The Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail is a well-maintained portion of the Erie Canalway trail that passes through Schenectady County, connecting in rural Pattersonville and continuing through downtown Schenectady into scenic Niskayuna. 

 

Pattersonville, Rotterdam Junction, and Rotterdam

The trail between Amsterdam and Rotterdam is a newer, entirely off-road section the Empire State Trail on a former railroad bed, with parking available at the trailhead off of 5S. This beautiful rural portion of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail takes you through fields, farmlands and rolling hills passing the Erie Canal Lock 8 as you enter into Rotterdam Junction.

This photo depicts part of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike trail that passes through rural Pattersonville, Rotterdam Junction and Rotterdam. The trail's trajectory along the river can be seen, with a metal fence on the side, hills in the distance, green trees all around and a blue sky.

Photo by @djomicinski

Further down the trail is the Mabee Farm Historic Site, a Dutch colonial farm offering tours, concerts, festivals and more. If you are looking to grab a bite to eat, check out the Hungry Chicken Country Store, where you can grab a delicious breakfast sandwich and baked good to eat at Kiwanis Park while enjoying a beautiful view of the Mohawk River.

 

Schenectady

The trail then continues into the city of Schenectady through Gateway Landing Park at the SUNY Schenectady loop. From here you'll experience a brief .75-mile stretch that follows the historic streets of the Stockade Historic District and through Downtown Schenectady.

This photo depicts part of the trail that goes through the Stockade on Union Street, with people walking on the sidewalk by historical buildings.

Schenectady is home to many places to eat, drink, and shop, as well as seasonal festivals, greenmarkets, and historical tours. Ample parking is available in Mohawk Harbor and throughout downtown. The trail continues into Little Italy and past Union College. As the trail continues, you will meet back up with the Mohawk River at Aqueduct Park. If time allows, rent a kayak from Upstate Kayak Rental, before continuing to the Rexford Bridge traffic circle and reaching a trailhead with parking. 

                

Niskayuna

The trail will then enter a wooded area with the stream and ascending the hill where a parking lot sits. Once you reach the road, you can continue on the trail or take a detour into Niskayuna for some great food choices including Meat and Co., The Broken Inn, and more. The trail passes General Electric's rolling hills before entering at Blatnick Park. Before descending the hill, enjoy the beautiful view of the Mohawk River, foliage and wildflower fields.

This photo depicts a view over the Blatnick Park hill portion of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail. Beyond a wooden fence, luscious wildflower fields, the smooth Mohawk River, and trees can be seen.

Through the forest, you can explore side trails or continue to Lock 7 and Lions Park, the last stop before Cohoes. The trail around Lions Park runs along a calm, grassy part of the Mohawk and features the 1843 Niskayuna Railroad Station. Parking, seating, and restrooms are available at all three areas, additionally Lock 7 and Lions Park also offer a boat launch.

 

New signage will soon be added along the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike trail to assist with wayfinding, trail etiquette, safety, historical education, and directing trailgoers to nearby dining, shopping and accommodations.

 

Whether you are planning a leisurely afternoon of walking or a long cycling trip with overnight stops, detailed trail information can be found on the Empire State Trail website and Friends of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, with updates on their Facebook page. A variety of hotels are in close proximity to the trail through Schenectady.