Carried by the Current: Walking by the Water
When Gail Saltz takes a walk, as she often does along the Hudson River, she looks forward at every turn to fresh frames of water through the trees.
The New York City-based psychiatrist says she counts on brisk walks through her favorite parks, daily in Central Park and, on weekends, north along the Hudson, to reset her mood and mental state.
While exercise coaches stress that walking is its own reward, with its well-documented cardiac, balance and systemic benefits, there’s a bigger gain, too, says Saltz. “The physical benefits of walking are great, but only if you do it long enough, fast enough and often enough,” she says. “What will keep you doing that? Certainly, having something that you look forward to seeing is an important ingredient.”
Water trails along rivers, lakes, ponds and waterfalls can be an ideal destination for your eyes and your spirit, even as your body gains the benefits of walking. State and county parks in the Capital Region offer ever-changing water vistas that sustain motivation and enjoyment of regular walks, both for locals and for day-trippers like Saltz.
The Albany area overflows with natural water features, dominated by the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers at Peebles Island State Park, says Alane Ball Chinian, Saratoga/Capital District regional director for the state park system, operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “You have a strong sense of where you are — you’re at the point where these two enormous river systems meet,” she says.
Pace your place
Most public parks offer plenty of shady benches where you can take a break, whether you need to pace your distance or just soak in a quiet moment.
The more you quietly observe, the more you’ll see, predicts Saltz. When she walks along the Hudson at various points north of New York, she plans time to let her mind rest and her eyes wander. “It looks like nothing’s happening,” she says of the first few minutes of contemplative gazing. “But there are boats, birds, currents and eddies.”
Ever-shifting weather does have its downsides. Chinian offers several cautions: For instance, to see the most dramatic waterfalls and vistas might require walking along water trails with “natural surfaces”, which is park staff-speak for unpaved dirt. While New York state parks often do offer universally accessible, paved walkways that wind by scenic byways, it’s best to check park maps online to confirm that you or your group can manage the trails you want to traverse.
Count on park staff to fill you in about the day’s conditions, especially after rain or snow, when paths might be treacherous, branches might be down or benches not usable, adds Chinian.
The gains of taking in a water view aren’t all in your head, says Jessica Corona-Irwin, a registered nurse and certified dementia practitioner with Remo Health, an online service for caregivers who help people with dementia. “There’s a lot of research around the benefit of being near bodies of water. Whether it’s a lake, river or waterfall, it reduces stress and enhances mental clarity. The rhythmic sounds of flowing water evoke relaxation and responses in the brain that quell stress. It lowers cortisol levels and improves your mood,” she says.
Whether you go on your own or with a companion, bring your whole self to your waterside perambulation, recommends Corona-Irwin. Take in the fresh air, the sound of the water and its rhythmic movement. “Make space for it to be a whole experience,” she says, “beyond that 10,000 steps.”
Here are some of the area’s best water-centric parks to walk and explore.
Lawson Lake County Park, Feura Bush
For a quiet getaway that doesn’t involve a noisy beach, check out Lawson Lake. Its trails wind through deep forest, and the lakefront offers pavilions for picnics regardless of the weather.
Peebles Island State Park, Cohoes
The two great rivers converge at Peebles Island, where rushing water is nearly guaranteed. Overlooks let you hover above the shore for a close look at the aquatic drama. The park offers amenities including a pavilion available for rent for groups.
Cherry Plain State Park, Petersburgh
This peaceful getaway surrounded by a 4,000-acre wildlife management area is known for its 22 miles of hiking trails around the 34.6-acre Black River Pond, including the scenic Waterfall Trail and a path to the historic Charcoal Kiln Site. Spend a day on its sandy beach or enjoying the picnic grounds, launch your canoe or kayak from the boat ramp, or plan a longer stay at the campground.
Hudson River Islands State Park, Coxsackie
If you’re after the full river experience, this is the place — and you’ll have to muster a boat to get there. The park is in the middle of the Hudson River, accessible by canoes and kayaks from shore. Larger boats must anchor offshore as there are no docks on the island, which is only open for day trips.
Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton
Long Pond is the highlight here, as it features a sandy beach that invites wading, swimming and sunning. Other ponds in the park are stocked with fish. Trails lace through the woods around the ponds.
Taconic State Park, Copake Falls
There’s enough to do at Taconic State Park to occupy a very long weekend. The full-recreation lake is just the start: Campgrounds abound, you can hike up Brace Mountain, take in the newly opened Copake Iron Works, a circa 1845 industrial revolution historic site, and ride the narrow-gauge Pomeroy Railroad.
Ann Lee Pond Nature & Historic Preserve, Albany
If bird-watching and nature walks are your gig, check out this peaceful park, which features trails through a variety of water-centric ecosystems.
Wonderful Waterfalls
The awe-inspiring drama of the region’s cascades
If it’s drama you’re after, head for a park that features a waterfall or two.
Alane Ball Chinian, Saratoga/Capital District regional director for the state park system, recommends going on a clear day after a rainfall, when falls overspill.
One of her favorites, Thacher State Park, south of Albany, is renowned for its cliffs — and cliffs often mean waterfalls. “Thacher offers it all,” says Chinian. “A beautiful visitors center with exhibits, and it’s fully accessible. On the escarpment trail, you’re walking along the cliff and you’re walking over waterfalls. The water goes under your feet and over the cliff. … The Indian Ladder Trail takes you down a cliff, via stairs, and you can walk under the waterfall.”
Thacher State Park, Voorheesville
Mine Kill State Park and Mine Kill Falls, North Blenheim
It’s a short walk from the main entrance to the overlooks to the 80-foot high Mine Kill Falls. Boating and fishing are welcomed on the Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir, also within the park.
Top image source: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
