Troy Waterfall Adventures

A Blend of History, Culture and Nature

By T.J. Kennedy

Nestled in the heart of Upstate New York, Troy is a city brimming with natural beauty and historical significance. Among its treasures are breathtaking waterfalls woven into its landscape, each with its own story to tell. These infamous tributaries were instrumental for the industrial development of Troy, due to close proximity to and flowing into the Hudson River. You can easily explore seven wonderful waterfalls around Troy, which are conveniently located within a 10-15 minute drive of each other, and spectacular sights to see after 10-15 minutes of casual hiking. With a bit of ambition and GPS navigation, it’s very possible to explore the falls in a single day. 

Troy’s waterfalls offer a connection to nature and the region’s industrial past via serene escapes. Listed in order from South to North, this article explores these cascading wonders, and the rich history and culture they represent. From the industrial legacy of the Wynantskill Creek to the serene beauty of Barberville Falls, each place offers a unique experience. Explore at your own risk.

RPI Tech Park Waterfall Trail – Located off Jordan Drive in North Greenbush, the RPI Tech Park Waterfall Trail is a quick hike open dawn till dusk. This trail, funded by the NYS Conservation Fund, offers a tranquil escape. These trails are considered moderately challenging, because of steep inclines, declines, and water crossings that require sturdy footwear. Terrain includes natural paths with rocky and uneven sections.

The main trailhead is near the WMHT Public Media building, with public parking lot available just past on the right. The trails offer two main routes, the Bloomingdale Brook Waterfall Trail, which is a 1.2-mile loop, and the Southern Waterfall Spur Trail, a two-mile out and back trail. The lands are managed by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in collaboration with local conservation groups and volunteers. 

Stow Hill Nature Preserve – Perched at the end of Maxwell Drive in South Troy, the Stow Hill Nature Preserve offers stunning views of the Hudson River. This natural escape offers a haven for hikers and picnickers. There is a one-mile loop that hikes south past the power tower and down to the riverfront and back up the stream. The Stow Hill stream has several waterfalls, and spur trails and extends up to NY Route 4. The unique vantage points provide views of the valley, with great sunrises and sunsets, and is ideal for watching wildlife. The Stow Hill neighborhood name stems from the Stow family farm, owned and operated by John Stow in the early 1800s.

Burden Pond Preserve and Wynantskill Creek – The Wynantskill at Burden Pond Preserve is a journey through history and nature. Hike up Mill St to Campbell Ave, and across to Wynantskill Way. Parking lots for Burden Pond Preserve are available on Campbell Ave, next to the laundromat, or Delaware Avenue, near baseball fields. This trail features several waterfalls that once powered the Burden Iron Foundry and other manufacturing plants in South Troy. The Burden Pond area, with historic dam systems, formed below the Upper and Lower Smarts ponds, and massive water pipes rusted into the hillscape offer a testament to Troy’s industrial past. There are roughly 2.5 miles of trails in this 43-acre natural area, comanaged by Hudson Taconic Lands, Dig the Falls, and the City of Troy. This trail system connects to nearby Staalesen Vanderheyden Preserve on Wynantskill Way.

Historical significance is highlighted in a local book “Wynantskill: Stream Small but Mighty” by Don Rittner, which covers its role in producing iron that supported the Union during the Civil War. The tributary’s name “Wynantskill” originates from early Dutch colonial settlers of Van Rensselaer Manor. The term combines “Wynant,” referring to a Dutch settler’s name, and “kill,” the Dutch word for “creek” reflecting a past practice to name geographic features after prominent local individuals or families.

Barberville Falls Preserve – Managed by Hudson Taconic Lands, Barberville Falls is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Find the trailhead and parking at 23 Blue Factory Rd in the Town of Poestenkill, a short countryside drive just outside the city limits. There’s also parking and trail access across from Brookside Cemetery. Barberville Falls, approximately 92 feet tall and 55 feet wide, cascade gracefully, creating a picturesque setting with trails and boulders along the creek. The preserve includes three main trails: the Falls Trail (0.25-mile), Creek Trail (one-mile), and Ridge Trail(1.6 miles), each providing unique views and steep descents.

