What's a good day trip from Albany, NY? We like more outdoors activities.?

Answer 1

How about here?-
Bannerman Island: A Mystery Island on the Hudson
1 1/2 hours from Albany
http://www.hudsonriver.com/bannerman.htm

Answer 2

Drive north towards the Adirondacks. In Saratoga Springs you can rent kayaks on Fish Creek and paddle up and down the river which feeds the Hudson (the restaurant there that is in the same building as the kayak outfitters has some of the best pizza in the world). Or drive farther north from Saratogo up route 9N to lake Luzerne in the mountains (about a 40 minute drive farther) and you can do white water rafting on the upper Hudson with the outfitters there. More kayaking can be had at Lake George farther up 87, or go up into the mountains to see the Adirondack Museum and hike the many trails in the area. West of Saratoga there is a cool half day hike up HadleyMountain which has a fire tower on top that you can climb and see 100 miles in all directions from the stone summit. Directions are in this list of hikes in the Lake Sacandaga area -- lots to do there to and less than 90 minutes from Albany.
http://www.visitsacandaga.com/hiking.htm

Answer 3

I wouldn't call Niagara Falls a day trip from Albany- it's about 5 hours to get there. Not a bad overnight trip, you could go to Canada while you're there and see Toronto.

For a day trip can drive to the lower Adirondacks and back easily- AuSable Chasm is worth a visit, it's near Plattsburgh. There's a lot in Vermont that you can get to in a day, western Massachusetts too.

Answer 4

I know Niagra Falls isn't too far from there. I know that you may have already seen them, but the surrounding area and the Niagra river is very pretty. Also I saw some nice cliffs just west of Toronto a few years back. Other than that, you could spend some time exploring the Catskills. I remember going there when I was 4 or 5. For an even better trip, leave REALLY early and head to the Upper Penninsula of Michigan. My god is there so much to see there. I only saw three of about one hundred water falls (not sure of the the exact number) when I was there this Labor Day weekend.

Have Fun!