Keep in mind that waterfalls can run dry at Thacher State Park, so visit during a wet time in the season to see the waterfalls at their best.
Thacher State Park visitor’s center is located at 830 Thacher Park Road in Voorheesville, New York. Voorheesville is just west of Albany.
The park features cliff faces, rock slopes, woodlands, and open fields. There are sports fields, as well as playgrounds and hiking trails. Recently, they added a new adventure course with 15 zip lines and aerial games.
The park has a visitor’s center with a gorgeous view, picnic facilities, restrooms, and a long slide with some other natural play elements.
The picnicking facilities below the visitor’s center feature a gorgeous over view of the valley below. There’s an upper deck with chairs and a lower space with picnic tables.
Beside the visitor’s center is the trail head of the popular Indian Ladder trail. This trail is moderately difficult, but short. It includes some steep drop offs and metal stairs. However, it contains two amazing waterfalls.
The trail is a little less than a half mile long. It begins with some wide steps that lead to the first set of metal stairs.
The first waterfall has a steep drop, and you can walk behind it. It is best viewed after a rain storm, as we visited right after thunderstorms rolled through the area.
After carefully crossing behind the first waterfall, continue on the trail to reach the second, bigger waterfall.
The second waterfall has more space behind it to admire the waterfall and the view of the surrounding area. After enjoying this waterfall, we headed back on the trail to the visitor’s center.
In addition to the hiking, there is also a an overlook with parking right beside it. The park also features a traditional playground and pavilion rentals.
Looking for more beautiful state parks in New York?
Check out Letchworth State Park, Stony Brook State Park and Watkins Gen State Park.
