Cover by Edward Smathers / All different pictures by John Haywood
Parks, towns, and hidden trails to waterfalls where you’ll have the ability to see life-changing cascades on the east and west sides of the Hudson River.
All along the Hudson River, streams and creeks have carved into the panorama as they descend from the mountains and hill towns to create hundreds of waterfalls. Some you can spot in well-liked Hudson Valley parks and cities, others on hidden trails, and a number of other from the comfort and security of your own automotive. With summer time in full swing, it’s a great time to plan for day journeys and adventures.
We’ll start on the east side of the Hudson River in Troy and transfer south, then proceed onto the west facet and again north, traveling through Rensselaer, Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Greene, and Albany counties.
Note: Check websites of parks and preserves talked about to substantiate which areas are open should you plan to go to. As always, please make sure to #leavenotrace should you go to any of those falls.
East Side of the Hudson River
Mount Ida Falls
Mount Ida Falls
The Narrows Cascades and Heritage Trail, an intensive five-mile urban trail system within the city of Troy, takes hikers past numerous waterfalls, together with Mount Ida Falls (also known as Poestenkill Falls). It measures a hundred seventy five toes from top to backside.
Directions: From Troy, at the junction of River St. and Federal St., head southeast on Federal St. for 365 ft and switch right onto fifth Ave. Make a slight left onto Hill St. after 0.8 miles. Continue zero.four miles to Spring St. and drive 0.2 miles. Turn left onto Linden Ave. and park in the parking space on the left in 0.2 miles.
Park and walk to the left and observe the trail right down to the falls.
Beaver Cotton Mills Falls
Beaver Cotton Mill Falls
The former web site of old mills on the Kinderhook Creek, this waterfall — also called Valatie Falls — is a year-round cease and is lighted at night time.
Directions: From Hudson, at the junction of Route 66 and Route 23B, head northeast on route sixty six for 3.1 miles. Turn left onto route 9H and drive 10 miles. Use the proper lane to bear right and take the ramp to Kinderhook St.
Turn left onto Kinderhook St. and drive 0.6 miles to Main St. Turn proper onto Main St. and continue for 0.4 miles where the parking lot shall be found on the right.
Park and observe the path to the falls. There is a viewing platform near Route 203 bridge that spans the creek.
Stuyvesant Falls
Another waterfall that when used to energy industry, this huge fall varieties with a dam working across the top and spans the width of the Kinderhook Creek.
Directions: From Hudson, at the junction of Route 23B and Route sixty six, head northeast on Route 66 for zero.2 miles to Graham Ave. Turn left and comply with Graham Ave for 0.2 miles, then turn proper onto Route 9.
Drive eight.3 miles and turn proper onto New St. Follow New St. for 0.1 miles to Woods Lane. Follow Woods Lane for zero.1 miles, crossing the bridge that spans the Kinderhook Creek.
After crossing the bridge, turn left onto Lindenwald Ave. and immediately turn left onto a dust highway for Stuyvesant Falls Park. Follow the street to a larger area and park.
To view the falls from the roadside, flip left onto Route 25A earlier than crossing the bridge. Park safely alongside the street. The falls shall be seen from a small park area with information about the falls and area.
High Falls
High Falls
Formed on the Agawamuck Creek within the High Falls Conservation Area, High Falls is the tallest waterfall in Columbia County, standing at a staggering a hundred and fifty toes. Just downstream, you can also discover Agawamuck Falls; another massive, however less dramatic waterfall.
Directions: From Hudson, at the junction of Route sixty six and Route 23B, head northeast on Route 66 for 1.5 miles. Turn proper onto Fish and Game Rd and continue for 3.8 miles to the intersection with Route 217. Turn left onto Route 217 and drive 1.4 miles. Turn right onto Roxbury Rd. and drive zero.2 miles. The parking area might be on the left.
Park and observe the trail from the kiosk. The primary trail will result in the overlook. The final strategy to the overlook is steep.
There can be a spur trail will lead right down to the creek just before the overlook. This unmarked trail passes by Agawamuck Falls.
Falls on White Clay Kill
Falls on White Clay Kill
This mid-sized fall forms on the White Clay Kill within the Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area.
Directions: From Red Hook, on the junction of Route 9 and Market St., head northeast on W Market St. for 1.8 miles. Turn right onto Route 9G and drive north for 3.four miles to Kidd Ln. Continue on Kidd Ln. for zero.8 miles.
There will be a parking space on the best after crossing the small bridge that spans the White Clay Kill. Park and cross the road and search for an unmarked footpath leading into the woods near the bridge. Follow the trail into the woods to view the falls.
Zabriskie’s Waterfall
Zabriskie’s Waterfall
A quick walk on an outlined path along the Sawkill Creek at Bard College takes you to the highest and backside of this fall. A second, bigger waterfall may be found farther down the creek, just before it meets the Hudson River.
