The Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail project converted a nine-mile stretch of the old Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Railroad between the Port of Albany and Voorheesville to a public recreational trail.

It has linked municipalities along a safe and accessible pedestrian and bicycle route.

The many benefits of the Rail Trail include the preservation of open space, community linkages, opportunities for physical fitness, and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

Learn more about the history, route and ways you can enjoy the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail

Ann Lee Pond and the surrounding ecosystem was dedicated as a county preserve in 1978.

Located near Albany County International Airport, this 180-acre urban oasis includes a large pond, wetlands, forest and meadows. The trails at the preserve are great for hiking and snowshoeing.

At Ann Lee Pond, visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, shoreline fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and more!

Dogs are welcome under the control of an owner and a pet waste station is located in the parking lot.

To protect the area and ensure that all visitors and wildlife can safely enjoy the pond, we do not allow:

• Boats
• Motorized vehicles
• Feeding the wildlife
•  Drinking alcoholic beverages
• Hunting
• Trapping
• Open fires
• Overnight camping
•  Swimming

Learn more about Ann Lee Pond Preserve

The Albany County Hockey Facility offers a variety of recreational and competitive activities for everyone! The facility is open year-round and averages over 150 hours of activity per week.

The Albany County Hockey Facility is excited to introduce its newly added pickleball courts, expanding the range of activities available to visitors. These courts are perfect for both casual players and those looking to engage in competitive matches. Pickleball, a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.

In addition to our programs, we offer skate rentals and sharpening, a multipurpose room, and skate shop services for our customers. With the addition of pickleball, the Albany County Hockey Facility continues to be a hub for recreation, offering something for everyone year-round! Learn more…

You can enjoy a wide range of activities for kids and adults at the Gil Ethier Albany County Athletic & Community Center! Learn more!

"The Jewel of Albany County"

Once a neglected former camp, Lawson Lake County Park has been transformed into a destination for youth in summer camp programs, and for the general public seeking outdoor activities such as:

• Hiking
• Picnicking
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Bird watching
• Cross country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Nature study

…and so much more!

The Park is open year round from dawn to dusk, and is located on the border of the towns of Coeymans and New Scotland.

Learn more about Lawson Lake County Park

We provide fun, free recreational programs for children and teens in Albany County, offering a variety of exciting athletic and non-athletic activities, such as:

• STEM Club
• Chess Club
• Flag Football
• Lacrosse
• Pickleball
• Dance (Hip-Hop)
• Dungeons & Dragons
• Learn to Ice Skate
• Orienteering
• Snowshoeing
• Taekwondo
• Kung Fu

Learn more about our Youth Sports & Recreation Programs

Take part in ice fishing, sledding, ice skating, ice rescue demo, and more! Enjoy various vendors and food trucks as well as coffee and hot chocolate to keep warm!

Celebrate and enhance Albany County’s parks and public lands by volunteering to clean up Lawson Lake County Park and Ann Lee Pond, restore the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, and work on various site improvement projects!

Be a part of a trail run, backyard games, rock wall climbing, dunk tank, kayaking, live musical performances, and other recreational activities!

Participate with us in a 5K, kids fun run, food trucks, bounce house, face painting, business expo, live musical performances, and more!