Recreational Opportunities in the Town of Colonie

Those who live in the Town of Colonie are fortunate to have many wonderful recreational resources available to them. Most Town residents are familiar with our Town Park and the future Crossings at Colonie, currently under construction, but some may not be aware of three other wonderful recreational opportunities that exist within the Town.

The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway, the Pine Bush, and the Ashford Glen Preserve are important resources full of possibilities for those looking for some exercise, a little adventure, an educational opportunity, or just a day of fun with the family. All are free and open to the public.

Mohawk Towpath

Those looking for a way to combine a day of recreation with a lesson in history may want to consider exploring the approximately 23 miles of roads which are the proposed Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway. A Scenic Byway is a group of roads which feature outstanding scenic, natural, recreational cultural, historic, or archeological significance. Each Byway has at least one major theme based on its particular features.

As a result of glacial action over 2 million years ago, the Mohawk River Valley was created, providing the only water-level passage through the Appalachian Mountains into the heart of North America. This valley became a natural travel and trade route for Native Americans and subsequent immigrants and later became the site of the Erie Canal. A portion of this pathway has now been proposed as a national scenic byway with the theme "Erie Canal---The Waterway West."

The network of roads which comprise the proposed byway follows the banks of the Mohawk River between the Village of Waterford and the Schenectady Stockade. Those exploring the 23 mile trail will find many beautiful natural features including the Cohoes Falls, sweeping views of the Mohawk River Valley, and plentiful trails for cross country skiing, biking and horseback riding.

Unique historic buildings like the old Harmony Mills, the Glen Sanders Mansion, and the Van Dyke in Schenectady are along the byway as well as many recreational sites, such as Peebles Island State Park, the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway, and the Visher Ferry Nature Preserve.

Scenic cruises and train rides can be found, as well as numerous boat launching and boat rental sites. Each year local merchants hold special events like Farm Fest and Canal Fest and clubs often organize special group events.

Some Images From Along The
Proposed Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway
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The Mohawk Towpath Trail Scenic Byway originates at the junction of Route 4 and 32 in Waterford, proceeds south on Route 32 through the city of Cohoes, where it bears right on Courtland Street and becomes Cohoes Crescent Road in the Town of Colonie. The Byway then continues onto Route 9 north, crosses the Mohawk River on the Crescent Bridge, bears left onto Crescent Road and then left again onto Towpath Road , From there the Byway moves right onto Clam Steam Road, left onto Riverview Road, through the hamlet of Visher Ferry and the Village of Rexford, then turns left onto route 146. It crosses the Rexford Bridge, bears right onto Aqueduct Road and right again on Maxon Road heading into the city of Schenectady.The Byway continues with a left turn onto Erie Boulevard, a right turn onto Union Street and a left onto Church Street and ends at the intersection of Church Street and State Street (State Route 5). For a map of the Byway, click here.

For information about upcoming events along the Mohawk Towpath Byway, please visit their Website at http://www.mohawktowpath.homestead.com

Pine Bush

From the Pine Bush Web page:

"Protected by a partnership, the Albany Pine Bush is one of the most endangered landscapes in the Northeastern United States.

The origins of the Pine Bush are rooted in glacial history. As the last glacier to cover New York State melted and receded 15,000 years ago, a massive lake formed covering the Capital Region. Rivers deposited large amounts of fine glacial sand into the lake, forming a delta that centered on western edge of modern day Albany, where Colonie and Guilderland now come together. After Glacial Lake Albany drained, wind swept the sand into dunes that were later stabilized by the unique plants of the Pine Bush.

The Albany Pine Bush harbors rare and endangered species including the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly, two rare natural communities and fourteen rare insects. Today, less than 6,000 acres of this living museum of our natural heritage remains. Since the first 365 acres of this inland pitch pine-scrub oak barrens were purchased in 1974, more than 2,940 acres have been protected towards a goal of an almost 4,000 acre Preserve."

For information about programs at the Preserve, please visit their Web site at: http://www.albanypinebush.org

Ashford Glen Preserve


The Ashford Glen Preserve is a beautiful 11.5 acre woodland traversed by a stream which flows into the Mohawk River, a half-mile away to the north.

Directions: Northway to Exit 6 West on route 7 for approximately 3 miles. Left onto Vly Road (traffic light and Stewart's). Third right onto Brookhill Road. Immediate right onto Cascade Terrace and then left onto Ashford Lane. The preserve entrance is located at 22 Ashford Lane. Click here for a map to the Preserve.For more information about the Preserve and for directions to the site, please visit their Web page at:
http://donporter.net/AshfordGlenPreserve/



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