Directions: From Red Hook, on the Junction of Route 9 and W Market St., head northwest on W Market St. for 1.8 miles. Turn proper onto Route 9G N and continue 0.9 miles.
Turn left onto Kelly Rd. then proper onto Annandale Rd. Stay right and proceed another 0.4 miles on Annandale Rd. Turn left onto Blithewood Ave. and park within the large lot on the left in 0.2 miles.
Park and walk to the south finish of the parking lot to search out the trail that follows a service highway. Bear right on the small building and follow the trail to the creek and falls.
There is a second large waterfall roughly 0.2 miles farther down, simply earlier than the creek reaches the Hudson River. Follow the trail along the creek to get there.
Falls on Crum Elbow Creek
This small waterfall types on Crum Elbow Creek beneath Route 9. To see this fall, guests must enter the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. The website is open year-round and provides gorgeous views and excursions.
Directions: From Poughkeepsie, on the junction of Main St. and East-West Arterial, head south on Columbus Dr/East-West Arterial for about 425 feet. Use the right lane to turn barely proper onto Church St. and continue zero.3 miles.
Make a slight proper onto Route 9 N toward Hyde Park and drive 6.6 miles. Turn left into the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. Follow the highway zero.5 miles to the parking zone.
Park and follow the street back right down to the small bridge that spans Crum Elbow Creek. View the falls from near the bridge.
Falls on Fall Kill
One might not suspect waterfalls in the City of Poughkeepsie, but one is instantly seen near the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum and elevator to the Walkway Over the Hudson. Visit the museum and/or the Walkway with the household after catching a have a glance at the waterfall.
Directions: In Poughkeepsie, at the junction of Main St. and East-West Arterial, head west on Main St. for 0.35 miles to N Water St. Turn right onto N Water St. and drive 0.2 miles. The falls shall be on the best as you cross the small bridge that spans the Fall Kill. Roadside parking, where permitted.
Dover Stone Church Cave Falls
Dover Stone Church Cave Falls
In Dover Stone Church Preserve, you will find this waterfall within a rock formation referred to as Dover Stone Church. The falls kind within a “cave” the place fallen rock has created an enclosed area with a small opening above. There is a tree-lined path that greets you on the park entrance and leads you to the picnic areas and the stream that flows from the cave entrance.
Directions: From Poughkeepsie, on the junction of Main St. and East-West Arterial, head south on Columbus Dr./ East-West Arterial for 459 ft. Keep left to proceed on Route 44 E/East-West Arterial. Drive two miles and maintain left to continue on route forty four E for 1.9 miles. Proceed on route 44 E for 9.1 miles.
Continue straight onto Route 82 S and proceed 1.9 miles to the intersection with Route 343. Continue straight onto Route 343 E for 7.eight miles to Route 22.
Turn right onto Route 22 S and drive zero.four miles to Mill St. Turn left onto Mill St. and park in the parking lot for Freshco 22.
Park and cross Route 22. Walk south to Stone Church Lane. Follow the driveway up a slight hill to search out the beginning of the trail.
Wappingers Falls
Wappingers Falls
This waterfall within the heart of city drops a total of roughly seventy five feet on the Wappinger Creek. Stop at di’Vine Wine Bar for a drink and soak within the view.
Directions: From Fishkill, on the junction of Route 9 and Route 52, head northwest on US and drive 4.four miles. Turn left onto E Main St. and proceed zero.5 miles.
Park in a space along the street and stroll to the bridge to view from overhead or to Market St. to view from the facet.
Fishkill Overlook Falls also referred to as Beacon Falls
Fishkill Overlook Falls
This waterfall (also known as Beacon Falls) varieties on the Fishkill Creek because it flows under Main Street in Beacon. View it from Roundhouse’s dining room, lounge, and grounds.
Directions: In Beacon, from the junction of Main St. and Route 9D, head east on Main St. for 0.9 miles. Turn right onto E. Main St. the place the falls will be to the left as you cross the bridge that spans the Fishkill Creek. Roadside parking, where permitted.
Tioronda Falls at Madam Brett Park
Tioronda Falls at Madam Brett Park
A fast .2-mile stroll along a pleasant path in Beacon’s Madam Brett Park brings you to these falls. Observe the mini-cascades in the falls and try to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife from one of many many viewing areas on the trail.
Directions: In Beacon, from the junction of Main St. and Route 9D, head east on Main St. for zero.eight miles. Turn right onto Tioronda Ave. and drive 1.1 miles to South Ave. Turn left onto South Ave. and proceed about four hundred ft the place the parking area and trail will be on the left.
Melzingah Falls
Melzingah Falls
A lovely waterfall set again in an open area with a large pool fashioned by the Melzingah Reservoir Dam.
