Summer Isn’t Over Yet: Lakes, Hikes & Little Escapes Around Albany

There are still a few weeks of summer left, which means there is still time to have lovely outdoor adventures. The lake day. The hike. The picnic. The spontaneous little road trip where you pack snacks, put on sunscreen, and spend the entire afternoon outside

One of the best things about living in the Albany area is how quickly you can trade city streets for forests, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Grafton Lakes State Park is a perfect summer day trip, with swimming, hiking, boating, and plenty of space to spend the day by the water. You can make it an active adventure or simply bring a towel, some snacks, and enjoy the very important summer activity of doing absolutely nothing next to a lake

Moreau Lake State Park is another beautiful option for a summer escape. With hiking trails, swimming, boating, and gorgeous scenery, it is the kind of place where you can spend an entire day outside without needing a complicated itinerary. Go for a hike, cool off by the water, have a picnic, and pretend you are much farther away from home than you actually are

And if you want a hike with dramatic views, Thacher State Park is one of those places that makes you remember how beautiful the Capital Region really is. With cliffs, overlooks, trails, and huge views across the Hudson Valley, it is perfect for a weekend adventure, a walk with friends, or one of those days when you just need to get out of your routine and be somewhere with trees

The summer countdown has officially begun, but that does not mean it is over. There is still time to find a new trail, swim in a new lake, pack a picnic, and take a little break from the usual routine. You do not need a huge vacation or an elaborate plan. Pack some water, sunscreen, a good snack, and text a friend!

So before the leaves start changing and everyone begins talking about pumpkin everything, go enjoy the summer we still have. Pick a lake. Pick a hike. Take the little road trip. Get a little dirty. Maybe get ice cream afterward. The Capital Region is waiting