
🚗 Parking: Free on-site parking by the lodge.
🚻 Bathrooms: Indoor facilities at the lodge.
Southern Region
Albany: Washington Park Winter Walks
❄️ What: Stroll through Albany’s historic Washington Park, beautifully blanketed in snow during the winter months.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Street parking available around the park.
🚻 Bathrooms: None—plan ahead.
ℹ️ Check out AllTrails for more info
Clifton Park: Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve
🌲 What: Explore flat, family-friendly trails through wetlands and along the Mohawk River. Great for snowshoeing or peaceful winter walks.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Trailhead parking lot on Riverview Road.
🚻 Bathrooms: None.
ℹ️ More info here (could be outdated)
Cohoes: Peebles Island State Park
❄️ What: Easy winter hiking or snowshoeing with river views and wildlife spotting. Perfect for families.
💰 Cost: $6/vehicle parking fee (Empire Pass accepted).
🚗 Parking: On-site parking at the visitor center.
🚻 Bathrooms: Seasonal restrooms available.
Halfmoon: Zim Smith Trail
❄️ What: A multi-use trail for walking, running, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, connecting Ballston Spa to Mechanicville. This trail is known for being accessible for wheelchairs and strollers!
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Trailheads with parking in multiple locations, including Shenantaha Creek Park.
🚻 Bathrooms: Seasonal restrooms at trailheads.
Latham: The Crossings of Colonie
❄️ What: A beautiful park with walking trails, open spaces for kids, and a pond that freezes for skating when conditions allow.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Multiple on-site parking lots.
🚻 Bathrooms: Indoor facilities at the park office.
Moreau: Walk Around Lake Bonita
❄️ What: A 1.9-mile walk or snowshoe around Lake Bonita—or take an extended loop into Moreau State Park if you’re feeling adventurous.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Trailhead lot (Google Maps).
🚻 Bathrooms: Typically Porta-Potties at the trailhead.
ℹ️ More info here and on AllTrails
Saratoga: Letterboxing at a Saratoga PLAN Park
👣 What: A treasure hunt-style outdoor activity that involves finding hidden boxes in public spaces using clues, codes, and navigational skills.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: On-site parking.
🚻 Bathrooms: Varies (plan for there to not be any).
ℹ️ Saratoga PLAN has 17 different locations
Saratoga Springs: Saratoga Spa State Park
❄️ What: A winter wonderland with trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and walking. Ice skating and sledding hills are also available.
💰 Cost: Free for most activities; skating and equipment rentals extra.
🚗 Parking: Multiple lots throughout the park.
🚻 Bathrooms: Restrooms available near key attractions.
ℹ️ Trail maps and details here
Saratoga Springs: Congress Park Winter Walks
🌲 What: A peaceful walk through Saratoga’s historic Congress Park. Kids will love the ducks, and adults can enjoy the serene setting.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Nearby street parking or city garages.
🚻 Bathrooms: None.
Schuylerville: Hudson Crossing Park
❄️ What: Winter hiking, snowshoeing, and scenic views of the Hudson River and Champlain Canal. Family- and dog-friendly.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Trailhead parking on-site.
🚻 Bathrooms: Seasonal Porta-Potties available.
Stillwater: Saratoga National Historical Park
❄️ What: Explore trails for walking or snowshoeing while learning about the Battle of Saratoga. Amazing views and open spaces for kids.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Multiple lots throughout the park.
🚻 Bathrooms: Indoor facilities at the visitor center.
Waterford: Erie Canal Towpath Trail
❄️ What: Walk, run, or snowshoe along a flat, scenic trail following the historic Erie Canal.
💰 Cost: Free.
🚗 Parking: Multiple trailhead lots, including at Peebles Island.
🚻 Bathrooms: None—plan ahead.