delmar

The Albany County Rail Trail

Several years back, the D&H Railroad abandoned the Slingerlands Railroad, that runs from the Port of Albany out to Altamont. This route had fallen out of favor for main freight line that runs from the Selkirk Railyard, north through Altamont.

Old Woods Road

I wasn’t a supporter of the rail trail, as I believe it will be an impediment in the future to preserve the right-of-away, for whatever future needs might come along — be it a bus rapid transit, a new rail line, or some future method of moving people and freight

I also maintain that rail trails are boring, overly straight routes, built for the convience of large locomotives pulling freight at high speeds, and not for recreational hiking or biking, at much lower speeds. Being that one can only bike or walk at speeds less then 25 MPH — and that bicycles aren’t even allowed yet — the trail seems relatively uninteresting at a walking speed.

Currently the rail trail runs from Slingerlands Fire Station down to the Delaware Avenue Bridge. West of Slingerlands Fire Station, the trail is posted No Tresspassing by the county, but east of Delaware Avenue Bridge, the trail is unmaintained but not posted.

Onondoga County Clerk 2023 - Emily A. Essi vs. Lisa Dell

Hiking under the Cherry Avenue Extension Bridge.

Onondoga County Executive 2023 - Marty Masterpole vs. Casey E. Jordan

One of the filled in areas where the rail line once run.

Getting Towed Away Again

Gully as seen from the rail trail viaduct.

Delaware Avenue Railroad Bridge (East)

Delaware Avenue as seen from the former Delaware Avenue Railroad Bridge (this ends the maintained section of the trail).

Elsmere Avenue from the Railroad Bridge

Elsmere Avenue as seen from the Railroad Bridge.

As a whole, I am very under impressed by the Albany County Rail Trail. I have heard the views

A Cold Winter’s Day Five Rivers

On a very cold Saturday afternoon, I decided to drive out to Five Rivers and take some pictures. I wanted to get pictures of the setting sun, but it did not happen due to the snow squal that came blowing in. Here’s what I got.

CCC Sheds

Pavilion Along the Pond

After Dark

Helderberg Mountains

Blowing Snow…

It certainly was cold enough there when I was walking. If it had been nicer, I probably would have headed out of town.

McMansion Hidden By the Snow

Snow Drifts Across the Field

Blowing Snow

Chopped

Deer Pics…

The deer really aren’t all afraid of humans at Five Rivers. You can almost walk up and touch them, as they know that hunting is prohibited in this area.

Why Are You Photographing Me?

White Tail Walking Away

Deer in Apple Orchard

CCC Sheds