Waterfall Record

This is a portion of a waterfall with a rainbow.

The Waterfall Record

Mount Ida/Poestenkill Falls, New York

Mount Ida Falls, also called Poestenkill Falls, is a 46 foot / 14 meter tall waterfall in Troy, New York. There are multiple drops visible from this viewpoint. There is also a person sitting on some rocks viewing the falls up close.
Mount Ida / Poestenkill Falls in July 2014

Quick Facts

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 46′ (14 m)
Length of Hike: 0.2 miles (0.3 km) round-trip

The Record

For years, there was a lot of confusion surrounding Mount Ida Falls, also known as Poestenkill Falls, a waterfall hidden in a deep gorge in Troy, New York. For a long time, books and reports suggested the area was private property and visiting would be considered trespassing. However, when I visited on a trip in July 2014, I didn’t encounter any issues accessing the main overlook, adding to the mystery of its status. As of 2025, the situation seems to be much clearer. Poestenkill Gorge Park is now an established public space, and recent visitor reviews confirm it is open and accessible to all.

The transformation from a neglected, off-limits area to a city park is wonderful to see. The main viewpoint provides a great view of the main drop of the falls. What’s intriguing, and something you sense when you’re there, is that the falls are likely much taller than what is visible from this one spot. The gorge walls are steep, and the Poesten Kill creek continues to cascade and tumble downstream over other drops that are mostly obscured from view, meaning the total descent is significantly greater than what you can see.

This waterfall is a great example of an urban natural wonder. The sheer power of the water carving through the gorge is impressive, and its accessibility now makes it a must-visit for anyone in New York’s Capital Region. Exercise caution and common sense while visiting, though. If something seems sketchy, make appropriate choices.

Directions

  1. I-787 and US-4 run somewhat parallel to the Hudson River in Albany. Troy is on the east side of the Hudson, as is US-4. If you’re on US-4 near this area, head north toward Troy.
  2. Near the center of Troy, turn right onto Canal Avenue.
  3. If you’re heading east, Canal Avenue meets Spring Avenue. Turn right onto Spring Avenue.
  4. After 0.1 miles, turn left onto Linden Avenue. The entrance should be on the left. The falls view isn’t far from the parking lot.

Where in the World is Mount Ida/Poestenkill Falls?

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