Thacher Loop

This route begins at the Visitor Center Trailhead and traces a broad circuit around the park’s eastern edge using segments of the Meadow Loop, Schoolhouse, Nature Center, and Campground Trails. From the trailhead, follow signs for the Nature Center Trail heading north and west through dense mixed hardwoods before linking into the escarpment section near the Schoolhouse Trail. At a well-marked junction near Ketchum Rd, turn right to stay on the main outer route. The trail turns north here, moving through open meadow corridors and back into forested sections. Along the cliffs, the path narrows and undulates with short climbs and descents, offering dramatic views over the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys. Interpretive signs along the way highlight the region’s unique limestone geology and visible fossil layers.Wildlife is common—watch for hawks and vultures soaring near the cliff edges. Several signed cut-throughs allow for shorter options, but staying on the full outer loop offers the most variety. The final stretch circles back north to the Visitor Center, completing a rewarding half-day outing. The combination of escarpment views, diverse forest, and accessible terrain makes this one of the best day hikes in the Albany area.