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Corning Preserve

The reclaimed Hudson River waterfront — a paved five-mile trail with kayak launch, summer concerts on the Riverfront Bar, and the best sunset view of downtown Albany.

Where
Downtown Albany
Time needed
1-2 hr visit
Tickets
Free
Free entry
Yes
Corning Preserve riverside walk along the Hudson River Corning Preserve riverside walk along the Hudson River

What to expect at Corning Preserve

Corning Preserve, formally the Hudson River Way and Corning Preserve, is the reclaimed strip of Hudson River waterfront below downtown Albany — five miles of paved trail from the Port of Albany north to Menands, with a boat launch, a small amphitheater, and the summer bar-and-food setup called Jennings Landing. It's the answer to 'is there anywhere to walk by the river' in Albany, and yes, this is it. Access from downtown is via the Hudson River Way pedestrian bridge from Broadway.

The main quarter-mile stretch has the amphitheater (Alive at Five free concerts every Thursday June-August), Jennings Landing bar with waterside picnic tables (May-October), a kayak and paddleboard launch run by Upstate Kayak Rentals ($25/hour), and mile markers for runners. North of Livingston Avenue the trail is quieter, mostly used by cyclists heading to Menands. South of downtown the trail is under active expansion — check current maps at the Broadway entrance kiosk.

Genuinely the best free thing to do in Albany on a summer weeknight. The Alive at Five concerts pull real crowds — 3,000-5,000 people, food trucks, kid-friendly. Bring cash for the food trucks (cell service on the riverbank is spotty for cards). Winter the trail is plowed but the amphitheater and boat rentals close. Best photo of the Albany skyline is from the trail about 300 yards north of the Broadway bridge.

Plan your visit TicketsFree Free entryYes Time needed1-2 hr visit WhereDowntown Albany Opening hours Trail 6:00-22:00 Kayak launch May-Oct Alive at Five concerts Thu 17:00-19:00 (Jun-Aug) Hotels near Corning Preserve

Questions about Corning Preserve

Does it cost anything?

Free to enter. Kayak rentals $25/hour from Upstate Kayak Rentals in season.

Are the concerts free?

Yes — Alive at Five Thursday evening concerts June through August are free.

How long to spend?

One to two hours for the main downtown stretch. Half a day if you're kayaking or attending a concert.

When is it closed?

Trail open 6:00-22:00 daily year-round. Jennings Landing bar and kayak rentals are seasonal, closed roughly November through April.

Do I need to book?

No bookings for the trail or concerts. Kayak rentals can be reserved via Upstate Kayak's website.

How do I get there?

Walk across the Hudson River Way pedestrian bridge from the corner of Broadway and Maiden Lane downtown. Free parking at the Corning Preserve lot off Colonie Street.

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