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A river flows past a grassy, orange-tinged rock surrounded by dense, green forest under a cloudy sky.

Hiking in Saratoga Springs

Hiking in Saratoga Spa State Park

Saratoga Springs is a haven for hikers, offering scenic trails both within and beyond Saratoga Spa State Park. The park itself features a diverse network of picturesque paths perfect for all skill levels, including leisurely nature walks and challenging hikes. Beyond the park borders, the Saratoga region is home to a variety of trails that wind through forests, wetlands and rolling hills, providing endless opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Upstate New York.

    • A path in a forest with trees and a small bridge.

    Geyser Loop Trail

    This popular loop follows Geyser Creek past iconic mineral springs including Island Spouter and Orenda. An easy terrain with scenic water views, this trail is highly regarded for wildlife watching and family-friendly hiking.

    • Distance: 2.9 miles
    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Trail Type: Loop
    • A straight dirt path runs through a dense forest of tall, slender trees with green leaves.

    Five Mile Trail

    Explore diverse landscapes through wetlands, forest trees and open meadows. A gentle yet satisfying loop, it’s one of the longest trails in the park with moderate elevation changes.

    • Distance: 5.1 miles
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Trail Type: Loop
    • Dirt path through a lush, green forest with tall trees on both sides under a bright sky.

    Hemlock Trail

    A peaceful woodland loop on the park’s quieter side, this flat, easy trail passes through old-growth forests and open glades. It’s perfect for solitude and bird-watching.

    • Distance: 2.4 miles
    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Trail Type: Loop
    • A tree-lined road with a person walking along a shaded path on a sunny day.

    Avenue of the Pines Trail

    Ideal for a relaxed walk, jogging or cycling, this charming trail winds past historic buildings on a paved and shaded loop.

    • Distance: 1.8 miles
    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Trail Type: Loop

Can’t-Miss Hiking Near Saratoga Springs

    • A winding road curves through autumn trees under a clear blue sky.

    Zim Smith Trail

    This paved, multi-use trail is New York State’s only National Recreation Trail, connecting Ballston Spa to Mechanicville with multiple access points along the 11.5‑mile path. It’s ideal for walking, biking, inline skating and bird-watching. With scenic views of wetlands, woodlands and parks, it’s one of the most popular regional trails.

    Image courtesy of Saratoga PLAN, a non-profit land trust.

    • Person with a backpack and blue hat looks through binoculars in a forest.

    Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail

    A popular out‑and‑back gravel trail winding 4 miles through a 174‑acre wetland preserve, Bog Meadow Brook is filled with boardwalks and benches. The trail is perfect for family walks or bird-watching sessions.

    • Paved path curving through trees with a small wooden bridge and tall grasses on either side.

    Spring Run Trail

    Just north of The Gideon Putnam past downtown Saratoga Springs, this flat and accessible path stretches 2.2 miles along former train tracks through woods and wetlands. The paved out-and-back trail is ideal for casual walks, biking, strollers and bird-watching.

    Image courtesy of Saratoga PLAN, a non-profit land trust.

    • A dirt trail winds through a green forest; a trail marker is attached to a tree in the foreground.

    Kalabus‑Perry Forest Loop

    Located about 20 minutes from Saratoga Spa State Park, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is home to over 25 miles of trails. It’s popular with hikers, mountain bikers and families alike. The Kalabus-Perry Forest Loop Trail, stretching to about 5 miles, is an easy-to-moderate path through forest trees.

    Image courtesy of Saratoga.com.

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