About Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail
The Barn Quilt Movement started in Adams County, Ohio in 2001, when Donna Sue Groves placed a painted quilt square on a barn as a tribute to her mother's quilt-making, as well as their Appalachian heritage. This grassroots folk art movement has since spread to most of the 50 states and into Canada. The Barn Quilt Map has more information.
Barn Quilts are quilt patterns, either traditional or custom-designed, painted on boards which are mounted on barns. They may also be installed on other farm buildings, houses, businesses, fences, or posts. They generally range in size from 3'x3' to 8'x8' and are usually square or rectangular.
Barn Quilts are quilt patterns, either traditional or custom-designed, painted on boards which are mounted on barns. They may also be installed on other farm buildings, houses, businesses, fences, or posts. They generally range in size from 3'x3' to 8'x8' and are usually square or rectangular.
Quilt Barn Trails are self-driving tours that pass by barn quilts in an area. The trails are usually managed by a steering committee, which may be a municipal or community group. The trails celebrate rural architecture and quilt-making while promoting local tourism.
Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail (HQBT) passes through the Helderberg Hilltowns of Berne, Knox, Rensselaerville, and Westerlo in western Albany County, New York. The Hilltowns, as their name denotes, are villages in a hilly, rural region known for its scenic vistas. Unlike other trails, HQBT does not rely on corporate or municipal financial support. The barn quilts are made or commissioned by the owners, who proudly display them on their property. The trail was co-founded by John Elberfeld and Jane McLean in July 2013. Learn how to join the trail here. Download a guide and map here.
Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail (HQBT) passes through the Helderberg Hilltowns of Berne, Knox, Rensselaerville, and Westerlo in western Albany County, New York. The Hilltowns, as their name denotes, are villages in a hilly, rural region known for its scenic vistas. Unlike other trails, HQBT does not rely on corporate or municipal financial support. The barn quilts are made or commissioned by the owners, who proudly display them on their property. The trail was co-founded by John Elberfeld and Jane McLean in July 2013. Learn how to join the trail here. Download a guide and map here.
Liability Clause: By participating in or traveling on any part of Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail (HQBT), visitors agree to take responsibility for their own actions and to hold harmless Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail, its committee, or HQBT barn quilt owners against any claims, liabilities, or losses.
Guidelines for enjoying your tour:
[1] We ask that you respect the private property of our barn quilt owners. Unless you're at a public place, such as Thacher Nature Center, please remain in your vehicle.
[2] Drive carefully. There may be farm machinery, farm animals, or woodland creatures on the road. Use extra caution on our hills in wintertime.
[3] Park carefully. Many roads have minimal or no shoulder, so pull over as far as you can and put on your hazard lights if you wish to stop and take photos.
[4] Barn quilts on our trail are visible from public roads. If a road is marked "DEAD END," feel free to drive along it until you come to the barn quilt, then turn around there.
[5] Many of our farms are "working farms," which means they are private businesses, not petting zoos or parks. You may say "hi" to the farm animals from your vehicle, but don't attempt to pet them. Be mindful of electric fences and poison ivy.
[6] The beautiful Helderberg Hilltowns are rural and have limited services, so be sure you have gas in your car and cash in your pocket!
[1] We ask that you respect the private property of our barn quilt owners. Unless you're at a public place, such as Thacher Nature Center, please remain in your vehicle.
[2] Drive carefully. There may be farm machinery, farm animals, or woodland creatures on the road. Use extra caution on our hills in wintertime.
[3] Park carefully. Many roads have minimal or no shoulder, so pull over as far as you can and put on your hazard lights if you wish to stop and take photos.
[4] Barn quilts on our trail are visible from public roads. If a road is marked "DEAD END," feel free to drive along it until you come to the barn quilt, then turn around there.
[5] Many of our farms are "working farms," which means they are private businesses, not petting zoos or parks. You may say "hi" to the farm animals from your vehicle, but don't attempt to pet them. Be mindful of electric fences and poison ivy.
[6] The beautiful Helderberg Hilltowns are rural and have limited services, so be sure you have gas in your car and cash in your pocket!