Unfortunately, we didn't go but we will next time for sure. The mountain views were gorgeous and the waterfall was spectacular. I was very disappointed, I hope they work on their parking lot system and give their staff some training on simple etiquette.

Bring water, snacks, and a backpack. These mountains are famous for their sharp cliffs and interesting landscape, and this hike showcases these features in abundance.

Trail was moderate to easy but very muddy and slushy conditions so used Yaktrax for most of the hike. Bring sunscreen if your making a day out of this hike.

There are supposed to be snakes along the trail, but we didn’t have the good fortune of seeing any. Nice trails, beautiful vegetation, to find the waterfall you need to turn right after crossing the stream , out it the trail to a natural balcony. Try to get there before noon during the summer and fall months as the lot seemed to be ready to fill up any second after we got there around 11. Had to do the loop around the lake. Of all the waterfalls I have seen - this one has no rail or any safety structures for hikers/ tourists. Make a right onto Sam's Point Rd and go to the end. Contact the business for more information about recent service changes.

It's another option but it's more difficult than Sam's Point and Verkeerderkill Falls Trails and requires 3h30min extra in total (if you are a fit hiker). Awesome hike to sam’s point with beautiful views. Very exposed trail with very little natural water sources so beware if you bring a dog. Live like a New York City local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events.

Parking remains open during the pandemic but please make sure to keep a distance from others and follow the safety health procedures. We left the car on I-52 and did the South Mountain Gully path. The waterfall was amazing after a few days of rainfall. Unable to park. Be sure you’re prepared to hike a couple of miles in direct sun.

overall, great scenic hike, enjoyed it. You may want to bring snacks or light lunch for when you arrive at the waterfall. There's also a way to go all the way down and look at it from the bottom (we saw people there) but the only way to get there is through the bushes down the slope - there's no trail. The winter is when the ice caves form, which are seriously unique and highly worth a visit. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. From Poughkeepsie take US-44 W and turn left onto Bruynswick Rd, then turn left onto Bruynswick-New Prospect Rd. And that is part of it charm and beauty - a corner of pure wilderness, right here, in NY.Have you ever stood on top of the falls right in the middle of the creek before it drops down? View are vast and impressive. Can’t really rate it because it was too crowded.

I got there early. The hike is worth it, even though the falls were dry that day. 41.669963, -74.361649 So it was a little too peopley for me. I loved the end you are on top looking at the waterfall. The view of the falls is just breathtaking. I normally do this route counter clockwise to avoid crowds, it starts off with the lake first and then towards Indian rock trail and then to the high points and finally and eventually making your way towards the waterfall.

Hike is impressive. Verkeerder Kill Falls is the highest waterfall in Sam's Point Preserve in the Shawangunk Mountains in the town of Shawangunk, Ulster County, New York.

Managed to wander onto a side trail and accidentally ended up hiking in some of the closed-off sections. foundation of shack. Please choose a different date.

By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to our use of cookies. 5 stars for the falls hike!

One of the few remaining in the world. Take Rt. Gorgeous scenery and a fun hike to reach the falls. Skipping the ice caves loop reduces the hike distances by about 1.2 miles] 1.5 – Ice Caves Loop Trail. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a rainbow in the mist of the falls. Claim your business to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! Turn right onto NY-52 W and follow for about 6.4 miles until you get to Cragsmoor Rd.

Click here to learn more or control your settings. Plenty of angles and areas but remember to be careful, their isn't any rails or guards and it's a long way down. Before you reach a view of the falls, cross the serene Verkeerderkill  Creek. Bathroom at Trail head. Ultimately it is a part of the Hudson River's watershed.

As you trek the trail, you will also pass the Verkeerder Kill Falls and the Old Berry Picker Shacks from the days when this area was known and harvested for its wild blueberries. For the most part it seemed untouched, and I think everyone there has been following this general maxim.DIFFICULTY CONSIDERATIONS: The hike to the falls requires an approximately 750ft ascent up a switchback trail, and then another 1.7 mile hike down (and roundtrip, back up) to the falls from the VerKeerderkill Falls trailhead. VerKeerderkill Falls are located in a remote part of the Gunks, thus remaining a unique wild wonder. All the trails are closed but beautiful area with lots to see. This was not a disappointment because this park of the park has so much more going on. [Option: If the ice caves are closed or to skip them and go directly to the falls, turn LEFT onto the Verkeerder Kill Falls (TEAL) trail instead. As you trek the trail, you will also pass the Verkeerder Kill Falls and the Old Berry Picker Shacks from the days when this area was known and harvested for its wild blueberries. Bathroom at Trail head. Good shoes would be a plus.

This hike will take you through the Sam's Point Preserve, owned by the Nature Conservancy.

41.67823, -74.35964. Wasn’t to hard or steep. After driving away for about 30 mins, we decided to return to the lot to see if we could wait around the area for a car to leave, or to at least ask additional questions. Ice caves and trail to waterfall still closed. The parking area also contains a pavilion where you can purchase a map and learn about the local geology and ecology, as well as use bathrooms and changing rooms. Be there early for guaranteed parking. Just make sure to wear good hiking shoes. We had read that this preserve had a lush tree canopy, but apparently there was a fire here a few years back.

The hike is not difficult, but it is memorable and well worth the time. The falls make it worth the trek. Ice Caves and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail Hike Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve This trail hike climbs to Sam's Point, with spectacular views, follows a narrow path through the crevices of the Ice Caves, and continues to Verkeerderkill Falls - the highest waterfall trail in the Shawangunks. A hike within the ice caves is about .6 miles but takes at least an hour. You will hike through a rare and endangered ecosystem, consisting of a Rare Dwarf Pitch Pine Barren. However, we had a moderate rainfall two days prior which might explain the strong running water and how clean it was. The waterfall may be viewed from the bottom or from the edge of a rocky outcrop; however, the only way to get to the bottom is to bushwhack. 41.67473, -74.36036. There are several great viewing areas around the falls, from looking pretty much right over the drop off, to side views to get a feel for just how grand everything is. Cabins.

Didn't make it to the lake because it started to thunderstorm. Hiked on 3/24/2020 during Covid Season on a day after a light snowfall however the weather was about 55 degrees and sunny.