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 Reporter |
Summary: Thacher State Park, located just 15 miles southwest of Albany, is a local gem for our area. It is situated at the top of the Helderberg escarpment with limestone cliffs that rise several hundred feet. From the parking area, head west following the wood split-rail fence. This is the Cliff Top Trail and it continues all the way to Hailes Cave picnic area. Enjoy the fine views of the Capital Region from atop the escarpment, but please stay behind the fence. After 1/2 mile, there are stairs that lead down to the base of the cliff. This is the start of the Indian Ladder Trail. Interpretive signs are located along the trail. You will pass two waterfalls (Mine Lot and Outlet Creek), an underground stream, and caves. The rocks here contain many fossils. A second set of stairs takes you back to the top of the cliff. The Indian Ladder Trail is open from aprroximately May to October, but you can walk along the Cliff Top Trail year-round (ski or snowshoe in winter). Trailhead: From Albany, take Route 85 West through the village of New Salem. Turn right onto Route 157. The overlook parking lot is 3.1 miles farther and on the right side - just past Glen Doone picnic area. (Lat:42.65 Lon:-74.007) Trail Guides for Thacher Park - Cliff Top & Indian Ladder Trails: The Long Path Guide by Herb Chong - Editor (New York-New Jersey Trail Conference) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: John Boyd Thacher State Park - (518) 872-1237 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by George Senft, who has posted 26 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Tracy on 7/17/2008 View from the trail was beautiful. Nice sunny day! 
Reviewed by Chad on 5/28/2008 My sons 11 and 7 loved the Indian Ladder Trail. I had brought a flashlight so they could look into all the crevices and small cave like areas. It was funny to watch other people looking over their shoulders to see what was in there. They had a great time and so did I. I know that a previous poster mentioned the cave above the trail, is this the one that is right near the beginning of the Indian Ladder trail? The one that you need to climb up to get to? I may have to go back without my kids and climb up to take a look.
Reviewed by wendy on 9/17/2007 Great hike to take the kids on. Amazing views. We all had a great time! We plan on going back again soon.
Reviewed by Lee on 5/27/2007 My Favorite Place To Walk-!!!
Reviewed by Jim on 5/2/2007 Terry and I started at 0845. Was a nice hike. Foliage was in the bud stage so the views were good from every direction. Did the ladder trail out and the rim trail back. The waterfall were running pretty good. So a few of what appeared to be turkey vultures. All in all anice sunny day.
Reviewed by jpj on 10/13/2006 Great for October foliage and also for XC skiing.
Reviewed by UhOh on 8/25/2006 Easy hike with a lot to see. Bring a flashlight to explore some of the small caves. It is not advertised, but if you look carefully, you will see a cave opening above the trail. Pretty sure this is not encouraged but and friend and I explored the first 10 or 20 feet of the cave.
Reviewed by Philippa, UK on 8/9/2006 We went in morning when it was quiet and were able to enjoy the beautiful scenery without fighting for space on the trail. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Albany County Hiking, Albany County Trails, Albany County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||