John Boyd Thacher State Park

A majestic view of autumn colors at John Boyd Thacher State Park.

Hikers appear dwarfed by the limestone cliffs at Thacher State Park.

A view from a summit in Thacher State Park.

Thacher State Park, 15 miles southwest of Albany, offers panoramic views of the Capital Region and a new nature center that offers year-round environmental programs and exhibits.

The park is home to the famous Indian Ladder Trail and 15 miles of outstanding hiking trails.

The limestone cliffs at Thacher rise several hundred feet and contain many caves. The park is situated along the Helderberg Escarpment, one of the world's richest fossil-bearing formations. There are interpretive programs including tours of the Indian Ladder Trail.

The park also has picnicking pavilions, volleyball courts, and ballfields. In the winter, visitors enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on designated trails.

Camping is available at nearby Thompson's Lake State Park.

An entry fee is charged from the first weekend in May through Columbus Day.

Visitors may snowshoe throughout the park. Adults' and children's snowshoes are available for rent.