Slingerlands: History, Arboretum and Trails

Slingerlands offers a variety of reasons to visit: nature experiences at Pine Hollow Arboretum, historic buildings and a nearby network of trails. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether you would prefer to focus on nature, the history of the area or getting active on a shared-use trail.

Nature at Pine Hollow Arboretum

Pine Hollow Arboretum is located in the historic hamlet of Slingerlands. There, you can discover trees from around the world, observe wildlife and go hiking. These three activities offer different focuses: tree diversity, wildlife observation and outdoor exercise. If you are traveling with a range of interests, these themes can play a part in planning your days together. The arboretum also makes Slingerlands appealing to travelers looking for an outdoor activity in addition to local history.

Historic Streets and Buildings

The Slingerlands National Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The district includes New Scotland Road from Couse Lane to Helderberg Parkway, as well as Mullens Road and Bridge Street. These street names give the historic area a specific geographic context. Those interested in local history will find more than a single building to explore: the named streets are also part of the district’s description.

One house offers a glimpse into the area’s early history. John A. Slingerland built a house in 1790 that is described as the oldest building in the Slingerlands Historic District. The Pine Hollow Road Historic District represents a different architectural facet: it features three distinct house styles dating from 1941 to 1947. The dates relate to different aspects of local history: 1790 marks the construction of the house, while 1941 to 1947 refers to the three house styles. If you are interested in historic architecture, you can keep these different periods in mind as you explore the Slingerlands Historic Districts.

A smaller local landmark is Firefighters Memorial Park, a pocket park next to the Slingerlands Fire House on New Scotland Road. Its description as a small park distinguishes it in scale from the historic districts mentioned above. Its location on New Scotland Road is also useful for orientation—the same named road that partly forms part of the Slingerlands National Historic District.

Getting Around on the Rail Trail

The Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail is located near Slingerlands. This 9-mile shared-use trail accommodates all types of non-motorized traffic. It provides a bike- and pedestrian-friendly connection between Voorheesville, New Scotland, Bethlehem and Albany. The Rail Trail is also connected to the Mohawk Hudson Bikeway and is part of the Empire State Trail, which connects Albany with Buffalo. For your trip planning, this offers a route with a different focus from the local nature and history: it connects several places and is intended for non-motorized traffic.

When choosing your vacation rental, the focus you want for your trip can make the difference.

More places to explore: Delmar, Albany, Colonie, Cohoes, Medusa, Altamont, Latham.

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