Zim Smith Trail:
New York
Trail Map
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Description:
Considered "the backbone" of an emerging network of trails in Saratoga County, the Zim Smith Trail, sometimes called the Zim Smith Mid-County Trail, connects the towns of Halfmoon, Round Lake Village, Clifton Park, Malta and Ballston Spa.

The best place to start is at Malta's Shenantaha Creek Park, about 2.75 miles south of the northern terminus. The park offers convenient access to the rail-trail and is an appealing destination in its own right. The park's picnic tables, playground equipment, tennis courts and volleyball net could turn an exercise session into a full afternoon's outing. here are also public toilets and a drinking fountain.

As you enter the trail from the parking lot, turn left to head toward the village of Round Lake and Halfmoon. The rail-trail is, for the most part, wooded with a few homes visible beyond the trees as you leave the park. The trail rolls gently downhill, with pretty views into a ravine to your left, and a slope rising to your right.

About 1 mile south of the park, the trail passes under Interstate 87, the Adirondack Northway. Nearing Round Lake, the trail is more settled, and you can see backyards and horse pastures through the trees.

A handsome white frame church, other period buildings and a welcome sign signal your arrival in Round Lake Village. Treat yourself to a spin around the quiet streets of this Victorian hamlet and its ornate gingerbread cottages. The village was a Methodist camp meeting site that swelled with thousands of visitors each summer. The 1885 Round Lake Auditorium, at 7th and Wesley streets, is home to a 34-foot-tall, historically significant pipe organ. The auditorium is still in use—not for delivering sermons but with a lively performing arts program.

From Round Lake Village the trail crosses over Route 9 and through a portion of the town of Clifton Park. The trail turns east upon leaving the park. A pond on the south side of the trail signals the end of the developed trail at Coons Crossing Road.

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Parking & Trail Access:
For the Shenentaha Creek Park trailhead in Malta: from I-87 take Exit 12; go around the circle and west on Route 67. Continue on 67 until it intersects East Line Road at a traffic light. Turn left on East Line and go about 0.5 mile, watching for the park entrance on your left. Follow the entrance road to the parking lot and trail.

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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Trail goes through to Ballston Spa
By nukodyne in February, 2011
This is one of my favorite trails for biking, running and rollerblading. The northern end was completed last fall and now connects to Ballston Spa. I can now bike to my favorite tea house up there! Some paving has gone on south of Round Lake to just before the bridge at Rt. 9. I hope that is the end of the paving in that direction as the firm gravel trail at the southern end is wonderful for running. There is a nice connection about a mile south of Round Lake that leads into the trails in the Usher's Road State Forest. This is about a 2 mile loop with bridges over the small stream and very nice walking/running along the forested route. The road from the southern entrance to the trails can be followed further south up into the hills in the town of Halfmoon for a nice ride/walk/run (albeit somewhat strenuous on the initial climb) with excellent views to the east of the rolling hills east of the Hudson and the Berkshires and Green Mountains in the distance. In the spring when the orchards on the hills bloom, the combination of fragrance and sunrise over the mountains cannot be beat.
Progress toward Balston Spa
By jtorriani in August, 2010
I was on the trail yesterday and work is being done to extend the trail from underpass rd to Balston Spa. The bridge north of Underpass rd is paved and paving has been done north of the Bridge. Work has been done at the end of the trail. I havn't been able to find out when it will be formally opened
Zim trail open to horses.
By funkylitlcowgirl in October, 2009
Hello,

I am an avid horseback rider, and recently spoke with the Cornell Cooperative extension equine division and they said that the trail was open to horses. We have ridden the trail twice this year, and it is beautiful! There is limited parking, you might find some in Malta, and in Halfmoon. There is enough space for 1 trailer at the trail head in Ballston Spa, right on underpass road. The CCE told me that the only thing that we as horse people have to respect is that we need to stay to the side of the trail so as not to drop any 'presents' for the other passer-bys. That, and most of the trail is asphalt, so I would much rather walk on the grass anyway. So if you are a horse person, check it out! And please, respect the trail and use common sense so not to ruin it for others. Thank you and happy riding!!
Underpass Road
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Ballston Spa to Coons Crossing Rd. (Halfmoon)
Counties: Saratoga
Trail Length: 7.5 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Snowmobiling, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6032552

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other New York rail-trails in RTC's New York Guidebook.