September 2025

Saratoga Trail Festival for All Users on Sept. 20

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Trails Alliance is hosting their second annual Saratoga Trail Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20 – a full day dedicated to exploring and celebrating the trails across Saratoga County. Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to enjoy the diverse trails the region has to offer through a series of guided adventures.

From 2-4pm on Saturday, choose from seven different adventures – guided walks, trail runs, mountain or gravel or road bike rides, and blueway paddles by canoe, kayak or SUP – all led by local nonprofits and trail user groups. These free, two-hour adventures are a wonderful way to experience new-to-you trails, meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and get to know some of these wonderful local nonprofits that manage, own, or steward trails across Saratoga County. Space is limited to 12 people per adventure, so be sure to register early: tinyurl.com/saratrailfest. 

Afterward, join the party at Glenham Farm from 4-8pm in downtown Saratoga Springs. Enjoy live music, delicious farm-to-table food prepared by Chef Kevin London and connect with vendors and local organizations that make up our trail community. The party is free to attend, with food available for purchase, and consider supporting the Saratoga Trails Alliance with a donation: saratogatrails.org.

The Saratoga Trail Fest is more than just an event – it’s a celebration of the trails, the people who use them, and the communities they connect. Organizers hope to see you there and celebrate all the exciting progress Saratoga Trails Alliance has been making. Learn more and sign up: tinyurl.com/saratrailfest.

Erie Canal 200 Years and Seneca Chief Boat Voyage

BUFFALO – On the morning of Sept. 24, Buffalo Maritime Center’s replica of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will embark on its Bicentennial Voyage, commemorating Governor DeWitt Clinton’s historic 1825 journey from Buffalo to New York Harbor. The BMC crew will navigate the 33-day voyage, departing from Buffalo’s Commercial Slip – the western terminus of the Erie Canal – and traveling to Pier 26 in New York City. Along the way, the boat will dock at 28 ports along the Erie Canal and Hudson River, before reaching NYC for the official commemoration of the canal’s opening 200 years after Governor Clinton’s inaugural trip. This historic journey invites communities across New York to honor the past while envisioning the future.

The Erie Canal transformed the young United States, reshaping commerce, transportation, and daily life in the 19th century. Its unprecedented speed of travel enabled the rapid movement of goods, people, and ideas, fueling economic growth and innovation. While the canal was celebrated as a symbol of progress for New York, that progress was not universal. Its success contributed to the displacement of the Haudenosaunee and led to lasting changes in New York’s ecosystems, underscoring the complex and far-reaching impact of this historic waterway. 

As the Erie Canal boat Seneca Chief journeys through New York, BMC will plant White Pine trees as a symbolic tribute to the Haudenosaunee – a commitment to a sustainable future – and celebrate the communities along the canal. At each port, communities are invited to contribute water from their section of the Erie Canal or the Hudson River to a barrel carried aboard the boat. Upon reaching New York City, the gathered water will be used to nourish the final tree, uniting the waters of New York State in a gesture of connection and renewal. Learn more about the journey: buffalomaritimecenter.org.

22nd annual Catskills Lark in the Park on Oct. 4-13

MARGARETVILLE – The Catskills “Lark in the Park” was founded in 2004 to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Catskill Park. The Lark is a series of events celebrating the park with a full range of offerings across the region. Since its inception, the Lark has brought together thousands of people that have participated in hundreds of events, all aimed at enjoying the recreational assets of the Catskill Park and Catskill Region. The main organizing partners are the Catskill Mountain Club, Catskill Center, New York Jersey Trail Conference, and NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, along with many enthusiastic volunteers.

Events include hikes to Inspiration Point, Kaaterskill Junction, Balsam Mountain; mountain biking Bluestone Wild Forest and Jockey Hill; paddling the Pepacton, and much more. Many Lark events are posted and more are being added: catskillslark.org.

In addition, the Catskill Mountain Club has introduced a new “Hike the Six Trails and Earn a Star” challenge. The CMC maintains a group of specific trails called the Catskill Six: Ashokan Quarry Trail, Bramley Mountain Trail, Delhi Trails, Palmer Hill Trail, Shavertown Trail, and the Andes Rail Trail (including its Bullet Hole Spur). These trails are designed for various skill levels and include a challenge to earn a patch for completing all of them.

This will take participants on a journey touring the six remarkably varied trails built and maintained by the CMC in partnership with the NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection, local governments, and with the generous cooperation of private landowners. Hike them all to earn a beautiful, embroidered patch. If you have hiked some of them previously, those can be counted. Just finish the list, send in your application and CMC will send you your award at no charge. Learn more: catksillmountainclub.org.

Paul Smith’s College and U.S. Biathlon Scholarship

PAUL SMITHS – In August, Paul Smith’s College and U.S. Biathlon announced a groundbreaking partnership that will provide scholarships for qualified biathletes to attend the college while continuing their pursuit of excellence in competitive biathlon. The new program recognizes the unique demands faced by student-athletes in biathlon, a sport that combines the rigorous training of cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship, with the pursuit of higher education. Through this partnership, qualified biathletes will receive financial support to help make their college education more accessible, while maintaining their competitive training. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with U.S. Biathlon to support the next generation of biathlete student-athletes,” said Matthew Dougherty, head Nordic ski and biathlon coach at Paul Smith’s College. “Our location in the northern Adirondacks provides the perfect training environment for winter sports athletes, and this scholarship program demonstrates our commitment to helping these dedicated individuals achieve both their academic and athletic goals.”

Paul Smith’s College features its own Nordic center, complete with an eight-point shooting range specifically designed for biathlon training. Additionally, student-athletes have access to all the Olympic venues in nearby Lake Placid for world-class training opportunities. The college’s commitment to experiential learning and small class sizes provides student-athletes with the flexibility and support needed to balance rigorous academic coursework with competitive training schedules. Visit: paulsmiths.edu.

Land Donation for New Hut-to-Hut Routes

WELLS – Adirondack Hamlets to Huts accepted a donation of land from the Adirondack Land Trust in Griffin in the town of Wells which will be used to establish accommodations and lodging and to develop hut-to-hut routes that connect Speculator, Wells, and other adjacent communities.

The non-profit Adirondack Hamlets to Huts organization has a goal of building lodging to accommodate up to 42 people and include private and bunk rooms, a kitchen and community meeting space. 

The new property could serve as a basecamp for summer and winter sports activities. Adirondack Hamlets to Huts’ mission is committed to fostering vibrant Adirondack communities, environmental stewardship, and wellness. Learn more: adkh2h.org.