There’s no shortage of beautiful places in New York. Nature lovers adore exploring our many trails, waterfalls, and woods. With 180 state parks and 22 national parks in the Empire State, it can be tough to decide where to go. One spot we love is Hyuck Preserve in Rensselaerville. This magnificent spot is only 45 minutes outside Albany, is free to enter, and is open all year.

This gorgeous preserve spans over 2,000 acres. There's over 12 miles of trails, and many are interconnecting loops, so if you want to take a partial trail, you can.
Dennis Murphy/Flickr
The jewel of the park is Rensselaerville Falls. This 120-foot fall is one of the loveliest natural wonders in New York. You'll have a perfect vantage point from an overlook on the trail.
jim catalfamo/Google Maps
Many of the trails wrap around Lake Myosotis and Lincoln Pond. Old-growth forest made up of spruce and pine surround the area.
Dennis Murphy/Flickr
This is a great spot for bird watchers. There's so much diversity within the landscape that there are many species that call the preserve home.

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Relatively short trails without many rocks or obstacles mean that these trails are great for kids or novice hikers.
Brian Motzenbecker/Google Maps
Since the park is open all year, you can enjoy the scenery in every season!
Andy Arthur/Flickr
There is limited parking, so try to arrive early if you are heading out on a particularly nice day.
This is a great spot that's lesser-frequented than some of the larger parks in New York.
John Reaume/Alltrails

For more information about the Huyck Nature Preserve, check out their website or listing on Alltrails.

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Featured Addresses
Eldridge Research Center, The Huyck Preserve, 284 Pond Hill Rd, Rensselaerville, NY 12147, USA