Winter in New York is a magical time — especially upstate. The land transforms into a gorgeous frozen wonderland! It’s one of the benefits of living in such a cold place. Sure, the chill is unbearable at times, but it also makes the most beautiful spots in the area more spectacular. Case in point: our state’s waterfalls. For a unique sight in the Empire State come winter, check out this frozen waterfall in New York!

Cohoes Falls is a must-see in New York. Located on the Mohawk River in the town of Cohoes, there is something so awe-inspiring about the waterfall.
Jiayin Ma via Getty Images
The falls are easily accessible, too. You can visit the four-acre Falls View Park, which is right on the street.
The massive Cohoes falls is the second-largest in the state.
Joe Cotroneo via Getty Images
The falls are a whopping 1,000 feet high. We can't even comprehend how massive they are.
But while we love seeing the falls at their mightiest, they're also fascinating to see come wintertime.
Lingbeek/Getty
All of New York's waterfalls are, really!
We all know winter in upstate New York is brutally cold — cold enough to freeze even the strongest waterfalls.
O World Of Photos/Flickr

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Suddenly, the gushing falls are transformed into frozen cascades of ice.
John WIlkerson/Flickr
This powerful frozen waterfall in New York is incredibly unique, thanks to its sheer size. Almost like a glacier!
Seeing the falls when they turn into blocks of ice feels like a totally different experience.
John WIlkerson/Flickr
It adds to the winter wonderland feel of upstate New York in the chillier months.
And all that ice makes the waterfalls particularly jaw-dropping during the spring.
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Once Cohoe Falls starts to thaw, it's a powerful, rushing rapid.
Regardless of the season, Cohoe Falls is a magical place to visit in New York.
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But there 's no denying that there's also something special about seeing a gorgeous, beloved place in a totally new way!

How do you prefer seeing Cohoe Falls? When the falls are frozen in the winter or in full force during the summer? Viewing from Falls View Park offers all the views you could hope for, and then some!

Please keep in mind that Falls View Park is not open in the winter.

For even more cold-season beauty, you’ll find PLENTY to ogle on some of the best winter hikes in New York (like even more frozen waterfalls!). Then, snuggle up (and thaw out) in this warm and cozy mountain cabin.

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Frozen Waterfall In New York

Jennifer | December 08, 2023

What are the best winter activities in New York?

It's no secret that Christmas in New York is truly spectacular. But winter stretches far beyond the holiday season, and New Yorkers are prepared with endless things to do in winter to keep cabin fever away - even when it's frosty outside! Our state parks and reserves are worth a visit year-round, with winter offering seasonal activities like snowshoeing and moonlit hikes.

For a unique experience in Lake Placid, this peaceful winter gondola ride lets riders soak up New York's snowy beauty without the chilly hike. Or, for some classic winter fun, our state's rolling terrain is seemingly made for snow tubing! Here are some of our favorite places to go sledding and tubing around New York. Then, take a hike to one of New York's best frozen waterfalls. The options are endless!

Are there any roadside, no-hike waterfalls in New York?

While we love a good trek through the trees, there are quite a few waterfalls in New York that don’t require any hiking at all! Niagara Falls is the most famous no-hike waterfall in the state, but there are also some lesser-known waterfalls you can see without even getting out of your car. To start, Bastion Falls be seen from the road, although you can also park a little ways past the falls and walk over to get a better view. A few other easy, no-hike falls in New York include:

  • Chittenango Falls
  • Hector Falls
  • High Falls Gorge
  • Ithaca Falls
  • Shequaga Falls

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Cohoes Falls, Cohoes, NY 12188, USA