Revisting Colonie Shale Trail(s)
I was Upstate (NY) for the weekend for a family event on Sunday and was curious about the Colonie Shale Trails. On my last visit there I documented a bit of the destruction of the east side due to development. Was more of the forest razed?
I rode into the trail area in a different way--the second trail from the west--and spent some time riding the trails west of the ravine. Lots of short climbs and up and downs but familiar to me. I then rode down to the ravine and over to the east side.
I rode around a variety of "east side" trails eventually making my way back up to the eastern edge. Man... was I pleasantly surprised! Where the trail skirts the edge of the new cleared area, the trail was rerouted and had even better flow. The local trail gnomes have been busy and have created a fantastic solution!
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| Rerouted Yellow Trail skirting the cleared area for development |
Mini yellow trail markers dotted the park everywhere, but IMHO just go in and ride wherever it leads you. There are so many choices and great flow everywhere, don't worry about getting lost - just ride!
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| Yellow Trail Marker |
The Charlton Mill Search Continues...
After returning to my parents house, I met my friend Gary and we ventured over to where Swaggertown Road crosses over the Alplaus Kill. History research indicated there was a mill here but after scouring the area pretty throughly we found no remnants. Needless to say, it was a beautiful stretch of the creek.
Mysterious Bunker in the Woods
Lastly my curiosity was satisfied by visiting the site of the G.E. experimental laboratory on Sacandaga Road.
Further Background info here >
It was a little creepy, especially if you knew that nature of the radioactive work done here way back when... but fascinating nonetheless.
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| G.E. experimental laboratory |
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| Close Up |
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| Don't Go There!! - the "radioactive cellar" |
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| An old Milling Machine |
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| The road in/out |
Conclusion
It was an interesting day biking in a "renovated" Colonie and history sleuthing in Charlton. As always, the quest to learn coupled with trying to see firsthand any remnants "in the field" proved fruitful and fulfilling... :-)
