Inviting people of all ages and abilities to natural areas in Saratoga and Schenectady counties
In the spirit of promoting environmental and educational experiences, this ECOS project is focused on inclusion.
ECOS members have collected unique details on local trails in Saratoga and Schenectady counties, selected to meet the needs of a wide variety of people and encourage exploration and enjoyment of the outdoors. Trail descriptions are specifically detailed for readers to decide if a route is suited to his or her needs and interests. Our goal is to offer guides which everyone, in particular those with disabilities, can use to evaluate trails to explore.
Each description includes directions, parking information, trail width, description of the trail surface and features, trail running slope, cross-slope, and the location of any specific features that may present obstacles. Also included is the location of certain elements such as benches, picnic tables or restrooms.
The reader will also learn about the natural environment through descriptions of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Some areas also have interesting historical features.
Our hope is that this type of information will encourage people of all ages and abilities to explore and enjoy these beautiful natural areas.
The following trails were assessed. Click to download a PDF guide to each trail.
- Ballston Veterans Bike Path
- Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail
- Crescent Park Trail
- Hayes Nature Park
- Hudson Crossing Park
- Mohawk Landing Nature Preserve
- Railroad Run
- Spring Run Trail
- Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve
- Zim Smith Trail
Ballston Veterans Bike Path Hudson Crossing Park Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail Railroad Run
- Aqueduct Park
- Central Park
- Empire State Trail at East Street
- Empire State Trail at Lions Park
- Empire State Trail at Lock 8
- Empire State Trail at Pattersonville
- River Road Park
- Vale Cemetery
Central Park River Road Park Empire State Trail in Pattersonville Empire State Trail in Niskayuna
Thank you to our project contributors! It takes a village.
ECOS would like to extend thanks to the following individuals who worked on this project.
The idea for a publication that would provide accessibility information, came from the author of the ECOS Natural Area Guides, Claire Schmitt. Claire’s vision was for people of all abilities to able to connect with nature. The project was later spearheaded by Kathie Armstrong, who began writing and brought other ECOS members together to visit the trails and share information on the flora and fauna and history of the areas. Since then, many ECOS members and volunteers joined the project. Carole Fraser organized the Access Team that provided the on-trail technical measurements, organized the access details and edited the final text.
Writers
Ruth Schottman
John Collins
Elizabeth Collins
Beverly Clark
Chet Harvey
Thomas O’Grady
Access Team
Steve Jones
John Mitchell
Richard Pine
Pamela Landi
Sarah Celik
Anita Morzillo
Jennifer Viggiani
Karen McKenny
Paul Stringer
Cara Morbidelli Palma
Christina Holton
Technical Support
Gillian Scott
In addition, we thank staff from Saratoga PLAN, for organizing training for our Access Team and Ruth Bonn for her help in keeping the project alive.
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