The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Saratoga County have announced the completion and opening of the new 11-mile-long Hans Creek Snowmobile Trail. The new trail runs through lands owned by the Boeselager family in the towns of Providence and Edinburg and connects to Great Sacandaga Lake.
It’s hoped the trail will provide a safer “and more secure” connection between communities around the lake and the Saratoga County trail system.
The construction of the trail took nine years of effort DEC said. Saratoga Snowmobile Association, in partnership with Saratoga County, secured funding through the County’s economic development and trails grant programs to help complete several bridge projects along with trail construction.
DEC built a larger 40-foot-long bridge along the trail using State Environmental Protection Funds (EPF) and New York Works funding. The town of Edinburg provided equipment and personnel.
President of the Saratoga Snowmobile Association, Chaz Albertson said, “We are thrilled to open this trail to our snowmobiling community for the 2025-2026 season and beyond. This project truly demonstrates what can be accomplished when a community comes together. Special thanks are owed to the landowners, volunteers, and supporters whose contributions made this possible.”
The trail runs through lands on the east side of Great Sacanadaga Lake that are protected through a conservation easement, known as the “Hans Creek Conservation Easement.” The conservation easement was purchased from Open Space Institute by DEC in August 2024.
The easement continues the Hans Creek property as a privately-owned sustainable working forest, protects natural resources, and allows for specific public recreation opportunities. Approximately 8 miles of the 11-mile trail crosses the Hans Creek Conservation Easement. Funding to purchase the conservation easement was also provided through the EPF.
The trail, along will all Saratoga County snowmobile trails, remains closed due to lack of snow. It’s not clear a map showing the new route has been released.
Read more about snowmobiling in New York State.
Illustrations: Saratoga Snowmobile Association Snowmobile Trail Map, 2025 (apparently not showing the new trail); and the Hans Creek historic sign in Broadalbin.
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