Last updated: September 7, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike the Wilkinson Trail
NPS Photo
Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the sites associated with the 1777 Battles of Saratoga. Follow the footsteps of those before you as you hike along hallowed ground.
The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. Check our operating hours page for updates.
Stop by the visitor center to grab a trail map or print off your own map of the Wilkinson Trail.
What to Expect
BRING WATER!
There is no water available along the trail and fountains are turned off during the winter months.
NOTE
Streams within the park are not recommended for you or your dog to drink from.
Need a shorter hike?
Consider the Liaison Trail "shortcut" which reduces the hike to just under 2 miles. This "shortcut" is identified by a small sign labeled "Liaison Trail" and cuts across the historic Freeman Farm area between "Station F" and "Station N".
Learn along the way
There are 14 lettered "stations" (A-N) along the 4.2-mile trail which serve as trailmarkers and reference points for audio tour. The audio tour is available through this link or you can download the National Park Service app and find them under "Self-Guided Tours" on Saratoga National Historical Park's page. There is also a kids tour at this link that takes you along the shortcut Liaison Trail and can also be found on the NPS app in the same place. This isn’t a race, so take your time, enjoy your surroundings, and learn a little history!
Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
Activity
Hiking
Sections of the trail are shaded under tree canopy, while other sections are in open fields with little to no protection from the elements.
While there isn't much elevation change along the trail, there are some steep inclines and downhill sections which may prove challenging to some. One section, between "Station I" and "Station J", includes a steep set of stone stairs.
Benches are placed sporadically throughout the trail, so feel free to take a load off and enjoy the views!
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Dogs are welcome. Canines are great hiking companions and we want for everyone to enjoy their experience. Please remember that this is a National Park and these are hallowed grounds. When visiting with your dog, please:
- Keep them on a 6-foot leash at all times;
- Pick up their poop, bags are available at the trailhead;
- Remain on designated trails.
Wildlife
Watch out for wildlife on the trail. Deer can be tame as you approach; do not attempt to interact with wildlife (you or your dog), give them space.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Saratoga National Historical Park (Battlefield)
A 4.2-mile trail through open fields and wooded areas; the trail contains a mixed of mowed grass paths and firm forest floor with tree roots.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
Check for ticks
While we do our best to maintain the trails to mitigate tick exposure, and best trail practice recommends remaining toward the center of the trail, we always encourage our visitors to routinely check for ticks during and after their hike.
Winter (December to April):
During winter months, the trail may be slick as continued use packs the snow down. Snowshoes and other traction devices are highly recommended. Weather and conditions permitting, NPS staff will groom trails throughout the park for purposes of snowshoeing or cross country skiing.
Time of Day
Day
The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
Accessibility Information
The Wilkinson Trail is NOT accessible.
The trail consists of various terrain including grass, gravel, stone steps, and wooded pathways.Visitor Center
Parking: two spaces available in main parking lot at bottom of ramp. Ramp has a steep incline to visitor center; additional parking is available on Roosevelt Rd.
Restrooms: partially accessible indoor restrooms are available in the visitor center - a handicap stall is available, but there is no automatic door. A partially accessible outdoor portable toilet is available in the lower level of the visitor center parking area near the tour road entrance.
Water: water fountains located inside visitor center between restrooms and one located outside off ramp from main parking lot. Water contains sodium in excess of 20 mg/L
Check the weather conditions
It's important to know what the weather conditions are so you can plan accordingly. Weather throughout the area can vary greatly. Check the park's weather page or search for "Stillwater, NY" or "Saratoga National Historical Park" in your favorite weather app for site-specific details.
Know the rules of the park
Follow established trails and Leave No Trace. If you bring along a pet, keep them on a leash and make sure to pick up after them!
Gather your essentials
By no means are we suggesting you should have top of the line gear, but start with the basics: hiking/walking shoes, activewear (keeping weather in mind), a snack and a water bottle. With these basics in mind, you can plan for a safe hike, just remember to bring them with you!
Make a plan
Whether you are hiking solo or with a group, have a plan in place. If it's the first time, or you have an inexperienced hiker, consider regular breaks, the hills can be a doozy!
Bathrooms
Depending on the season and time of day, your bathroom options can be limited. Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center.
Double Check Your Gear
Yes, you did it at home, but it never hurts to double check and play it on the safe side.
Double Check the Weather Conditions
Weather has been know to change at a moment's notice. Check the weather, keep an eye on the sky, and play it safe.
Gear Up
Be sure to bring your essentials (hiking boots/shoes, hate, activewear, backpack, first aid kit, and water) with you, it's a long way back to the parking lot if you forget something.
Did you remember that water bottle? Seriously, though!
Make a Plan
Before arriving, you put a plan in place; go over the plan again. Now that you've arrived, has anything changed to make adjustments to your plan: weather changes, time constraints, feeling fatigued, etc?
Bathrooms
Depending on the season and time of day, your bathroom options can be limited. A waterless toilet is available in the lower level of the parking lot and a compostable toilet is available at tour road "Stop 7," you can find this by following the "Boot Monument" annex trail.
EMERGENCY
Call 9-1-1.
You completed the hike, nice work!
Make sure you have your essentials
Not only is it important to bring your essentials (hiking boots/shoes, hate, activewear, backpack, first aid kit, and water) with you, it's important to take them back home! Practice Leave No Trace ethics and leave nothing (and no one) behind.
Anything to report?
As much as we prepare and plan for our adventures in our National Parks, sometimes things go awry. Let us know if there's a way we can help. If reporting something, please provide us with contact information and date of incident.
- Did someone get hurt?
- Did someone lose something?
- Did you notice vandalism?
- Did you notice damage?