Circle Peebles Island
Waterford / Mohawk-Hudson Confluence, New York
Activity
Hiking / River Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2.2 mi round trip
Elevation gain
~62 ft
Duration
~1–1.5 hrs
Route
Loop / island perimeter
The adventure
Walk a complete loop around an island wedged into the meeting of the Mohawk and Hudson, with rapids, wooded riverbanks, cliffs and water views changing almost the entire way.
What you'll do
Start at Peebles Island State Park main parking area, then follow the route about 2.2 miles round trip. complete island perimeter and view Mohawk/Hudson confluence
Expect stone dust, packed dirt, roots and natural trail.
Expect roughly 62 ft of climbing along the way.
What you're looking at
- island at confluence of Mohawk and Hudson Rivers
The story of the place
Revolutionary War defensive works and later Cluett-Peabody industrial history are associated with the island
Once you're there
Park at the official Peebles Island State Park complex. Find the trail map near the park entrance and pick up the perimeter route behind the developed area.
At trail junctions, keep choosing the outer route closest to the island's edge while staying on established trail. The loop swings along river overlooks, wooded banks and the island's northern end before turning inland toward the park buildings.
Close the full loop back at the same parking area.
Don't miss
Make sure you identify both waterways during the loop. Peebles sits where the Mohawk finishes its long trip east and meets the Hudson — one island, two major New York rivers.
Good to know
- Pets
- maximum two; supervised and leashed/crated, leash no longer than 6 feet
- Hours
- year-round, sunrise to sunset
- Hunting
- not permitted
- Bicycles
- not permitted on trails
- Vehicle entrance fee
- Free
- Roots
- natural trail footing
- Winter
- walking trails remain open; snowshoeing and cross-country skiing also occur
- River edges
- some steep drops and cliff-like riverbanks
- Dogs
- allowed-on-leash.
- TWO RIVERS MEET HERE
- Peebles Island sits directly at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers.
- EASY MILES, REAL TRAIL
- The perimeter route is roughly 2.2 miles with only modest total climbing, but natural surfaces and roots keep it from feeling like a sidewalk.
- RESPECT THE DROP
- Several sections run beside steep riverbanks and cliffs. Enjoy the view without trying to improve it by standing on the edge.
- YES, ACTUALLY FREE
- The park is completely free for vehicle entry — unusual enough for a New York State Park that it is worth celebrating.
- MORE THAN A NATURE LOOP
- The island also preserves traces of Revolutionary War-era defensive works and later industrial history.
- Safety
- natural trail footing. walking trails remain open; snowshoeing and cross-country skiing also occur. some steep drops and cliff-like riverbanks.
- Managed by
- New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Please respect the place
- Bicycles are not permitted on park trails
- Keep pets supervised and on a leash no longer than 6 feet
- Stay back from steep riverbank and cliff edges
- Hunting is not permitted
- Park is open sunrise to sunset
Photos
More adventures nearby
Lock 2 State Canal Park in Waterford · Waterford, New York
Find the Five Locks of WaterfordHiking · Moderate · ~0 mi away
Falls View Park off-street parking on North Mohawk Street · Cohoes, New York
Descend to Cohoes FallsHiking · Easy to Moderate · ~2 mi away
Niskayuna Lions Park trail · Niskayuna to Schenectady, New York
Ride the Mohawk to SchenectadyMountain Biking · Moderate · ~7 mi away