For the Nature Lover: Peeble Island State Park

Living in the Capital District of NY is such an amazing feeling. As a long time resident of NYC, you would think that moving to Upstate New York would involve some degree of culture shock, but it has been quite the opposite. It really brings joy to be surrounded by this level of beauty. My new community is where nature is woven into the urban fabric and creates a truly harmonious balance. It still amazes me how I can go from city to rural in less than thirty minutes. I simply love it here. For that reason, I am always looking for new places to visit.

Last year on a whim, I decided to explore Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes NY. Peebles Island State Park is a 190-acre state park located at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers in New York. I walked in by way of the Cohoes entry on Delaware Avenue Railroad Drive into what felt like a sanctuary. The island boasts many amenities that include hiking, walking trails, fishing, designated picnic areas, parking and lighthouse visits/tours among others. The landscape is picturesque all year round, especially in the summertime.

As much as there is to explore on Peebles Island, there is more to see at the north exit, where you enter into the historic town of Waterford in Saratoga County. Summer is the highlight and best time of year to explore this waterfront town. There is a weekly farmer’s market, the Waterford Tugboat Roundup, boat rides, kayaking and many more activities.

The Waterford Welcome Center

Waterford Waterfront

For me, the real highlight was seeing the Erie Canal Lock at work. Waterford boasts the Erie Canal Lock E-2, part of a system of connecting waterways, and one of 57 locks in the New York’s canal system that has been active since 1825. It reflects a symbiotic relationship between nature and science that will leave you in awe. It is a masterful remnant of the brilliance of the minds of the past and a superb look into how resourceful human beings can be. It was worth seeing and I highly recommend visiting.

Erie Canal Lock E-2

Watching Erie Canal Lock E-2 at work

Since then, my family and I make several visits to Peeble Island State Park throughout the year. We love it there.

What do you enjoy most about this state park?

Photos: Top photo from New York State Park, Gallery from left to right: Overlook Point on Peebles Island State Park, Scenic View at Overlook Point, Second Street Bridge, Walking path along Second Street Bridge that leads to Waterford NY