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Zim Smith Trail Head
4.7 ★★★★★ 190 Google reviews · Running trail in Mechanicville, New York · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Zim Smith Trail Head's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with trails that pass by ponds and parks and offer views of wildlife.
What runners say about Zim Smith Trail Head
“Beautiful paved walking and bike path, under a mostly treed canopy.”
“I love this trail for running and biking.”
“All pavement and a few road crossings, but these are very quiet roads where you can see the cars about 15-20sec before they get to you.”
This is the start of a 9-mile flat, gravel packed, wide trail suitable for biking, strollers, and joggers that don't want any elevation change. It's a lovely trail that passes through wetlands and forests, although you will also encounter some backyards as well.
Splendid paved trail, mostly flat that passes by a few nice parks with opportunities for food and drink along the way. Don't be fooled by outdated pictures showing dirt surfaces; the trail is now entirely paved with asphalt.
Great trail going past railroad tracks, ponds, parks, and several towns. We've done several sections throughout the years.
I love this trail for running and biking. Unlike most other local trails, people tend to keep their dogs on a leash, which is nice. All pavement and a few road crossings, but these are very quiet roads where you can see the cars about 15-20sec before they get to you.
Trail conditions & character
“It's impossible to get lost on this trail ☺️ Starting at the trailhead, the first three miles are hard-packed gravel and the rest is paved.”
“This is the start of a 9-mile flat, gravel packed, wide trail suitable for biking, strollers, and joggers that don't want any elevation change.”
“It's impossible to get lost on this trail ☺️ Starting at the trailhead, the first three miles are hard-packed gravel and the rest is paved.”
“This is the start of a 9-mile flat, gravel packed, wide trail suitable for biking, strollers, and joggers that don't want any elevation change.”
“Beautiful paved walking and bike path, under a mostly treed canopy.”
“All pavement and a few road crossings, but these are very quiet roads where you can see the cars about 15-20sec before they get to you.”
“This is the start of a 9-mile flat, gravel packed, wide trail suitable for biking, strollers, and joggers that don't want any elevation change.”
“There is no water, no restrooms, no playground, no picnic tables, and no benches.”
“Unlike most other local trails, people tend to keep their dogs on a leash, which is nice.”
“This is the start of a 9-mile flat, gravel packed, wide trail suitable for biking, strollers, and joggers that don't want any elevation change.”
Plan your run at Zim Smith Trail Head
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenewyorktrailheads.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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