Directions: From Beacon, on the junction of Main St. and Route 9D/Wolcott Ave., drive south on route 9D for 3.7 miles. There might be a dirt pull-off on the best and a small parking space with room for 2 to 3 automobiles on the left.
Drive slowly as you near the destination as it’s exhausting to see at first.
Falls on Foundry Brook
Falls on Foundry Brook
A couple of nice waterfalls, one seven toes and the opposite about 20 feet, kind on Foundry Brook, the waterway that flows through West Point Foundry Preserve. Take a nice stroll and hearken to messages along the interpretive audiovisual tour. Plenty of birds to observe here!
Directions: From Cold Spring, on the junction of Route 9W and Main St., head southwest on Main St. for zero.3 miles to Rock St.
Turn left onto Rock St. and drive 0.1 miles to Kemble Ave. Turn right onto Kemble Ave. and proceed 0.3 miles to the parking area for the West Point Foundry Preserve.
Park and comply with the path. You’ll come to an area where the stays of old buildings stand. The path will turn sharply left. Continue on the trail to observe the brook. A footpath leads past one 10-ft cascade after which the main ft falls under the route 9W bridge. Respect the posted signs close by.
Indian Brook Falls
Indian Brook Falls
One of the extra notable waterfalls in the Valley, Indian Brook Falls is a well-liked spot near the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary.
Directions: From Fishkill, at the junction of Route 52 and Route 9, head south on Route 9 for 9.5 miles. Turn right onto Indian Brook Rd and continue 1.4 miles.
Park on the left in one of the allotted areas and walk back up the highway to the place the bridge crosses overhead. Follow the path to the proper over the bridge that crosses the brook. Immediately after crossing the bridge, comply with the trail to the left upstream to the falls.Note: drive with warning on Indian Brook Rd as it is a slender, unpaved street.
Waterfall at Croton Gorge Park
This must-see waterfall varieties alongside the large New Croton Dam at Croton Gorge Park, a Westchester County Park. The dam, constructed between 1893 and 1907, measures 297 toes tall by 266 feet wide and stretches 2,188 ft end-to-end. The park is 97 acres with a playground, grills, and hiking trails — fun for the whole household.
West Side of the Hudson River
Cascade of Slid
Located in Harriman State Park, this waterfall varieties on Pine Meadows Brook. A one-mile hike takes you to the falls, or continue on the trail to the Halfway Mountain lookout.
Directions: From Highland Falls, at the visitors circle, head west from Route 9W onto Route 6/Palisades Interstate Parkway for two.eight miles. At the circle, flip onto Seven Lakes Drive and proceed 12.5 miles to the parking area for the Reeves Meadow Information Center.
Follow the red-blazed trail north till you come to the yellow-blazed trail. Continue on the yellow-blazed trail until you come to the white-blazed trail at a footbridge that spans Stony Brook. Keep following the yellow-blaze trail. You will come to Pine Meadow Brook. Cross one other footbridge over Pine Meadow Brook and follow the white markers alongside the northern facet of the brook.
The trail will turn out to be rocky and tough. Continue on this trail until you attain the waterfall.
Mineral Spring Falls
Mineral Springs Falls
Located in Black Rock Forest, this 60-foot cascade varieties on Mineral Spring Brook. A zero.3-mile hike along a well-defined path brings you to the base of the falls.
Directions: Take 9W south toward Cornwall to the Angola Rd exit. Turn left onto Angola Rd. and head west for 2.three miles. Bear left onto Mineral Springs Rd., then drive 1.3 miles. Bear left onto Old Mineral Springs Rd and park in the pull-off on the left near a green steel entry gate and dust path/road. Follow the trail on your left to the falls.
Marlboro Falls
Marlboro Falls
Standing at approximately one hundred ft, Marlboro Falls varieties on Lattintown Creek. The best view is from the outside dining area of The Falcon restaurant, the area’s premier live music venue.
Directions: From Newburgh, at the junction of Broadway and Route 9W, head north on Route 9W for eight miles. Turn right onto Dock Rd. and pull into the first parking area on the right, directly behind The Falcon. View the falls from the parking area.
Check The Falcon’s website for occasions, occasions, or restrictions that will impact the car parking zone, so you don’t intrude with their operations or waste a visit.
Walden Falls
Formed on the Wallkill River, this waterfall is the location of a dam and hydro-electric facility in Walden.
Directions: From Newburgh, at the intersection of Routes 9W and 17K, head west on Route 17K for about 10 miles to the intersection with Route 208. Turn right and comply with Route 208 for 2.7 miles. Turn left onto Main St. and proceed 0.3 miles to the bridge that spans the Wallkill River. The falls might be seen to the left. Park in an open area along the road and consider the falls from the bridge.
