We are, indeed very fortunate to have our easily accessible City Park and the many neighboring parks. Parks are also the lungs of a village, city or town and contribute to the mental and physical welfare of the citizens who are as lucky as we are to have them. When I came here from downstate, I marveled at the availability of City Park and its many well attended events, and I also observed the avid use of all the surrounding green spaces. Even in these turbulent times, we can at least acknowledge and appreciate our very good fortune. Thanks, Mr. Doolittle for highlighting some of them.
I agree with you Will. Thr parks in our area are wonderful for families, dog owners, people who love the outdoors. Locations provide easy access to many great activities- pickle ball, basketball, swings, or just walking ! Great area 👍
Crandall Park and the pond area came alive Tuesday with the temp up to 63 degrees! Canada Geese honking their not-so-harmonious tunes, while Mallard ducks waddled across patches of ice veneers - then suddenly sinking down into the water when the ice rims gave away. Several swiveled their heads around rapidly as if hoping no one saw their miscalculations. So funny to see, then sighting some young boys who pulled out their fishing poles, hoping to catch some defrosted fish? And dog-walkers everywhere, while toddlers tried their footing near the pond edges with Moms ready to grasp them if they tilted in the wrong direction.
It was Spring-For-a-Day for anyone fortunate enough to be outside in any of our local park areas Tuesday, before Mother Nature shifted gears in reverse - back to a semi-winter season in the North Country. Buckle up for the winds of March! 🌬️
Have you checked out our trails in Wilton? We have numerous options of easy hikes in this area considered the Saratoga Sand Plains. Especially beautiful when the lupines are blooming in late spring.
Up for a bit more of a challenge, there’s a gorgeous hike around a pond called Lake Bonita in Moreau Lake State Park. You don’t need a parking permit to access this hike either. This is uneven terrain like an Adirondack hike but so easy to get to.
I think what you’re seeing are photos of Lake Bonita which is on the Southern end of the state park. The land used to belong to the prison until 10-15 years ago. The trail I recommended goes around Lake Bonita.
You are so correct! Moreau Lake State Park is a real gem. In addition to the Lake Bonita loop, there are so many other connecting and crisscrossing trails up on the ridge, with views of the river on one side and views on the other side all the way to Vermont. Some are well traveled, others feel like you are in the woods all by yourself. A great place for a day hike!
Check out the trail at Hudson Point Preserve that drops down to the river. A boardwalk runs through wetlands. Really nice but can be problematic due to flooding occasionally, potentially icy in winter.
Totally agree about the need for great parks and how they benefit us., as well as his recent column including the reference to the fine work of Diane Collins. However, I have mixed thoughts about his criticisms of Albany. The city has amazing charm, but the old central avenue business district decline is sad, as astutely noted in today’s Times Union.
We are, indeed very fortunate to have our easily accessible City Park and the many neighboring parks. Parks are also the lungs of a village, city or town and contribute to the mental and physical welfare of the citizens who are as lucky as we are to have them. When I came here from downstate, I marveled at the availability of City Park and its many well attended events, and I also observed the avid use of all the surrounding green spaces. Even in these turbulent times, we can at least acknowledge and appreciate our very good fortune. Thanks, Mr. Doolittle for highlighting some of them.
I agree with you Will. Thr parks in our area are wonderful for families, dog owners, people who love the outdoors. Locations provide easy access to many great activities- pickle ball, basketball, swings, or just walking ! Great area 👍
Very informative! Thank you, as always. I am looking forward to enjoying time in each of these parks!
Crandall Park and the pond area came alive Tuesday with the temp up to 63 degrees! Canada Geese honking their not-so-harmonious tunes, while Mallard ducks waddled across patches of ice veneers - then suddenly sinking down into the water when the ice rims gave away. Several swiveled their heads around rapidly as if hoping no one saw their miscalculations. So funny to see, then sighting some young boys who pulled out their fishing poles, hoping to catch some defrosted fish? And dog-walkers everywhere, while toddlers tried their footing near the pond edges with Moms ready to grasp them if they tilted in the wrong direction.
It was Spring-For-a-Day for anyone fortunate enough to be outside in any of our local park areas Tuesday, before Mother Nature shifted gears in reverse - back to a semi-winter season in the North Country. Buckle up for the winds of March! 🌬️
Have you checked out our trails in Wilton? We have numerous options of easy hikes in this area considered the Saratoga Sand Plains. Especially beautiful when the lupines are blooming in late spring.
https://www.wiltonpreserve.org/
Up for a bit more of a challenge, there’s a gorgeous hike around a pond called Lake Bonita in Moreau Lake State Park. You don’t need a parking permit to access this hike either. This is uneven terrain like an Adirondack hike but so easy to get to.
Here’s the Lake Bonita hike:
Lake Bonita Loop on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/lake-bonita-loop?sh=uwzkl4
Thanks for this great website, Rachel, with lovely photos of Moreau Lake sites from the higher trails.
I think what you’re seeing are photos of Lake Bonita which is on the Southern end of the state park. The land used to belong to the prison until 10-15 years ago. The trail I recommended goes around Lake Bonita.
Interesting history of the land here: https://friendsofmoreaulake.org/2023/10/02/hike-lake-bonita/
You are so correct! Moreau Lake State Park is a real gem. In addition to the Lake Bonita loop, there are so many other connecting and crisscrossing trails up on the ridge, with views of the river on one side and views on the other side all the way to Vermont. Some are well traveled, others feel like you are in the woods all by yourself. A great place for a day hike!
Check out the trail at Hudson Point Preserve that drops down to the river. A boardwalk runs through wetlands. Really nice but can be problematic due to flooding occasionally, potentially icy in winter.
Agree!
Also, loved the photo.
Totally agree about the need for great parks and how they benefit us., as well as his recent column including the reference to the fine work of Diane Collins. However, I have mixed thoughts about his criticisms of Albany. The city has amazing charm, but the old central avenue business district decline is sad, as astutely noted in today’s Times Union.