New 11-Mile Trail Connects Great Sacandaga Lake to Area’s Extensive Snowmobile Trail Network 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Saratoga County today 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. The trail provides a safer and more secure connection between communities around Great Sacandaga Lake and the Saratoga County trail system.  

The construction and successful completion of the trail took the effort and dedication of multiple partners over the last nine years working together alongside DEC. 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 and New York Works funding. The town of Edinburg played a vital role in the development of the trail by providing equipment and personnel, and the landowner served as a critical partner in the project’s development.  

DEC Regional Director Joe Zalewski said, “DEC continues to invest in projects that improve and expand access to outdoor recreation, especially recreation that safely connects our communities throughout the winter months. Snowmobiling is an important winter activity that contributes to local economies and recreational offerings, and DEC is excited to see this project come to fruition alongside Saratoga County and the Saratoga Snowmobile Association to benefit the surrounding towns.”  

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Phil Barrett said, “The Hans Creek Trail is a fantastic addition to our robust 200-mile snowmobile network that stretches across Saratoga County. Thanks to the partnership between the County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Saratoga Snowmobile Association, the towns of Edinburg and Providence, and the landowners, residents and visitors have even more scenic miles to explore in beautiful Saratoga County. We also extend our thanks to the numerous snowmobile clubs that help to develop and maintain these trails each season, ensuring snowmobile enthusiasts have safe, well-groomed trails on which to ride.”  

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 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 conservation easement preserves 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 provided through the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The EPF supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. The EPF also supports New York’s 30x30 initiative, which set a goal of conserving 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030.