Hometown USA: Glens Falls, NY

[Duckbutter]

I'm not sure what you're asking?

I guess my question is what do these look like when there is no snow? Is it just a cleared swath with leaves and some understory or is there a trail (singletrack/ doubletrack)? Leads into my mtb question...

I'm sure they would be but I'm not sure if it's allowed.

Why not? Are these all on public land? Easements on private land? So you can snowmobile, and I presume XC ski on them, but they can't be used at all in the summer?

 

[tirolski]

I guess my question is what do these look like when there is no snow? Is it just a cleared swath with leaves and some understory or is there a trail (singletrack/ doubletrack)? Leads into my mtb question...


Why not? Are these all on public land? Easements on private land? So you can snowmobile, and I presume XC ski on them, but they can't be used at all in the summer?

We walked hiking and snowmobile trails to get to fishing spots in the Daks. Snowmobile trails are much brushier with grasses and such but have stronger bridges. Both can get muchoo muddy in lots of spots.

 

[Campgottagopee]

I guess my question is what do these look like when there is no snow? Is it just a cleared swath with leaves and some understory or is there a trail (singletrack/ doubletrack)? Leads into my mtb question...

Gotcha. That largely depends on the area. For example the trails around home (CNY) are wooded singletrack/doubletrack with large fields and some truck trails (state roads). The simply look like a tractor path thru the woods. In the Dacks there are WAY more truck trails that are much wider than we're used to in CNY. They're an absolute blast, some are even 6 wide.

Why not? Are these all on public land? Easements on private land? So you can snowmobile, and I presume XC ski on them, but they can't be used at all in the summer?

Aprox 3/4 of the trails in NYS are on private land so that's why mtb would be a no-no, and also why they can't be used in the summer. One thing that I truly enjoy about snowmobiling is we get to see parts of the state that are literally only accessible by sled, farmers don't take lightly to people hauling off across their fields . Some trails are designated multi use (inc x-country skiers) and some are snowmobile only. The fact that SO many private land owners allow sleds should tell the APA that's there's no harm done by sleds. Trust me, if there ain't no snow peeps aren't gonna take their sleds out and beat them. They ain't cheap to fix.

 

[Ripitz]

Anyone can get one today if you are willing to drive to Billings

You could pick up your crack while you’re there too

 

[adrider83]

Duckbutter - I think your analysis is right on. Glens Falls is a sweet place for an outdoors person trying to raise a family. Great community, great food, and proximity to a lot of good things. More affordable than Saratoga. Couple caveats: if you're commuting to Albany for work, Saratoga is obviously more manageable. If you're a fly fisherman, I'd say Saratoga has better proximity to good after-work trout fishing than Glens Falls. Skiing wise, I think Glens Falls is awesome. Close to West, Hickory, Gore, Whiteface, and much more practical travel to VT than someone living in way up in the Adirondacks.

 

[Duckbutter]

Aprox 3/4 of the trails in NYS are on private land so that's why mtb would be a no-no, and also why they can't be used in the summer.

Wait, what? Farmers, or private landowners generally who make up that 75%, are ok with snowmobiles on their land in the winter but are not cool with any other type of access during other times of the year? Seems arbitrary.

So, just one random example: here are the snowmobile trails from Glens Falls to Lake Luzerne from Trail Forks. Doesn't look like farmland to me. So you are telling me, I can ride a sled on these but I can't walk, bike, ride my camel, etc. on them?

 

[Duckbutter]

Duckbutter - I think your analysis is right on. Glens Falls is a sweet place for an outdoors person trying to raise a family.

Thanks! I sure hope so. Time will tell if it sticks. Oh, and my family sure will let me know.

If you're a fly fisherman, I'd say Saratoga has better proximity to good after-work trout fishing than Glens Falls.

I definitely need to do some more research on this. Without blowing the spot, do you think Kaydeross and Battenkill public access spots are good starting points? We are most interested in native brookies but beggars can't be choosers. I have to (re)acquaint myself with NYS stream laws. Montana is quite magnanimous in that regard. As long as you stay below high water line, you can ignore private property boundaries.

 

[Green light]

Wait, what? Farmers, or private landowners generally who make up that 75%, are ok with snowmobiles on their land in the winter but are not cool with any other type of access during other times of the year? Seems arbitrary.

So, just one random example: here are the snowmobile trails from Glens Falls to Lake Luzerne from Trail Forks. Doesn't look like farmland to me. So you are telling me, I can ride a sled on these but I can't walk, bike, ride my camel, etc. on them?
View attachment 8880

Just a reply to your example shown. Most of that trail system lies in the town of Queensbury. It is on watershed land owned by the city of Glens Falls. The city signs an annual lease with the local snowmobile club for access to the property. Any other time of the year the land is off limits for recreation.
During winter there is little activity on farmland, mostly just spreading manure. That enables farmers to let snowmobiles use corridors through their land. There is too much activity on their land during other seasons to allow use for recreation (planting, tending, grazing, harvesting).
A big thing also is the snowmobile clubs are insured and are responsible for educating riders to stay on marked trails.

 

[Campgottagopee]

Just a reply to your example shown. Most of that trail system lies in the town of Queensbury. It is on watershed land owned by the city of Glens Falls. The city signs an annual lease with the local snowmobile club for access to the property. Any other time of the year the land is off limits for recreation.
During winter there is little activity on farmland, mostly just spreading manure. That enables farmers to let snowmobiles use corridors through their land. There is too much activity on their land during other seasons to allow use for recreation (planting, tending, grazing, harvesting).
A big thing also is the snowmobile clubs are insured and are responsible for educating riders to stay on marked trails.

Exactly
Through our snowmobile registration monies the NYSSA provides liability ins which is key. There are designated trails that are marked and maintained throughout the season. The biggest issue we're running into is disrespectful riders going off trail. That's a major foul and the main reason for trail closures.

 

[Duckbutter]

Through our snowmobile registration monies the NYSSA provides liability ins which is key.

Fascinating. How much does that cost? Is it an annual registration? Can people use tracked side by sides too?