Photo Courtesy of Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission protects one of the world’s last remaining inland pitch-pine scrub oak barrens. The rare ecosystem, in New York’s Capital region, provides a habitat for more than 1,500 plant and animal species, including 76 New York State-designated wildlife Species of ‘Greatest Conservation Need’, including the endangered Karner blue butterfly.
The Preserve
Visitors to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve are met with beautiful rolling sand dunes and 18 miles of trails. The Preserve is open seven days a week year round for guests to enjoy recreational activities including hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and canoeing.
Hunting, fishing and trapping are recreational activities that are carefully regulated in the preserve and across New York State. Opportunities abound during the popular fall and winter white tailed deer seasons and the spring and fall wild turkey seasons.
The Discovery Center
Stop in to Albany Pine Bush Preserve’s Discovery Center for an introduction to everything that makes the Preserve so remarkable. The Discovery Center is one-of-a-kind interpretive center with interactive exhibits and a fully accessible outdoor Discovery Trail featuring local artwork, green technology and demonstration gardens. There is also a gift shop.
Nature-enthusiasts can take advantage of indoor and outdoor classrooms where learning comes alive for schools and special interest groups. Historical and cultural programs are taught by expert educators and scientists. Or go on a StoryWalk®, a children’s book that is deconstructed and the pages are laminated. The pages of the book are then posted along a trail so that people read the story as they are walking along the trail.
There are special events almost every weekend through the end of November. They include moon hikes, guided tours of the Preserve, science lecture series and more.
The Discovery Center offers free admission and is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday.
Bird Watching
Looking to do some birding and wondering about New York State’s best spots via Amtrak? The preserve is a prime destination for bird watching. You can expect to see American woodcock, great horned owl, indigo bunting, whip-poor-will, red-shouldered hawk, red-tailed hawk, pine warblers, and many more bird species. To learn more about birding in New York State, click here.
“A great mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits and activities. Informative and very well done. There is something for everyone.”
—TripAdvisor
Hours of Operation
Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Take Amtrak to Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission
Experience all the Preserve has to offer via Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer Station in Albany-Rensselaer – Don’t forget to use Amtrak’s See New York and Save 15% Discount!
Get picked up from Albany-Rensselaer Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Albany-Rensselaer office today at 518-427-3893.
