This Quiet Upstate New York City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
A former mill town in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Glens Falls is a true New York gem. This waterfront community on the banks of the Hudson River attracts outdoor adventurers and history hunters, eager to soak up its beautiful scenery and rich heritage.
Surrounded by waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and forest, the town is the perfect basecamp from which to explore upstate New York. It’s also one of the oldest towns in the region, founded in the 1760s by a group of pioneering Quakers. At that time, the community was known as Wing’s Falls for the Quaker leader, Abraham Wing, but Wing would later lose the town name in a bet with Colonel James Glen.
The region’s waterfalls provided the backdrop to James Fenimore Cooper’s classic novel The Last of the Mohicans, which is set in the Glens Falls area. They also gave the town its livelihood, powering its lumber, paper, and clothing industries. From these industrial beginnings, the city has grown to over 14,500 people, but it retains its quiet, historic charm as a welcoming community on the outskirts of some of upstate New York’s most breathtaking wilderness.
Exploring the Outdoors
One of the best ways to get to know the area around Glens Falls is on foot. Hikers will love the lush landscapes along the Hudson River, and there are plenty of trails in and around town providing picture-perfect views. The Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve is an 83-acre park with a network of hiking and biking paths with views of the river and its forested banks.
The Feeder Canal Trail is a nine-mile multi-use path that follows the original 19th-century canal route. The scenic walkway has plenty of benches and picnic pavilions so you can take your time, pack a snack, and sit awhile by the river.
For more incredible views, and to learn about James Fenimore Cooper and the history of the Mohicans, visit Cooper’s Cave Overlook. The cave, bridge, and scenic viewpoint have signage describing some of the area’s history and provide beautiful views over the town, river, and falls.
There are a number of parks and green spaces in town where you can take the family and enjoy games, a leisurely walk, or a swim. Visit Crandall Park to wander around Crandall Pond and meet the resident ducks. In the winter, the pond freezes over and becomes a popular ice skating spot. The park also contains a playground, a splash pad, frisbee golf, a pavilion, and an amphitheater, which regularly hosts live music and events.
Haviland Cove Park is a great location on a warm summer day, thanks to its sandy beach on the shores of the Hudson. As well as swimming and kayaking areas, the park also has several walking trails, picnic facilities, and playgrounds.
Lounging Lakeside
A short drive north of Glens Falls is Lake George, home to the beautiful Million Dollar Beach, which is open seasonally and has a swimming area and boat launch. Nicknamed "the Queen of American Lakes," this beautiful oasis is busy with boaters, kayakers, swimmers, and anglers during the summer months.
Moreau Lake State Park is also nearby. Open year-round, from sunrise to sunset, the park has boat and kayak rentals, cabins and cottages, and swimming areas. The 860-acre Big Bend Preserve lies within the park and has six miles of hiking trails that meander through mountain landscapes, forests, and along ponds and rivers.
Glen Lake, a two-mile-long freshwater lake, is just north of town and a popular destination in the warm weather months. There are boat and kayak launches dotted along the lake shore, providing easy access for those who want to enjoy Glen Lake’s calm and pristine waters. The lake is also known as a fishing hotspot and is well-stocked with chain pickerel, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch.
Downtown Glens Falls
Don’t leave Glens Falls without spending some time discovering its quaint and walkable downtown, which has over 70 buildings listed on the National Historic Register. These include the 1900 City Hall, a Neoclassical gem, the Gothic Revival-style Church of the Messiah, which was completed in 1865, and the First National Bank, built in 1914.
Discover some of the stories behind these buildings at the Chapman Museum, which has seasonal exhibits on the different eras in Glens Falls’ history, from the French & Indian War, through to the 20th century. The museum is open year-round but closed on Mondays.
If you get hungry while walking Glens Falls’ pretty streets, grab a bite at New Way Lunch, a diner with a very long history. Opened in 1919, this low-key cafe has been serving locals and visitors for over a century and closely guards its famous hot dog recipe. The restaurant also has an ice-cream shop, Angie’s Ice Cream, named in honour of a cherished employee who worked at the diner for 60 years.
Reconnecting with Nature in Tranquil Glens Falls
Life can get hectic, and sometimes the best vacations are a recharge and a reset. That’s exactly what you’ll find on a trip to Glens Falls. A timeless town sitting against the stunning backdrop of the towering Adirondacks, this is the place to reconnect with nature and learn about New York State’s rich heritage. Bike a century-old canal path, see the ancient landscapes that inspired James Fenimore Cooper, take a dip in one of the country’s most beautiful lakes, or simply wander the tranquil streets of historic downtown. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a longer break, consider Glens Falls for your next New York adventure.
