The best walks and hikes in Daniels Road State Forest

This section of the Spring Run Trail passes through the small, but scenic, 10 Spring Woods Nature Reserve. As you walk through the reserve, you pass through wetland habitat and have the opportunity to see waterfowl like Snow and Canada Geese, the American Black and Wood Ducks, Mallards, and Common Mergansers. You also might see birds of prey like the Sharp-Shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Broad-Winged Hawk, and the Red-Tailed Hawk. This trail is so good for birding that the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society has recognized it as one of Saratoga's year-round birding destinations. In addition to birding, its a great place to enjoy nature all year round on an easy and accessible multi-use path.

The Spring Run Trail is a relatively flat, paved, multi-use path that is plowed and sanded in the winter making it a great place to explore all year-round. Running on what used to be a 19th-century railroad, this nature trail features the original railroad mileage markers along the way. It is a fantastic spot for all nature-enthusiasts, but is especially great for birders. You can see over 100 different species of birds along this trail; the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society has actually recognized the Spring Run Trail as one of Saratoga's year-round birding destinations. While many migratory birds pass through this area, a few species you can see all-year-round are: the Downy Woodpecker, Black-Capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-Breasted Nuthatch, and Northern Cardinal. This parking lot by Excelsior Park is the most common spot to access the Spring Run Trail.

This tall, white water tower, is one of the first landmarks that you come across in Skidmore's North Woods. The base of it is covered in graffiti and art work by the college students and is a fun place to pause on your hike. The North Woods are owned by Skidmore College, a private liberal arts school, but are open to all. Not only are the woods enjoyed by the students and public alike, but more than 30 courses offered at the college each year rely on the North Woods as an outdoor laboratory. The North Woods are a great place then to keep an eye out for local animals and admire the trees and plants, including the beautiful Eastern Newt and the relatively uncommon Red Trillium flower.

As you hike on the Blue Trail in the North Woods Area, there is a break in the trees where you can see Mt. Stratton, a popular ski area in Vermont. This is a nice spot to rest, take some photos, and sip some water before continuing on your hike.

At the far northern end of Skidmore's North Woods is a large, old well made out of stone and concrete. Although the edge is fenced off, please keep an eye on children and/or pets in this area. There is sometimes rainwater collected at the bottom of the well, so it can be a little buggy in the spring and summer. Regardless, it's a neat place to stop on your hike around the North Woods.

This pretty, small pond is a great place to pause and sip some water as you explore the Daniels Road State Forest. If you are quiet you might see wildlife like birds, chipmunks, and deer in this spot.

This section of the popular Carriage Trail has a slight elevation gain through the attractive woods in the Daniels Road State Forest. You can combine this trail with several other trails including: Main, Ridge Line, Upper Canyon, Devil’s Den, and Backstretch trails. As you hike along this pleasant section through oak and pine trees, you might encounter hikers, trail runners, or mountain bikers (the trail is maintained the local Saratoga Mountain Bike Association) in the summer and snowshoers or x-country skiers in the winter. Please be mindful of other users and keep an ear out for mountain bikers!

A similar pavilion, just not so big and beautiful is also (but well restored) in my home town Büren.