High Falls — Attraction in Town of Claverack

The way some reviews describe this, I half expected a concrete slab leading to a waterfall outlook. It wasn’t that. You still need proper footwear, you still need to watch your step, there are hills and a few slippery inclines. However, it’s almost all shaded forest trail, it wasn’t very muddy despite a good rain yesterday, and though I expected lots of bugs, especially near the water, I only saw one and it wasn’t the biting or flying in your face kind. I only saw one other hiking group the whole time. I found all 3 trails to be well marked except for the tiny section of West blue trail, where I didn’t see a single marker. There are big “trail stops here” signs too. The trail does continue past those but it’s at your own risk. I didn’t chance it.

I ended up hiking 2 miles the way I did it. My first pass, I went straight up the green trail and ignored all the side trails. This trail leads steadily uphill to the falls overlook. We had a good rain yesterday and the falls were outrageous, thundering, majestic. Watch your footing here, the viewing area is on a slope with a short flimsy fence at the bottom that would not stop you if you tripped into it.

I picked up the red trail on the way back. This loops back to the green trail. Mostly flat, it gets narrow but is still well defined. When it hit the green trail again, I backtracked to the blue trail. There is a steep shortcut between the green and blue trails but you don’t have to take it. Follow the green trail around the corner and the blue branches off to the left with the green continuing right and uphill.

The blue trail goes down to the Agawamuck creek(“creek of many fish”)and the base of the smaller falls. There is a bench at the end of the blue trail in front of the falls. This is a lovely spot worth the side trip. There is a shortcut between the lower and higher sections of the blue trail, nicely made stone steps.

Then I took the green trail back to almost the beginning where the small spur of western blue trail is. Now this is a steep slope down with some tree roots to use as “steps.” There really aren’t any trees to hold on to or anything so watch your footing. This little bit goes along the creek to an old mill if you go left and just up to the creek’s edge if you go right.

Overall, I’d still say it’s mostly easy and the waterfalls are insanely beautiful. Usually you have to work a lot harder to get to a...

ABSOLUTELY loved this super easy hike right near Hudson.

Came here right after a little walk in Hudson (of course during covid and while almost everything was shut down).

Thankfully, since people do keep their social distancing strong, this hike trail has remained open!

Really easy beginner/family hike that takes only like 20 minutes to get to the gorgeous waterfall views. You’re not allowed to swim but I don’t see why just dipping your feet in the freezing cold water on a hot day would be a problem ;)

Once you get to the viewing area (and follow the super easy map/trail/people) you can easily get to the bottom part where you can just hear the whole waterfall sounds and relax. Perhaps pack a picnic or some crackers and cheese and spend some time here to just meditate, people watch, take a nap, or relax. All of these work.

No restrooms in facilities so I guess you just have to stick to the natural ways or hold it til you get somewhere lol!

Loved this hike and can’t wait to be back! The tots amount was about 1.5 miles (very easy). Bring your kids, dogs and you’re sure to enjoy...

The first sign which greets you is one in the unpaved spacious parking lot which says that any car found after sunset will be towed without notice to the owner... ‘cause there’s nothing a lost hiker in winter needs more than to return and discover that his vehicle’s been stolen! Luckily the waterfall is not far off, maybe ten minutes hiking. There is an overlook fashioned with a fence so that you don’t gawk your way to a watery grave. There is a bridge with handrails, a cobbled staircase, some benches, and causeways spanning channels in the hillside through which spill-off runs in voluminous rivulets during torrents. At the trail’s entrance is an archway and a...