Check Out and Enjoy 3 State Parks Near Amsterdam, NY

Located about 35 miles northwest of Albany, the city of Amsterdam, NY, is within driving distance of some of the most beautiful and photogenic state parks that New York has to offer. If you are planning an adventure in your 2022 Ford F-150 and are looking for great spots to visit, here are three nature reserves you can reach in less than two hours by car.

1. Moreau Lake State Park

Offering great opportunities for different recreational activities including skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, swimming, hiking, paddling, and ice fishing, Moreau Lake State Park is a fantastic destination for a day trip or a weekend escape from Amsterdam. Sitting on the banks of the Hudson River, this state park covers an area of over 6,200 acres and was established in the 1960s.

Located about 40 miles northeast of the Amsterdam city center, Moreau Lake State Park can be reached in less than one hour by car via routes NY-67 and I-87. Open year-round and managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, this place boasts some of the most beautiful autumn and winter landscapes in the state.

2. Gilbert Lake State Park

Featuring a beautiful lake, a series of small ponds, and over 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, Gilbert Lake State Park is located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains and covers an area of about 1,600 acres. Created in 1926, this place welcomes about 80,000 visitors each year and offers great opportunities to explore the stunning nature of the region.

Some of the activities that make Gilbert Lake State Park a popular destination for Amsterdam locals and visitors from all over the state include swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and picnicking. Within the territory of this nature reserve, you can also find the New York State Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, which features photographs, memorabilia, and permanent exhibits showcasing the work of this voluntary government work relief program between 1933 and 1942.

3. Schodack Island State Park

Another idyllic nature reserve on the banks of the Hudson River, Schodack Island State Park covers an area of over 1,000 acres and welcomes more than 125,000 visitors each year. Established in 2022, this place offers excellent amenities including a large campground, an extensive network of multi-use trails, selective hunting areas, and picnic spots. Getting here from downtown Amsterdam takes about 50 minutes via route I-90.

Before you hit the road and explore these fantastic parks with your friends and family, visit us at Brown’s Ford! Take a look at our extensive inventory of new and used vehicles, book a test drive, and ask one of our agents about the custom deals we have available for you.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

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