Awosting Falls
Awosting Falls
The 65-foot centerpiece waterfall at Minnewaska State Park varieties on the Peters Kill. Downstream you can find a number of different waterfalls similar to Sheldon Falls and Peters Kill Falls.
Note: groups over 25 should keep a group allow to enter the park.
Directions: From New Paltz, at the junction of Main St. and Plattekill Ave., head west on Main St. for zero.3 miles. Continue on Route 299 for five.8 miles, then turn right onto Route forty four E. Drive 4.5 miles and switch left onto Old Minnewaska Trail. Immediately flip right and observe to the parking space.
Park and comply with the highway again to pick up the trail to the falls.
Waterfall at John C. Burroughs Nature Sanctuary
Found on the end of a zero.1-mile hike, this 25-foot waterfall is greatest visited in wet climate or early spring.
Directions: From Esopus, at the junction of Old Post Rd. and Route 9W, head south on Route 9W for 2 miles. Turn right onto Park Lane and drive zero.three miles to Floyd Ackert Rd. Turn right onto Floyd Ackert Rd. and continue 0.7 miles, then flip left onto Burroughs Dr. Park in a designated area. The waterfall is discovered near Slabsides.
Shaupeneak Ridge Falls
Waterfall at Shaupeneak Ridge Park
This 30-foot cascade forms on an unnamed stream at Shaupeneak Ridge Park. Follow the white trail to the purple trail on a average hike of zero.7 miles.
Directions: From Kingston, on the intersection with Ulster Ave., head south on Route 9W for 10 miles. Route 9W will make a zig-zag so make certain to follow the signs to stay on it.
Turn proper onto Old Post Rd. and drive zero.2 miles to search out the parking space for Shaupeneak Ridge Park on the Right. The park closes at 6 p.m. and the gates to the parking zone are locked at the moment.
From the parking area, comply with the white-blazed trail until you come to the intersection with the purple-blazed trail. Take the purple-blazed trail to the waterfall.
Cantine Falls
A waterfall (also often known as Diamond Mills falls and Esopus Creek Falls) that’s capped by a dam, this one sits in the heart of Saugerties just before the Esopus Creek joins the Hudson River. View it from the Route 9W (and Route 32) bridge and Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern. In the 19th century, the dam was a supply of energy for Saugerties businesses.
Directions: In Saugerties, at the junction of Market St. and Main St., head northeast on Main St. about 480 ft to Partition St/Route 32. Proceed zero.4 miles and turn left into the parking lot for Krause’s and Diamond Mills.
Park and stroll to the sting of the parking lot by the river to view the falls.
Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls
The iconic 260-foot multi-tiered Kaaterskill Falls forms on the head of a gorge on Spruce Creek in Hunter and was the subject for artists and writers for lots of of years. Dating again to the Hudson River School and Thomas Cole, Kaaterskill Falls’ popularity continues to develop at present.
Two trails lead to views of the falls: one upper, and one lower. The higher trail leads to a lookout, and a zero.1-mile trail that leads all the way down to the waterfalls. The zero.6-mile lower trail starts next to the roadside large, Bastion Falls, and follows the creek up to the base of the falls.
Directions: From Catskill, at the junction of Main St. and Bridge St., head west on Bridge St. for zero.7 miles. At the intersection with Route 9W/ Route 23A, continue straight onto Route 23A and drive thirteen.2 miles. Turn proper onto N Lake Rd and proceed 1.eight miles to Laurel House Rd. and drive to the top the place a parking space shall be on the best.
Park and observe the trail down to the overlook or to the trail to get the bottom area of the falls.
Follow the same instructions to achieve the decrease car parking zone, which might be on the left after crossing the bridge that spans Spruce Creek. Bastion Falls will be visible on the proper as you navigate the hairpin turn. Use warning walking along the highway as there isn’t much room.
Hannacroix Creek Falls
A half-mile hike at the Hannacroix Creek Preserve in New Baltimore leads to these cascading waterfalls.
Directions: From Coeymans, on the junction of Route 9W and Mountain Rd. drive 0.3 miles to Route 143/Main St. Turn onto Main St. and drive another zero.7 miles. Turn right onto Westerlo St. and proceed zero.4 miles.
Turn proper onto S. Main St./Route 144 and drive 0.eight miles, where the parking area shall be on the right.
Cohoes Falls
This 90-foot tall large spans the width of the Mohawk River in Cohoes. The falls are viewable from Falls View Park, via a lookout above or from riverside.
Directions: From Albany, on the junction of State St. and N. Pearl St., head northeast on N. Pearl St. for 0.3 miles. Turn proper onto the ramp for I-787 N and proceed 9.4 miles.
Continue straight onto New Courtland St. for 0.2 miles then onto N Mohawk St for zero.8 miles. The parking area will be on the left.
Park and cross the highway to the park entrance.
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