Welcome to Rensselaer County! Located in the Hudson-Mohawk Heritage area of Upstate New York’s Capital Region.

Rensselaer County is filled with wonderful contradictions and juxtapositions. It’s a special place where rural charm meets urban delights, where cultural opportunities and pastoral pastimes happily coexist, and where American heritage meets cutting-edge technology. Stretching thirty miles along the Hudson River, it offers thousands of acres of parks, miles of trails, and more than 500 lakes, ponds, and even championship golf courses.

Fall Foliage

Fall Foliage in Rensselaer County

a few of our favorite spots

Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site: Learn some history while you enjoy the view.

Dickinson Fire Tower: Take the hike, climb the tower and be prepared to be wowed!

Dyken Pond: Perfect for the little hiker to enjoy nature.

Grafton Lakes State Park: Beautiful foliage around the park—perfect for an afternoon hike. Also visit Schodack Island State Park and their bird sanctuary or pack a picnic and hike through Cherry Plain State Park.

Grafton Peace Pagoda: Walk the grounds of the peaceful Peace Pagoda hidden deep in the woods.

Mud Pond Preserve: offers a 100 acres of multiple habitats and amazing foliage.

Oakwood Cemetery: On a clear day the bluff at Oakwood offers a spectacular view of the Hudson Valley

Rensselaer Plateau Community Forest: The first recognized Community Forest in New York State offers hiking and recreational activities.