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DISTANCE: 3.4 miles TYPE: Out and back TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 250’ MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 1,800’ DIFFICULTY: Easy HIKING TIME: 1 hour |
The Vernooy Kill waterfall drops about 30 feet in four sections, with a series of pools making for an ideal summer visit. Indeed, due to the accessibility of the falls, you can expect to find a mix of families and hikers alike enjoying the falls all summer long. The creek and falls were named for Cornelius Vernooy, one of the earliest settlers in the Rondout Valley. About 250 years ago, Vernooy constructed the first gristmill in the region. Partial remains from one of Vernooy’s mills still stand near the falls.
GETTING THERE
Take NY-209 to Cherrytown Road, then head north. Cherrytown Road becomes Upper Cherrytown Road. Continue until Upper Cherrytown Road ends at Trails End Road/Sundown Road. Turn left. For the last mile, the road will be a rough, bumpy gravel road with very little space to pass cars coming in the opposite direction. Proceed slowly. The parking area is on the right.
GPS SHORTCUT
Type “Vernooy Kill Falls” into Google Maps and your GPS will navigate you to the appropriate trailhead.
THE TRAIL
Cross the road to the trail and follow the red blazes. The trail leading to the falls is easy to follow and largely level. An old woods road, it is also now designated as a snowmobile trail.
Cross a bridge immediately beyond the trailhead. Shortly after, you will see a clearing to the right of the trail with a makeshift camping area.
After a quarter mile, you will pass a blue-blazed trail to your right. Continue straight on the red-blazed snowmobile trail. The path will remain level and easy.
HIKERS ENJOYING A REFRESHING DIP IN THE FALLS
At an intersection of trails leading to other areas of Sundown Park, you will reach the falls. A wooden bridge crosses the base of the falls, offering an excellent straight-on view. Nearby is a tall stone wall, a remnant of the Vernooy mill. Two centuries ago, this area served as a crossroads where farmers brought their grain for milling.
