Albany County Cities and Towns

City of Albany: The City of Albany's history can be traced back more than 400 years. From the 17th-century Dutch settlement Fort Orange, to being established as the official capital of New York State in 1797, there are tons of fascinating tales to uncover. Today Albany is known for rich architecture, an evolving culinary scene, world-class museums and more.

Town of Berne: Berne is located in the heart of the Helderberg Hilltowns. The town boasts the highest point in Albany County with West Mountain at 2,160 ft. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy John Boyd Thacher State Park, Thompson's Lake Campground, Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area Cole Hill State Forest. Also nestled in the town of Berne is maple syrup producer, Mountain Winds Farm. 

City of Cohoes: Located where the Mohawk River meets the Hudson River, Cohoes began as a quiet agricultural community. Following the construction of the original Erie Canal and Champlain Canals and due to the abundance of water power, the city experienced rapid growth as a manufacturing center. By 1870, Cohoes earned the nickname "Spindle City" with six large cotton mills running 203,000 spindles. Explore Cohoes Falls, Cohoes Music Hall, Van Schaick Mansion and more. 

Town of Green Island: Green Island is one of the tiniest towns in New York State. It is under one square mile in size and one of the few places in New York where the incorporated village and town have the same boundaries. Surrounded by the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, the town is comprised of three islands: Green Island, Center Island (now known as Starbuck Island) and McGill Island.

Town of Knox: Knox is the northern-most Helderberg Hilltown. During the 19th Century, Knox manufactured millions of handmade, basswood pill boxes and is nicknamed "The Pill Box Capital of the World". Explore nature at the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy's 135-acre Wolf Creek Falls Preserve, the Limestone Rise Preserve or the 245-acre Margaret Burke Wildlife Management Area. Part of John Boyd Thacher State Park and Thompson's Lake also extend into the town of Knox. 

Town of Rensselaerville: Rensselaerville is located in the southwestern corner of Albany County. Stroll down the historic Main Street, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to see the distinctive Rensselaerville Library and a 19th century grist mill. The town is home to the Carey Institute for Global Good, a 100-acre historic estate that has been transformed into an innovative space. Venture to the Huyck Preserve to marvel at Rensselaerville Falls and Lake Myosotis. 

Town of Westerlo: Westerlo has the largest population of the four Helderberg Hilltowns. Outdoor explorers can venture to the Bear Swamp Preserve, a National Natural Landmark maintained by the Nature Conservancy or Restifo Sanctuary, managed by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy. Westerlo is home to M & D farm, an idyllic barn and garden wedding venue. The town also recently celebrated 20 years of friendship with its sister city in Westerlo, Belgium!