The Barberville Falls Preserve spans 140 acres and includes a hemlock-northern hardwood forest and is home to diverse wildlife and spring wildflowers. Originally acquired by The Nature Conservancy in 1967, preserve ownership transferred to the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance in 2019, now the Hudson Taconic Lands in 2024. Visitors are encouraged to respect nearby private property, as part of the main waterfall is privately owned.

Poestenkill Gorge Park – Located on Linden Ave in Troy, the breathtaking Poestenkill Gorge is also known as Linden Park and Mount Ida Falls. Linden Park, which includes several trails and picnic areas across 65 acres, is named for the Linden Tree – known for heart-shaped leaves and cultural significance. Poestenkill originates from the Dutch phrase “Poesten Kil,” interpreted as “foaming creek” named by early European settlers. This majestic site boasts a series of dramatic waterfalls to remind of nature’s raw power. 

Top-down waterfall views are accessible curbside from Congress Street, between The Cookie Factory (yum!) and the Mount Ida Preservation Association historic church. The Poestenkill Gorge waterfalls consist of five distinct drops, totaling 175 feet from top to bottom and the highest drop of 30 feet. The gorge’s steep terrain and powerful water flow made it ideal for early industrial activity. Due to safety concerns, swimming or climbing near the main waterfall is strictly prohibited.

Piscawen Falls at Frear Park – This waterfall is accessible via Frear Park Rd above Bradley Lake, in Frear Park. This part of the Piscawen Kill historically contributed to the city’s water supply before the Tomhannock Reservoir was created in Pittstown. Bradley Lake and Wright Lake, named for the Frear Family that created the park, offers public fishing access. It was once dammed to create a reservoir system that supported Troy’s growing population and industrial needs in the 19th century. This waterfall is a serene feature tucked away in the sprawling 247-acre park, which connects natural beauty and historical significance. The Frear Park Conservancy helps maintain and enhance the park’s trail system spanning almost three miles, some of which are paved paths shared with the Frear Park Golf Course. This park is also home to a legendary sledding hill with expansive valley views.

Oakwood Cemetery Waterfalls – The meandering waterfalls at historic Oakwood Cemetery add a touch of tranquility to this historic site. There are two main waterfalls located at the southern end of the cemetery, flowing from Gould’s Creek. Established in 1848, Oakwood Cemetery spans 300 acres as a prominent example of the rural cemetery movement. Before public parks, rural cemeteries were eloquently designed to serve as peaceful retreats, blending natural beauty with commemorative purpose. Families visited for leisure, to enjoy the picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and distinct water features. 

Oakwood Cemetery is a cherished part of Troy’s legacy, with serene trails providing a unique connection to both history and nature. The two western entrances to the Cemetery connect to the Uncle Sam Bike Trail that follows an old rail corridor through the city. The Gurley Ave and Oakwood Ave entrances are accessible by vehicle, but the 101st St entrance gate is only accessible via bike and pedestrian use.

Here are a few of the many noteworthy Americans buried at Oakwood Cemetery: Uncle Sam (Wilson), the inspiration for the iconic patriotic symbol of the USA; Emma Willard, a pioneer in women’s education and founder of the Emma Willard School; General John Ellis Wool, a distinguished military leader who served in several wars during the 1800s; Henry Burden (Burden Preserve namesake), an inventor whose innovations revolutionized iron production; and Kate Mullany, a labor union leader and advocate for workers’ rights, particularly women in the collar industry.

T.J. Kennedy (tkenn56@gmail.com) is a nature enthusiast and community organizer with podcast “Upstate Parks and Rec” dedicated to outdoor recreation and environmental conservation in Upstate New York.