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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 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JFP & AMP on 5/29/2006 Just hiked it this weekend (Memorial Day weekend). The scenery is absolutely gorgeous. Even on a hot day, you can find a cool breeze, especially on the Indian Ladder trail behind the waterfalls. A few areas of uneven ground where extra caution is needed. A good aerobic workout for all fitness levels. Will definitely hike this again and look forward to the scenery in the fall. 
Reviewed by Bonnie on 1/23/2006 Very beautiful and breathtaking. Easy hike for all family members. Just went on January 22nd with a friend that had a triple by pass three months ago. He was elated that this was such a pleasant hike and so close. Just a wonderful place to spend the day.
Reviewed by Travis on 9/4/2005 Much ground to cover. Seemingly endless path around an enscarpment. Cleanest park bathrooms I have seen yet. More than one trail; any time of year. Memorable day hike for family or couple. Well maintained. Upstate NY can be proud.
Reviewed by Neil B. on 7/3/2005 I hiked this Trail with my family. It was very exciting. Alot of history. As a Junior in High School, Earth Science was very usefull. (darnit) :) This hike was very easy hiking. The views off the edge was amazing!!! If you have Binoculars, It would be great to bring them, as the naked eye is not half as good. The walk is approximatly 30 minutes one way. A good parking lot cost us $6.00. Great for the whole family.
Reviewed by Christian on 5/25/2005 I've hiked this trail a number of times with my kids, starting when my son was 3 and daughter was 18 months. It's wonderful. Fossils to see, a terrific view, salamanders (newts?), a waterfall to walk under and a cave to play in. All within 20 minutes of downtown Albany. Pretty amazing.
Reviewed by Viewer on 5/21/2005 The trail had amazing fossils! However, remember that it is illegal to take fossils from the park. THe most amazing thing is that Charles Lyell studied the formations present at Thatchers!
Reviewed by EPP on 12/5/2004 The Indian Ladder Trail is a good little aerobic workout, with a fair amount of up and down climbing - though admittedly the manmade stairs are what make me huff and puff the most (but I'm asthmatic so take it for what its worth). I've done this trail a half dozen times and taken some beautiful pictures of the magical little places I've discovered along the way. The views are excellent from the Thatcher overlooks, and the parking lots are usually full of people just looking out over the valley. We usually plan an afternoon there with a picnic lunch and just relax and unwind.
Reviewed by svb on 10/20/2004 rrre 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||