Saratoga

Complete 100 miles or more of hiking or biking at Saratoga National Historical Park between the start of National Park Week (mid-April) and National Public Lands Day (September) each year. E-mail us for your log today!

While Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the sites associated with the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, we’re also known to be a very popular spot for cycling; no matter your level of expertise.

The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset; cyclists are able to ride the tour road at any time, weather and conditions permitting. Check on updates to our operating hours to see when the Tour Road is open. 

Bikes must remain on paved surfaces and follow all New York State bicycle laws. Off-road use is not permitted.

What to Expect

• BRING WATER! There is no water available along the tour road and fountains are turned off during the winter months.

• The tour road is a 9.5-mile, paved, one way road with a 25 mph speed limit and a multi-use lane on the right hand side. A bicycle is considered a vehicle and must follow the posted speed limit and one way flow of traffic.

  • At the end of the tour road, cyclists will need to turn right and ride 1.5 miles back to the visitor center (if this is where you started). In total, the "battlefield loop" is about 11 miles and contains steep inclines and downhills. You will probably use every gear your bike has!

• Need a shorter ride? A service road is available just after the 5-mile mark; it is indicated by a brown and white sign next to the bike lane.
  NOTE: this service road is gravel and there is a steep hill; for your safety, please walk.

  • If you decide to turn around and head back to the parking lot going against the flow of traffic, walk your bikes on the right side of the road or in the grass.

• Pedestrians have right of way in pedestrian/bike lane.

• There are 10 parking areas along the 11-mile loop for you take a break and explore the historical grounds this park preserves. This isn’t a race, so take your time and enjoy your surroundings.

• Watch out for wildlife on the road. Deer can be tame and just stand on the road as you approach.

Whether you've ridden the battlefield before or not, be sure to check out our additional tips below for a fun (and safe) ride at Saratoga NHP!

Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the sites associated with the 1777 Battles of Saratoga. Follow the footsteps of those before you as you hike along hallowed ground.

The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. Check our operating hours page for updates.

Stop by the visitor center to grab a trail map or print off your own map of the Wilkinson Trail. 

What to Expect BRING WATER!

There is no water available along the trail and fountains are turned off during the winter months.

NOTE

Streams within the park are not recommended for you or your dog to drink from.

Need a shorter hike?

Consider the Liaison Trail "shortcut" which reduces the hike to just under 2 miles. This "shortcut" is identified by a small sign labeled "Liaison Trail" and cuts across the historic Freeman Farm area between "Station F" and "Station N".

Learn along the way

There are 14 lettered "stations" (A-N) along the 4.2-mile trail which serve as trailmarkers and reference points for audio tour. The audio tour is available through this link or you can download the National Park Service app and find them under "Self-Guided Tours" on Saratoga National Historical Park's page. There is also a kids tour at this link that takes you along the shortcut Liaison Trail and can also be found on the NPS app in the same place. This isn’t a race, so take your time, enjoy your surroundings, and learn a little history!

Welcome B.A.R.K. Rangers! Here at Saratoga National Historical Park, we want you and your family's visit with us to be memorable, enjoyable and educational. For many, pets are an important member of our families. If you are planning to bring a furry family member on your trip to Saratoga, make sure you are prepared and are following the B.A.R.K. Ranger code. The code helps protect you, your pet, and the park while you are here. 

Enjoying the scenic and open spaces of the park is just as enjoyable for our four-legged best friends as it is for us. So, in order to help you get the most out of your visit to the park's sites, here are some tips on how to make your experience a pleasant and enjoyable one for you, your pets and other park guests.

Ride on the historic grounds of the Saratoga Battlefield where in 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, the entire British force surrendered. While there are no horse rentals at the park, visitors with their own horses may bring them to Saratoga Battlefield unit and make use of our Horse Trail. It traverses 7+ miles of the battlefield round-trip through fields and forest. It also crosses the Battlefield Tour Road in three places and the Wilkinson Hiking Trail in two places.

The only place horseback riding allowed in the park is on the horse trail and on the paved Battlefield Tour Road. If horses are on the Battlefield Tour Road, the rider must follow New York State traffic laws. Horses are not allowed on pedestrian hiking trails unless the Horse Trail and the pedestrian hiking trail overlaps for a short distance. 

The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. Check our operating hours page for updates.

Stop by the visitor center to grab a trail map or print off your own map of the Horse Trail. 

The Horse Trail has regular seasonal closures, typically in the spring, where portions of the trail becomes flooded. The trail reopens once the route dries out.

Regulations

CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS(a) The following animals are designated as pack animals for purposes of transporting equipment:

• Horses

• Burros

• Mules

• Lamas

(b) The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes or areas:

• The unimproved/designated horse trail which begins at the south gate. The superintendent may impose closure to the trail when weather conditions warrant.

• Shoulders of the park tour road pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York. (Article 34-B section 1261. “Traffic laws apply to persons riding or leading horses” adopted under 36 CFR 4.2 state law applicable.

1. Free-trailing or loose-herding is allowed on the following trails/routes, subject to the conditions noted:

• Free-trailing or loose-herding is not permitted in any area of the Park

(g) Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:

• Stock must provide certificates of immunizations and Coggins test results.

The superintendent may require users to acquire a special use permit for horse related activities. Please refer to Section 1.5 regarding permits required.