Plan the Ultimate Snowmobile Trip in the Albany, NY Area
For some of us, nothing compares to the excitement of snowmobiling during winter. Here in the Capital Region, there are several great places where you can enjoy this fun outdoor recreational activity and explore a snowy wonderland. If you're looking to get started, then check out these top snowmobile areas near Albany, NY, learn about local clubs, and plan the ultimate snowmobile trip.
Local NY State Parks & Forests Open for Snowmobiling
Ready to ride this winter? We've highlighted five fantastic places for snowmobiling that are within driving distance of Albany, NY.
Grafton Lakes State Park
Located in Grafton, Grafton Lakes State Park is a 2,500-acre state park that's open year round for a variety of recreational activities. The trails are groomed for snowmobilers in winter, but visitors may also snowshoe, cross-country ski, ice skate, or ice fish at Grafton Lakes State Park as conditions allow. There are approximately 25 miles of park trails that travel throughout the scenic property and around ponds.
Contact the State Park for more info: 518-279-1155
Cherry Plain State Park
Cherry Plain State Park is a 175-acre state park in Petersburg that is popularly known for being a seasonal day use picnic area. However, the park is also open for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing when there is enough snow on the ground during winter.
Contact the State Park for more info: 518-733-5400
Mine Kill State Park
Discover a year-round recreation destination at Mine Kill State Park in North Blenheim. Nestled in the Schoharie Valley, this state park attracts snowmobilers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers who want to explore the 500-acre property.
Contact for more info: 518-827-6111
John Boyd Thacher State Park
Famous for its limestone cliffs, John Boyd Thacher State Park in Voorheesville is a beautiful property with over 25 trails for recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Take note that skiing, snowmobiling, and mountain biking are permitted on designated trails only.
Contact the State Park for more info: 518-872-1237
Mount Tom State Forest
Head north from Albany toward Washington County and prepare for an amazing backcountry snowmobile adventure at the Mount Tom State Forest in White Creek. Comprised of 1,700 acres, the Mount Tom State Forest is the county's largest state forest, and it's one of the few state forests that can be driven through from one side to the other. Although there are no maintained trails for snowmobilers, there are recommended routes. See a trail map from the DEC ยป
Contact the DEC Region 5 Warrensburg Office for more info: 518-623-1200
Snowmobile Clubs Near Albany
Snowmobile clubs offer information about local trails (openings and closures) and can help if you're new to snowmobiling in the Capital Region. You can also join a club if you're interested in becoming part of the snowmobile community.
Cave Country Riders, Inc.
- Cobleskill, NY
- Contact Page
Frontier Sno-Riders
- Duanesburg, NY
- Contact Page
Sharon Pathfinders
- Sharon Springs, NY
- Contact Page
Summit Sno Riders
- Summit, NY
- Contact Page
Snowmobile Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
- Don't drink and ride
- Dress appropriately
- Know the proper hand signals
- Avoid traveling across bodies of water
- Never ride alone
- Drive within your headlights at night
- Stay on the right side of the trail at all times
- Carry a first aid kit
- Respect private property
- Obey trail signs
- Stop at all road crossings
Find places for cross-country skiing >>
Source:
- https://parks.ny.gov/documents/recreation/snowmobiles/SnowmobilersGuide.pdf