Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Thacher State Park adventure.
Tread well when you visit this beautiful countryside filled with history in eastern New York.
Steep limestone cliffs rise above the surrounding plains 15 miles east of Albany. These cliffs are special for several reasons. They provide great views of the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys 1,300 feet below. They also harbor some of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world.
Geologists still study the rocks today. There are around 40 caves in the park. The longest of them is Hailes Cave, and it stretches for more than 3,700 feet.
Geology aside, Indian Ladder Trail is the most popular trail in the park. The trail straddles a cliffside high above the park. When you hear a gentle rush of water, that means you're about to walk behind Minelot Falls.
Bring your flashlight to peek into the caves you see along the way. At the top of the trail, you see the Hudson Valley below you. The Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center helps explain the rich natural beauty of this place.
Thompson's Lake Campground accommodates tents or RVs. Around 140 campsites vary from secluded to open.