Veterans Bike Path

Overview

The Veterans Bike Path was originally a Native American trade route that followed the west side of Ballston Lake, which was called Shanantaha at that time and was later named Long Lake and then Ballston Lake. The route was then used, from the late 1800's to the 1940's, by the Schenectady Railway Company for a trolley line that extended from Schenectady to Saratoga Springs. From 1904-1927, passengers could get off the trolley to visit Forest Park, an amusement park and recreation area at the south end of the lake. Now converted to a bike and walking trail, this paved, multi-use path runs alongside active railroad tracks. The path can be reached from Route 146A (Main Street) in Ballston Lake or Outlet Road at the north end of the lake.

Hours of Operation

The Veterans Bike Path is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.

Amenities

The Veterans Bike Path begins on Route 146A (Main Street) in Ballston Lake and extends north 3.5 miles to Outlet Road on the north end of the lake. The path can be accessed from either end, and is intended for biking, walking, running, etc. No motorized vehicles are allowed. It is mostly flat and straight, with mileage markers every quarter mile so you can easily track your progress. Informative signs provide interesting details about the trail corridor's history.

Directions and Parking

Outlet Road Entrance - Northern Trailhead

• If traveling south on Route 50 from the Village of Ballston Spa, when you reach the traffic light where Charlton Road is on your right and Outlet Road is on your left, turn left onto Outlet Road. The trailhead is on the right just before you go over the railroad tracks. There is a very small parking area. There is a larger parking lot a few hundred yards further down Outlet Road, on the left.
• If traveling north on Route 50 from Burnt Hills, when you reach the traffic light where Charlton Road is on your left and Outlet Road is on your right, turn right onto Outlet Road. The trailhead is on the right just before you go over the railroad tracks. There is a very small parking area. There is a larger parking lot a few hundred yards further down Outlet Road, on the left.

Route 146A (Main Street) Entrance - Southern Trailhead

• If traveling south on Route 50 from the Village of Ballston Spa, turn left onto Route 146A and follow toward the hamlet of Ballston Lake. After you pass Lakehill Road on your right, in a short distance there will be a small parking area on the left. If you go over the railroad tracks you went too far.
• If traveling north on Route 50, when you reach the traffic light in Burnt Hills at Lakehill Road (Stewart's is on the corner), turn right onto Lakehill Road. Go straight through the next traffic light and continue to the bottom of the hill, then turn right onto Route 146A. In a short distance there will be a small parking area on the left. If you go over the railroad tracks you went too far.