Urban Hikers Climb The Approach
The Approach is the name for the set of granite steps connecting downtown Troy to RPI beginning on 6th Street behind the hotel that’s been renovated every which way to serve as a dormitory for RPI students. Urban hikers climb the steps and pause just below the EMPAC (Electronic Media Performing Arts Center), which grows on you after a time. There, on 8th Street, hikers are treated to a view that looks out as far away as the Heldeberg Mountains on a clear day. It’s a favorite trek for urban hikers, especially those who work in Sage’s communications department. At lunch you’re apt to come across an art director, media relations maven and trepid photographer huffing and puffing and sweating at the top and then continuing to climb higher onto RPI’s campus before winding down, around and back to the view beneath the EMPAC (Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center). The Approach was dormant for years but has been revitalized and reopened, serving as a footpath connecting 6th and 8th streets. Make sure if you get to the top you turn around and look out over Troy and beyond. And then turn back around and keep climbing.
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