Settled in 1795, Berne is flush with natural areas including Cole Hill State Forest, Fox Creek Park, Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area, and Thompson's Lake State Park.

There are a number of farms (see: the Alpaca Shack) and historic buildings to visit and explore. The Town Hall is located in a former boarding house, and you can tour the Berne Historical Society on its second floor.

In the early 1800s, Knox had 15 one-room schools. School House No. 5, located on the grounds of Thacher Nature Center, is on the National Register of Historic Places. During the 19th Century, Knox manufactured millions of handmade, basswood pill boxes, earning its "Pill Box Capital of the World" nickname.

Knox is home to Wolf Creek Falls Preserve, Burke Wildlife Management Area, and Knox Cave, and other natural spaces.

Formed in 1815, Westerlo has the largest population of the four Hilltowns and is named after Rev. Eilardus Westerlo. The town recently celebrated 20 years of friendship with its sister city in Westerlo, Belgium.

Recreation sites include Lake Onderdonk and Bear Swamp Preserve — a National Natural Landmark formed 13,000 years ago with the retreat of the last glacier. The interior of Bear Swamp supports a relic stand of giant rhododendron, the northernmost in New York State.

Settled in 1787, most of the town’s buildings are built in a Greek Revival style and date to the early 19th century.

See if you can find the hamlet’s seven historical markers and be sure to visit The Huyck Preserve and Ten Mile Creek.

Visit the “Rensselaerville Hamlet” page for more information.