Discover Cohoes
20 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Cohoes Falls at Falls View Park
Iconic waterfall on the Mohawk River, second widest in NY State, with dramatic vistas from upper and lower park viewing platforms. Historic info boards, walking trails, and a 192-foot footbridge offer diverse angles for photographers. The falls are especially impressive after rain and during golden hour.
Cohoes Falls Overlook Park
Adjacent to Falls View Park, this elevated vantage point offers a more panoramic, overhead perspective of Cohoes Falls and the Mohawk River, with less obstruction. Less crowded, ideal for tripod work and wide-angle compositions.
Cohoes Music Hall (Cohoes, NY)
Although not in Troy, this nearby music hall is a historic venue with a rich atmosphere, perfect for capturing live performances and architectural details.
Cohoes Harmony Mills National Historic District
A striking complex of 19th-century textile mills with dramatic red brick, arched windows, and industrial charm. The largest woven cotton mill complex in the world when built. The canal-side setting and reflections in the Erie Canal add visual interest.
Cohoes Downtown Historic District
Quaint downtown with well-preserved late 19th- to early 20th-century buildings, vintage facades, and colorful murals. Bustling on market days and during local events, offering street life and architectural details.
Cohoes Fall Foliage Overlook (Hudson Shores Drive)
A quiet residential street with elevated views of the Mohawk Valley, especially vibrant during autumn. Offers panoramic seasonal color and river vistas.
Cohoes Falls Heritage Trail
A riverside trail connecting the falls area to downtown Cohoes, offering varied views of the Mohawk River, industrial relics, and riparian vegetation. Features interpretive signage and resting spots.
Cohoes Industrial Waterfront
Industrial relics, historic mills, and waterfront infrastructure along the Mohawk River. Offers gritty, authentic urban decay and industrial landscapes.
Cohoes Aqueduct Park
Features remnants of the historic Erie Canal aqueduct and interpretive displays. The park blends ruins, greenery, and water features—ideal for historical and nature photography.
Cohoes City Hall
A handsome, Classical Revival-style municipal building with a prominent clock tower, grand staircases, and historic detailing. The grounds include mature trees and seasonal plantings, ideal for architectural and urban greenery photography.
St. Bernard's Church (Cohoes)
A grand Romanesque Revival church with a soaring steeple, stained glass, and ornate stonework. The surrounding neighborhood and gardens add context.
Cohoes Niagara Mohawk Power Substation
An Art Deco industrial structure with geometric patterns, bold lines, and retro typography—unique for utility architecture. Daytime offers clean lines; creative night lighting adds atmosphere.
Cohoes Neighborhood Street Art & Murals
Scattered throughout downtown and side streets, these murals range from historical tributes to contemporary art. Each offers a unique, photogenic backdrop for street and environmental portraits.
Cohoes Public Library
A Carnegie library with elegant Beaux-Arts styling, marble entryways, and stained glass. The reading rooms and period details make for quiet, atmospheric interior shots.
Cohoes Local Farmers' Market
A lively, seasonal market showcasing local produce, crafts, and street food. Offers vibrant color, candid portraits, and documentary street photography.
Cohoes Veterans Memorial Park
A well-maintained urban park with war memorials, flower beds, and mature trees. Provides a quiet, contemplative setting for portraits, seasonal color, and memorial details.
Cohoes Main Street Bridge (Saratoga St)
A small, historic bridge crossing Cohoes Creek, with views of the creek, old mills, and the urban fabric. Offers intimate waterscape and industrial context.
Cohoes High School Clock Tower
A local landmark with a distinctive clock tower and Collegiate Gothic styling. The school grounds and surrounding neighborhood offer context for architectural photography.
Cohoes Falls
A picturesque waterfall on the Mohawk River, offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Cohoes Creek Plaza
A revitalized urban plaza with sculptures, seating areas, and seasonal plantings. Hosts community events and markets, offering lively street and candid photography opportunities.