John Boyd Thacher State Park

New Scotland, Albany County

Fossil-rich limestone tells a fascinating story of life in a shallow sea about 400 million years ago. Now, the sheer rock walls of the escarpment serve as a prime hawk-migration viewing area. From cliff-top overlooks, you'll have the unique experience of looking both up and down at raptors gliding on updrafts from the valley floor far below.

Wildlife to Watch

• Hawks
• Common raven
• Turkey vultures
• Warblers
• Woodpeckers
• Red-spotted newts
• White-tailed deer

Where to Watch

• Trails
• Observation overlook

Recreational Opportunities

• Hiking
• Biking
• Hunting
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Snowmobiling

Accessible Features

This NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation site has some accessible features, including picnic areas and scenic overlooks. A full list of DEC's accessible recreation destinations is available on the DEC website.

Size

2,155 acres

Closest Town

New Scotland

Directions

Go to Google Maps, and enter your address for step-by-step directions to John Boyd Thacher State Park. (This link will open a page outside the DEC website. Hold the "Shift" key down, and click on the link to open it in a new window.)

Contact Information

Telephone: 518-872-1237

Address: 1 Hailes Cave Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186

Website: John Boyd Thacher State Park (This link leaves DEC's website)

Photo credits: John Rozell, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; DEC