All Over Albany

Waterfalls to explore this spring

Spring is in full swing. The birds and frogs are singing, snakes and turtles are out sunbathing, wildflowers and new life are cropping up everywhere. It's great to be outside again, and spring just happens to be my favorite season for viewing waterfalls!

While we don't have a lot of snowmelt this year, we are certainly getting some great spring showers which help make waterfalls even more mesmerizing. Maybe you have already gone to check out the falls at Thacher Park, that's a great start. If you're looking for some different spots to go chasing waterfalls, here is a list to get you started.

As with anything like these waterfall sites, be sure to follow the posted rules and safety information. But you knew that.

Christman Sanctuary

A short and easy hike close to home! Take a peaceful walk through the woods along the blue trail at the Christman Sanctuary to the Bozen Kill. When the water is running strong after a heavy rain, you will be treated to a series of cascading waterfalls, each more beautiful than the last. The tallest of the falls here is 30 feet and spills into a perfect pool. There are two miles of trails in the preserve. 3281 Schoharie Turnpike, Delanson, NY 12053 - half an hour from Albany

Mine Kill Falls

The deep green Mine Kill creek tumbles down a narrow gorge creating the 80-foot Mine Kill Falls at Mine Kill State Park. You can hike the beautiful trails to the falls from the main parking lot, where you pass another lovely waterfall along the way, or simply park at the overlook a bit further down Route 30 and take the stairs down for a quicker viewing. The park offers additional amenities including playgrounds, disc golf course, swimming pool, and miles of hiking trails.
161 Mine Kill State Park North Blenheim, NY 12131 - an hour from Albany

After you're finished with the park take some time to explore Schoharie County. You can start right next door to the park at the Blenheim-Gilboa Hydroelectric Power Station, which has an interesting visitors center (and it's free). The fun and educational interactive displays show how power is made and used. Also on the property is a restored early 19th century historical home, Lansing Manor House, also free to tour.

Stuyvesant Falls

If you aren't a hiker but you still want to witness a waterfall, have no fear! Find your way to the hamlet of Stuyvesant Falls in northwestern Columbia County and you can catch a glimpse of impressive 70 foot Stuyvesant Falls, spilling out of the Kinderhook creek. A dam makes the falls seem taller than they are naturally, but I feel like this only enhances the sight. There are picnic tables and a town beach when a lifeguard is on duty in the summer months.
Lindenwald Ave off of 25A, Stuyvesant Falls - half an hour from Albany

Extend your day by exploring Columbia County after viewing the falls.

Lye Brook Falls

Follow the copper-colored Lye Brook just over two miles through the woods of the Lye Brook Wilderness on a moderately difficult blue-blazed trail. It's worth the effort to catch a glimpse of Lye Brook Falls, an more than 100 feet tall. Make sure you scramble up the narrow path to the left of the falls and catch the best view. Head back the way you came. located in the Green Mountain National Forest at the end of Lye Brook Access Road off of Glen Rd in Manchester, Vermont - just over an hour from Albany

Manchester is a wonderful town filled with interesting shops and restaurants. You can out the original Northshire Bookstore or the Manchester Design Outlets, and then grab a bite to eat at Cilantro Tacos after your hike.

Bash Bish Falls

The Bash Bish Falls on the left, the view back into New York on the right.

Who doesn't love a good record? Bash Bish Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Massachusetts! The Bash Bish brook falls 60 feet into a lovely little pool and you can sit right on the rocky shore to admire it. The park straddles the New York/Massachusetts state border and there's a parking lot in each state. If you park in New York in the Taconic State Park the walk is a longer, more relaxing path, and you cross the state border on foot. If you park in Massachusetts in Bash Bish Falls State Park the hike is only a quarter of a mile, but steep! Also on this side there is an amazing overlook back toward New York you shouldn't miss. Falls Rd, Mt. Washington, Massachusetts or Route 344 in Copake Falls, New York - about an hour from Albany

Tallest waterfall in New York State? Just in case you were wondering, Taughannock Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in New York at 215 feet. It's located in the Finger Lakes Region -- not too far from Albany for a weekend getaway!

Julie has got the travel-bug. Whether it's day trips, weekend getaways, or wandering around the world -- she's always up to something. Read more about her adventures at juliejourneys.com.

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