Rensselaerville Lower Falls

Albany County, New York

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Albany County, New York
Access status: Free nature preserve; short walk to the lower footbridge
The walk: About 0.1 mile one way to the lower footbridge
Ground & access: Easy creekside path with crushed stone, boardwalks and handrails. Do not swim or play in the falls; rocks are slippery.

The lower falls is the bottom tier of Rensselaerville Falls on Tenmile Creek in the Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve. The lower 35 feet form a staircase cascade that slides under the lower footbridge. Just before the stone bridge over Tenmile Creek in Rensselaerville, turn at the small white E. N. Huyck Preserve sign and follow the gravel lane to the kiosk. From the lot, follow the Falls Trail along the creek flats to a narrow wooden footbridge with a head-on view of the lower cascade. Cross the bridge to see mill ruins and continue to the middle and upper overlooks if you like.

Plan your visit

Huyck Preserve lot behind the white Mill House off NY 85 (Delaware Turnpike) in Rensselaerville, red and yellow Falls Trail to the lower footbridge

NYFalls gives 0.1 mile from the trailhead to the lower bridge, and 0.5 mile one way to all three overlooks.

Easy creekside path with crushed stone, boardwalks and handrails. Do not swim or play in the falls; rocks are slippery.

Where to start

Gravel lot just past the Preserve entrance, room for 20 or more cars. NYFalls gives the address as 5053 County Road 353, Rensselaerville. The Preserve says parking is limited.

Timing & water

The Preserve says trails are open from dawn to dusk year-round. NYFalls says flow is highest in March and April.

Before you go

The Preserve says admission is free to walk and hike the trails. Dogs must be leashed.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore New York

Waterfall location

Albany County, New York.

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