Explore Nature at Hudson Crossing Park
On a scenic stretch of the Hudson River in Schuylerville, just 12 miles east of Saratoga Springs is Hudson Crossing Park, a unique attraction that features both educational and recreational opportunities.
The park contains picnic spots, locations for fishing and birding, a canoe and kayak launch, a play area for kids, and two miles of groomed trails, including a Sensory Trail along the Hudson River, as well as trails overlooking the historic Champlain Canal Lock 5. The trails are open from dawn until dusk every day, year-round. Leashed dogs are welcome.
The unique play area for children is designed for kids and kids at heart, and it's the only one of its kind in the area. Guests are welcome to explore natural plantings, recycled slides, living tunnels, a labyrinth, and more.
How to Get to Hudson Crossing Park
Hudson Crossing Park is located on County Road 42 in Schuylerville. From Saratoga Springs, travel east on Route 29 (Lake Avenue) for just under 11 miles, then turn left onto US 4N and continue for half a mile. Turn right onto County Road 42 and you'll see a parking area 0.3 miles ahead on your right.
What to Expect
The park is open from dawn till dusk year-round and it's free for all visitors. In addition to the highlights mentioned above, visitors can learn about the Champlain Canal, attend special events hosted by the park throughout the year (like the Annual Hudson Crossing Park Cardboard Boat Race), and even rent the Picnic Pavilion for special occasions.
Birdwatching at Hudson Crossing Park
If you love birdwatching, you'll want to bring your binoculars to the park - as many as 154 species of birds have been observed there!
The wooded trails are excellent spots to watch for and listen to the many songbirds that call the park their year-round or seasonal homes, such as chickadees, nuthatches, and many species of vireos, warblers, flycatchers, and woodpeckers. In the summer, keep an eye out for the Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows that nest in birdhouses located near the park's open spaces.
Dix Bridge and a viewing deck overlooking the Hudson River also offer great vantage points from which to view ducks, geese, and Great Blue Herons.
Additional Information
Hudson Crossing Park, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and exists in part because of its outstanding partnerships with the Town of Northumberland, Town of Greenwich, Town of Saratoga, Village of Schuylerville, New York State Canal Corporation, Saratoga National Historical Park, New York State Museum, and Skidmore College, among others. Find out more at hudsoncrossingpark.org.
Source: http://www.southernadirondackaudubon.org/birding/Birding%20Locations/HudsonCrossing/HudsonCrossingPark.html