New York · National Historical Park trail

Wilkinson Trail - Kids Tour - Station B, Part II

in New York · centroid 25 mi from Albany

[Sound of military drum playing "retreat" call.] (Narrator) As the British Army retreated north, their route was blocked about eight miles from the battlefield, in the Village of Saratoga, now known as Schuylerville. Trapped in a hastily and poorly built camp, [drumming ends] with little food and even less shelter, they were surrounded by the Americans and forced to surrender just a few days later, on October 17th, 1777. What role did the American victory in the Battles of Saratoga play in the American Revolution?

The Americans had very few victories in the early part of the war, making independence look nearly impossible. But the decisive American victory in the Battles of Saratoga greatly lifted American spirits and proved they had a real chance of winning the war. The next year, 1778, France declared war on England and joined the American Army in its fight against the British.

That assistance helped guarantee the independence of the United States of America. (Mary's voice) But what happened to our two guides? (George's voice) Yeah, what happened? (Narrator) Good question! George Williams was a real twelve year old boy serving with General Burgoyne’s army here in New York.

States: New York
Trail type: National Historical Park trail
Centroid nearest city: Albany, NY · 25 mi · ~45 min drive
Centroid coords: 43.0103°, -73.6431°

About Saratoga National Historical Park

National Historical Park

This trail is inside Saratoga National Historical Park, a national historical park managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Conditions, road status, trail closures, and reservation requirements are published on the park's NPS page — check it before driving in, especially in winter or during major weather events.

Official NPS trail page: https://www.nps.gov/places/wilkinson-trail-kids-tour-station-b-part-ii.htm

Park homepage: https://www.nps.gov/sara/index.htm

Plan your hike

Practical notes

Maps + permits: long-distance trails like this often require permits for through-hiking, backcountry camping, or specific sections (especially in National Parks). Check with the maintaining organisation listed above and the relevant land manager before booking travel.

Water + supplies: water sources vary seasonally on most U.S. trails. Carry a filter and consult current trail-condition reports — through-hiker journals (PCT-L, AT Reddit, etc.) and the maintaining organisation publish regular updates.

When to go: hiking seasons vary widely with elevation, latitude, and snowpack. Through-hikers traditionally start the AT in March-April (Springer northbound) and the PCT in late April (Campo northbound). High-elevation western trails (CDT, JMT, Wonderland) generally aren't passable until July.

If you've hiked Wilkinson Trail - Kids Tour - Station B, Part II and have current notes (water sources, trail closures, permit changes), tell us at /contact — we update pages as we learn.

Stay nearby

Affiliate · disclosed

Driving in? The nearest documented metro is Albany, NY — 25 miles away (~45 min drive). See accommodation in Albany on Booking.com → RoamFound earns a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. How we handle affiliate links.