Day Trips from Albany
← All Albany day tripsDay Trips from Albany: Waterfalls & Swimming Holes
The best waterfalls and swimming holes within driving distance of Albany, NY. Dramatic cascades, hidden gorges, and swimmable falls that reward the drive. Trail info, drive times, and ratings included.
12 waterfalls near Albany
Awosting Falls
NY 12525, USA
Just 1 hr 27 min from Albany, rated 4.8 stars by 174 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Croton Gorge Park
Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
Just 1 hr 59 min from Albany, rated 4.8 stars by 5,104 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Chittenango Falls State Park
Cazenovia, NY 13035
Just 2 hrs 10 min from Albany, rated 4.8 stars by 2,855 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Griffin Gorge and Waterfall
Wells, NY 12190
Just 1 hr 33 min from Albany, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Salt Springs State Park
Montrose, PA 18801
Just 2 hrs 30 min from Albany, rated 4.7 stars by 1,003 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Huntington Gorge
Richmond, VT 05477
Just 2 hrs 59 min from Albany, rated 4.7 stars by 178 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
High Falls
Hudson, NY 12534
Just 43 min from Albany, rated 4.7 stars by 650 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Harriman State Park
Southfields, NY 10975
Just 1 hr 38 min from Albany, rated 4.7 stars by 4,643 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Enders State Forest
CT 06035, USA
Just 1 hr 42 min from Albany, rated 4.7 stars by 823 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Pixley Falls State Park
Boonville, NY 13309
Just 2 hrs from Albany, rated 4.7 stars by 658 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Fillmore Glen State Park
Moravia, NY 13118
Just 2 hrs 57 min from Albany, rated 4.6 stars by 1,196 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Bash Bish Falls State Park
Mt Washington, MA 01258
Just 1 hr from Albany, rated 4.6 stars by 1,070 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Day Trips from Albany
What are the best waterfalls near Albany, NY?
The best waterfalls near Albany range from roadside cascades to backcountry falls requiring a hike. Check the cards above for top-rated options with drive times and real visitor ratings.
Are there swimmable waterfalls near Albany?
Some waterfalls near Albany have designated swimming areas at their base. Always check current conditions and posted rules before swimming. State park waterfalls with established trails are generally the safest options.
How hard are the hikes to waterfalls near Albany?
Difficulty varies widely. Some waterfalls near Albany are visible from parking areas or short boardwalks. Others require moderate to strenuous hikes of 2-6 miles round trip. Check individual trail descriptions before heading out.
When is the best time to see waterfalls near Albany?
Spring (March-May) typically offers the highest water flow after snowmelt and rain. Waterfalls are beautiful year-round though. Winter ice formations are dramatic, and fall foliage framing a waterfall is hard to beat.
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