The name Outlet Falls doesn’t scream something you’d think I remember, but the moment I saw the name, I knew where this waterfall was, and that was visiting it 10 years ago. Outlet Falls is in John Boyd Thacher State Park north of Albany. It’s one of the more memorable waterfalls in the park and for other reasons than just being a beautiful waterfall!
Outlet Falls and Mine Lot Falls are found on the Indian Ladder Trail, which sounds like a really cool name for a trail. And while there’s not a ladder (now), there are stairs that lead you down to view both falls. The reason I remember this waterfall so distinctly is that I’m not the biggest fan of taller sets of stairs. But I forced myself to go down and was glad I did. At the right time of year, the waterfalls are beautiful here. And I think one of the stairways is less problematic for people who might be scared of heights (like me). There is a set of stairways, one on each “end” of the trail.
One thing to keep in mind: The trail is only open from May to November and those dates can be based on the conditions of the trail at the time. I think this trail has a tendency to ice over in winter and sometimes that ice can hang around for a while. Slippery stairs aren’t a great thing either.
Directions:
- Honestly, looking at the roads here, it is one of the more complex set of directions, and could widely vary depending on where you’re coming from. I would suggest typing in the following address into a GPS to find the location of John Boyd Thatcher State Park: 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186
- NY-157 (Thacher Park Road) passes through the park. From what I read about parking, it may be best to park at the Visitors Center (the address above) and then head to the Indian Ladder Trail.
Accessibility: 7/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: ~100′
Length of Hike: 1-miles round-trip
Where in the World is Outlet Falls?
Waterfall Record 
Leave a comment