Are you interested in exploring nature in the Albany, New York area? If so, you should add the following waterfalls to your list of day trip activities. You’ll discover that some of the waterfalls are viewable from your car, while others require a short hike. Either way, grab your hiking shoes and water bottle, and let’s go!
Barberville Falls
I lived 27 miles from the Barbersville Falls Preserve for 20 years. Yet, I’d never heard of the location until recently. Strange, considering the falls rise to 92 feet! In May 2021 two of us took The Falls Trail from the main parking area to the bottom of the falls. As we started out, we descended quickly via a steep set of stairs and a windy, rocky path. Apparently, you can see stoneworks of an unfinished mill project along the trail, but we were too focused on the falls. They are a sight to behold! Overall, the trail is approximately .09-miles round-trip through a hemlock-northern hardwood forest. Note: the trail can get quite steep, covered with roots, and muddy in areas.
Location: 23 Blue Factory Rd, Poestenkill, NY 12140 Hours: Dawn to Dusk Fees: Voluntary Donation Rating: Moderate (Short hike but steep)
Bozenkill Falls
It’s been eight years since I visited the falls at the Christman Sanctuary, but recent visitors rate it highly. I remember hiking for about an hour or approximately 2-miles through a hardwood forest. The trail can be muddy, but you will be treated to views of small falls, and trees of locust, spruce, cedar, and red and white pine. In the right season, you’ll also spot wildflowers on the side of the brook. The main waterfall drops 30-feet before plunging into the pool below, so bring your camera!
Location: Blue and Orange Trail Loop, Christman Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, 3281 Schoharie Turnpike, Delanson, NY 12053 Hours: 8am to 5pm Fees: Information not Available Rating: Easy
Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls form a 15-foot block cascade flowing from the Tomhannock Creek. Viewable from the road as you drive by, they make a nice day trip for those not able to hike or walk a short distance. You won’t find formal parking, but you can idle just after the bridge to enjoy the view. (There’s a small footpath leading down to the water’s edge, but trespassing is prohibited). Today, the falls are located on private property. In the past, the public was able to gain access. Not much is known about the history of the falls except that the first American gothic novelist, Ann Eliza Bleaker, lived nearby. Note: These falls often dry out during summer.
Location: 95 Buttermilk Falls Rd, Schaghticoke, NY 12154
Cohoes Falls (via Overlook Park)
You may remember learning (in your history class) about the history of Cohoes. Cohoes Falls is the site where the Iroquois Confederacy was founded. In 1811 Cohoes joined the Industrial Revolution when the Cohoes Manufacturing Company became the first large industry in Cohoes to use the power of the Mohawk River and Cohoes Falls. Today, take just a few steps from your car via two locations to view the impressive, thundering falls.
We parked our car in a small lot by the “Cohoes Falls” entrance and quickly gained an impressive view of the historic, natural attraction. Cohoes Falls is the second-largest waterfall in New York state. The impressive site measures 1,000 feet across and with a vertical drop of 60 feet. Note: You can also see the falls via Falls View Park just up the road from the Cohoes Fall entrance. It involves a .5 mile walk, but it is also a great way to see the falls and hydro dam.
Location: Overlook Park, North Mohawk Street, Cohoes, NY 12047 Hours: Open 24 hours Fees: Free Rating: Easy
Mine Lot Falls **Indian Ladder Trail Closed as of June 2021
The Indian Ladder Trail to the falls (in John Boyd Thatcher Park) is currently closed as of this writing. In addition, the trail is closed between Nov 16 and April 30 each year. When open, the hike to the most popular waterfall in the park offers views of caves, ledges, and beautiful vistas during an easy-to-moderate 0.5-mile point-to-point trek. (Visitors must descend 60 ft to the base of the escarpment via a staircase.) Thacher State Park itself is located along the Helderberg Escarpment, which is said to be one of the best fossil-bearing formations in the world. Check the park site and linked map for openings and closures, since there are about 20 small waterfalls in the park.
Location: Thatcher State Park, 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186 (Park your vehicle in section “V” of the map.) Hours: 7 a.m. to dusk. Fees: $6
Considerations
- Always check for updates on the waterfall location website before departing
- Stay on developed trails and observation decks
- Watch your footing on both dry and wet rocks
- Don’t climb waterfalls
- Never jump into plunge pools
- Use caution when taking pictures
- Follow instructions posted at all waterfalls and trails
Nearby Waterfalls
Willing to travel a little further? Just 75 miles north of Albany lies Shelving Rock Falls. It’s glorious, cascading waterfall reaching. 50 feet. Check out our video here:
Photo Credits
Ruschtotheoutdoors (Including Cover)
Waldacc (Bozenkill Falls)
References
General History: Cohoes, New York
The Nature Conservancy: Christman Sanctuary
USA Cities Online: Schagticoke
Resources
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