The Friends of Cole’s Woods is a volunteer organization committed to serve the best interests of the Cole’s Woods located in both the City of Glens Falls and the Town of Queensbury, NY. The first lighted cross-country ski trails in North America opened in Cole’s Woods in December of 1971. A budget of $3,000 was put to use cutting brush and illuminating two kilometers of trails on the terraces of H
alfway Brook. At the trails’ opening dedication, the Adirondack Ski Club hosted the U.S. Ski Team and the venue’s first international race. Over the years the winners were American, Canadian and Norwegian Olympians. This event remained a popular stop on tour for nine years due to spectator interest and community enthusiasm. Despite heavy use, the two kilometer loop sufficed for seven years. In 1977 Glens Falls High School urged the city to acquire what remained of Cole’s Woods after Aviation Mall was built. A generous donation from Kaymr Inc., along with community development funds and a grant from the National Heritage Trail System, allowed for the purchase of 35 adjacent acres. The existing trail system was expanded from two to seven illuminated kilometers. A coalition of volunteers helped to grade and smooth the trail surface and improve the flow and cleanliness of Halfway Brook. Today, the trails continue to play host to several cross country ski races each year, along with mountain bike and running races and community events. The Cole’s Woods trails provide year-round recreational opportunities for young and old residing in the City of Glens Falls, the Town of Queensbury and many of the surrounding communities.
