Tucked Between Albany And Syracuse Is An Underrated Village With A Picturesque Waterfall And Swimming Hole

When you think of the Empire State, you may imagine iconic places like Manhattan or The Hamptons, but venture upstate and you will discover some of the state's best-kept secrets. Here you will come across awe-inspiring mountain ranges brimming with outdoor adventures, as well as beautiful lakes with crystal clear waters. This region is home to picturesque villages, one of which is ideally located between the state capital of Albany (54 miles away) and Syracuse (92 miles away). The quaint town of Canajoharie is just as intriguing and exotic as it sounds. 

Located within the Mohawk Valley between the Adirondacks and the Catskills Mountains, Canajoharie is a haven for natural wonders, historical sites, and cute stores, making it well worth visiting if an upstate vacation is calling. Fly into Albany International Airport (less than an hour away), rent a car, and you can enjoy the freedom to explore this beautiful village and the surrounding areas, with multiple state forests on your doorstep. Still, the true highlights lie within the village. 

The village's riverside location accentuates the charm of this already appealing destination, and Riverfront Park is a stunning place to soak up the views. While the town doesn't have classic hotels, it does feature many unique Airbnb accommodations. One incredible option is a 1830s converted carriage house located in the heart of the old town, offering easy access to fascinating attractions. If that doesn't sound delightful, we don't know what to say.

You don't have to venture far out of Canajoharie to discover one of the region's best-kept secrets. The Boiling Pot, less than a mile from the historic centre, is undoubtedly the village's standout feature, and it is hard to deny how delightful it is. Aptly named, given its resemblance to "a pot of boiling water", this swimming hole is located within the rocks and has nearby falls for a little aesthetic excitement. While the water looks inviting, it is worth noting that it is relatively deep, and only experienced swimmers should attempt to swim here. In addition, some say there is a no-swimming rule here, so always abide by the local rules. 

Canajoharie — the name means "the pot that washes itself" — has plenty more natural attractions to enjoy. Travel just 2 miles down the Canajoharie Creek (which is a wonder in its own right) and you will come to the Wintergreen Park and Falls. This is a go-to spot for hikers looking to explore the Canajoharie Gorge, with plenty of trails that are "well marked and easy to follow," according to Tripadvisor, and the spectacular 40-foot Canajoharie Falls are the cherry on top. Visitors can embark on a short trail to a viewing platform that overlooks the falls. It doesn't get much better than that.

The natural landscape of Canajoharie is a natural wonder in itself and is believed to be one of the reasons the Mohawk people were drawn to the area. In the village, there is also access to the Mohawk River, which is popular for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. 

Within Canajoharie, you'll have no shortage of things to do, from museum hopping to browsing the area's best local stores. The village has a rich history, and one of the best places to start your exploration is at the Arkell Museum, which showcases artworks and historical information about the Mohawk Valley and its people. There is also the Van Alstyne Homestead Museum, the oldest museum in the region and one of the village's oldest surviving structures. To dive deeper into the village's history, you only need to take a walk around the historic district, which is packed with buildings that tell the story of Canajoharie.

Canajoharie was once served by the Erie Canal, upstate New York's 524-mile canal waterway, along with the West Shore Railroad, which helped to put the small village on the map. You could easily wander around the old town, marveling at the sumptuous architecture, a diverse collection that includes Greek Revival, Italianate, and Tudor Revival. 

You will notice that many businesses are located within historic buildings, and marvelling at the unique storefronts is a fabulous activity in Canajoharie. When it comes to dining, you won't have any problem finding a good eatery, but check out The Village Restaurant for some delicious local bites with a smile. The village also boasts an Irish pub, which serves hearty dishes and great beer.