Ride the Mohawk to Schenectady
Niskayuna to Schenectady / Mohawk-Hudson Trail, New York
Activity
Cycling / River & Rail Trail
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
12 mi round trip
Elevation gain
~180 ft
Duration
~1–1.5 hrs
Route
Out & back
The adventure
Launch from Lions Park and ride the paved Mohawk-Hudson/Empire State Trail toward Schenectady, following a corridor where river, rail and canal history keep trading places.
What you'll do
Start at Niskayuna Lions Park trail parking, then follow the route about 12 miles round trip. six miles west and return
Expect paved multi-use trail.
Expect roughly 180 ft of climbing along the way.
Once you're there
Park at Lions Park on Rosendale Road and join the paved trail directly from the park. Ride west toward Schenectady on the Mohawk-Hudson/Empire State Trail. At six miles, turn around and retrace the same paved route to Lions Park.
Don't miss
Look for one surviving railroad clue along the corridor — an old alignment, structure, station reference or interpretive marker.
Good to know
- Trailhead amenities
- Parking, seasonal restrooms, picnic areas, kayak launch
- Dogs
- unknown.
- EMPIRE STATE TRAIL
- This corridor is part of New York's statewide Empire State Trail system.
- RAIL-TRAIL ROOTS
- Sections follow the former Troy & Schenectady Railroad corridor.
- LIONS PARK WORKS
- The County highlights Lions Park for expansive parking, direct trail access, picnic space and seasonal restrooms.
- DOUBLE-DUTY TRAILHEAD
- Lions Park also has a kayak launch on the Mohawk.
Please respect the place
- Yield to pedestrians
- Keep right except when passing
- Follow posted trail rules
Photos