Thacher Park North(Knox, Albany County)

Set out to explore the less visited, far northern area of Thacher Park after work this afternoon, starting from the end of Ryan Road.  Began by heading NW on the yellow blazed Perimeter Trail, which follows an old road bed through handsome woods.

A short distance into the hike, I came to a small but gorgeous little pond, complete with beaver hut.

I took various trails, meandering my way towards the Escarpment, passing by moss covered stone walls, which are scattered throughout these woods.

While the foliage isn't quite as far along as in other local areas, there was plenty of autumn splendor on display.  Yellow and green seemed to be the predominant colors along the trails.

Arriving at the Hang Glider Cliff, which I've visited on several different occasions now.  I'm always amazed by the sheer drop off from here...and the views aren't too shabby either.

Looking almost due north, with a hint of color at the foot of the Escarpment along Leesome Lane.

Headed back into the woods, soon making my way north over to the ledge known as High Point.  This spot offers up a slightly different vantage point with a broader SE view.  A careful eye can pick out the Albany skyline.

From the larger ledge, a small, informal path leads to a NE view over the Altamont Fairgrounds and the Mohawk Valley off in the distance.

A nice look back across at the Hang Glider Cliff.

After enjoying the great views, I popped back into the woods, taking my time, enjoying the crisp fall weather.

A much needed heavy dose of rain last night brought down a lot of leaves, littering the trail in spots in a carpet of gold.

The best of fall is yet to come, but a tree here...or a tree there...gives a glimpse of peak color.

As I headed back to the car, I bid a fond farewell to September, and hello to October!

Hiked about 4.5 miles total for the day on many of the various trails that make up the northern part of the State Park.  Shockingly I only saw one other person the whole day, a guy on a mountain bike.