The Plotter Kill Preserve

Nice nature reserve, and the waterfalls are great! the trails lead to a few different sight-seeing areas, with a nice creek that goes through the whole place practically. But watch out because there's dog doo-doo the three D's, and if you've got a dog, make sure to get them off the trail before they do their business, thanks.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNoPrice for adult entryFree

Many trails of varying difficulty wind through the forest and gorges of this nature preserve. Three large waterfalls and many smaller ones. Lots of spring wildflowers. Ice climbers are often seen on the 60-foot-high waterfall near the Mariaville Road end of the preserve. Trails can be very muddy, especially in springtime.

We were there at a time of drought so the waterfall was literally a trickle. The forest is lush and wonderful. The stream was amazing how it cuts through the layers of shale.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitPrice for adult entryFree

The Plotter Kill preserve is a nice wildlife area, not too far off the beaten from Albany. A comfortable walk to view the waterfalls and help you relax in peace and quiet.

AllTrails has this marked as “easy” but as an experienced hiker, I would say it is more moderate. If you go down the stairs, remember you have to climb back up somewhere. Used the red trail down to the creek bed , and wound up on the orange trail on other side of the gorge. Falls were dry, but the scenery is pretty. This is a carry in and carry out site and it was disheartening to see so many dog waste bags strewn about.

Beautiful trail and preserve totally worth the experience. Very relaxing, very clean.

Update 2022. Expanded parking area. New trail access added. Easy walk in for all trails now and great access for emergency responders. Fencing added to keep you from slippery trail edges. Great preserve. 4 waterfalls and some really nice hiking. 2 entrances, one on Mariaville Rd, the other on Coplon Rd. If you want to get to the top quick go from Mariaville Rd. If you want to see the bottom of the falls, go from Coplon Rd. Lots of small creeks and pools to explore with the kids. Find salamanders, frogs, crayfish and little fish with the little ones. Dog friendly but there are a good number of them so keep them leashed!

The outer trail was a bit muddy and seems like parts of it stay that way for most of the warm season, so wear boots and take a picture of the map like they recommend. We had to reference it a few times. No trash and the trails were marked well.

A look at the upper falls on the blue trail in mid-January. Photo assignment for @DailyGazette 1st time hiker too! Trail marked very well. Will be back for more!Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitPrice for adult entryFree

Nice short walk to see a beautiful waterfall.Visited onWeekendWait timeNo waitPrice for adult entryFree