Cohoes
Small mill city north of Albany with the second-largest waterfall in New York — genuinely dramatic and mostly overlooked.
Cohoes Falls with old mill buildings visible along the Mohawk River
Why people stay in Cohoes
Cohoes sits at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers, about 10 miles north of Albany. It's a small city of 17,000 built around Cohoes Falls — a 90-foot waterfall that is, by volume, the second-largest in New York State after Niagara. Downtown Cohoes is a few blocks of 19th-century commercial buildings, some restored, some not, along Remsen Street. There's a decent theater (Cohoes Music Hall) and a few restaurants.
Most Capital Region locals haven’t seen Cohoes Falls, which is a small crime because it's genuinely dramatic — especially in April with spring runoff. There's a free overlook park with a viewing platform. That's the reason to come. For a stay, Cohoes is a functional small city — cheap chain hotel, a couple of restaurants, quiet at night. Suits budget travelers with a car, and anyone who values a $99 room over a walkable neighborhood.
Small inventory — one or two chain hotels near Route 9 and short-term rentals in the residential streets. $99-140 a night. Best rentals are along Vliet Boulevard and in the streets near Falls View Park. Avoid stays south of Ontario Street — you’re closer to the industrial edge. If you’re specifically here for the falls, book anything within a mile — the whole city is small.
What to see
Hotels in Cohoes
Getting around Cohoes
CDTA bus 85 or 22 from downtown Albany to Cohoes, about 25 minutes for $1.50. From Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak, Uber $18. From the airport, drive 15 minutes or cab $22. Inside Cohoes, walking works within the downtown core and to Falls View Park. Beyond that a car helps. Free parking everywhere. The bike trail is genuinely useful if you brought or rented a bike.
Questions about Cohoes
Yes, especially in spring runoff (April-May) or after heavy rain. 90 feet tall, second-largest in New York. Free overlook park, small parking lot at School Street. Ten minutes from downtown Albany. Most locals have never seen it — go on a weekday morning and you’ll be alone.
58 Remsen Street in downtown Cohoes, a 15-minute drive from downtown Albany. Restored 1874 opera house, 500 seats. Small national touring acts and regional productions. Check schedule at the C-R Productions website.
