Schenectady Area Routes
 

My wife and I are looking for a 25-35 mile route to check out the Amish lifestyle in the Schenectady area. Can anyone help us out?

Thanks

There is no significant Amish community in Schenectady, NY, but there are Amish communities in other parts of upstate New York, such as the large Konoeno Valley settlement in central NY. These communities are spread out, and Schenectady is likely too urban for a traditional Amish settlement. While you may encounter individual Amish individuals selling goods in or near the city, they would likely be from a more rural community.

• No major settlement: There is no major Amish settlement in or directly around Schenectady.
• Upstate NY presence: Amish communities exist in other rural parts of upstate New York, often focusing on farming and related businesses like carpentry and woodworking.
• Potential for individual vendors: You might see Amish individuals selling goods like baked goods, produce, or furniture at local markets or roadside stands, but they are not part of a large, local community.

Thank you for the info. We are in western ma and was looking for something no more than 21/2 hours from Springfield. Guess we have to make it a overnight trip. Back to the drawing board.

Thanks again.

If you don’t find the Amish, the Erie Canal trail passes thru Schenectady. Albany to Schenectady is 20 miles one way, all paved. It’s along the Mohawk River and is a really pretty ride. Lots of places to park and pick up the trail for something shorter.

Thank you.

Bennington VT is a nice town to visit

Yes it is i did a route there with 3 covered bridges and the monument.

Hi there! My whole family is from the Westfield Area, I went to College at Williams, and I grew up and now live in Niskayuna / Schenectady. I know area this are pretty well...

I know what you are looking for, it it really starts on Route 30 in Schoharie. If you were to drive to the Middleburgh exits off of I88, park somewhere in Schoharie, and then ride North toward Amsterdam or Fort Plain, you will literally see people driving horse draw buggies. Be warned, however: There is relatively ZERO biking infrastructure in this area. I was a city commuter for most of my twenties, so rural Upstate traffic seems very "light" to me. If, however, you are not used to cars zooming by at 60mph on rural roads, this might not be a trip worth doing. Also, if you stay on 30 for too long, you end up in the Mohawk Valley Rustbelt, which has some great biking, but it isn't nearly as rural as you seem to want.