Rainbow Falls — Attraction in Town of Dix

So there are numerous names for locations within this Park that traverse along the same hike. I'm giving it 4 stars for two reasons the heavy traffic of people and the wear and tear of signs. For $10 parking entrance fee and 100's (maybe 1000's) of people coming in and out, you would think they would upkeep the information signs; some are worn, others are marked up with etch marks all over, which is what I guess people think is cool to do to natural area signs.

There is parking at the park entrance off the main street and if you follow the road up old corning rd (south entrance) this is another part of the park which is huge - many people were having picnics and gatherings. There is another road close to restrooms (where you enter to hike) which will lead towards the North entrance (approx 1.5 miles). There are also camping options here in the park too at a different nearby location.

There are two main options from the main road. I don't know the name of the other trail, although you'll likely take the Indian Road trail, which can lead you to some points to go down. From the South entrance, you can take the path to the couch's staircase, take the stairs down and walk North from there to experience all of the falls on the Gorge trail. "Lovers Lane" will likely be the first. Another route takes you to see "Lily Pond," which will take you to a bridge; you can still go towards the couch's staircase or cross the bridge to the Indian trail, then follow the path down to the Gorge trail.

The gifts and snacks areas were closed. There is a lot of stairs, and it can be wet ground and muddy in spots. The Indian river trail is quiet, has less traffic, is open, and passes most of the falls, there are some overlook points, yet the trail can have more mosquitos. There is a cemetery near the end on this trail too. You could essentially walk it to the North entrance, go down the stairs, and head back South. I think this would be best! Either way you go on Gorge trail, you inevitably reach a 1-mile point where you can circle back or walk to the north entrance/exit - you can take the "Indian River" trail back.

Finally, "Rainbow Falls" was the best, very cool! Yet the other features nature has carved out are magnificent too. Be prepared to have people walk in your photos, ahead of you into pictures, oblivious, etc. It's a waiting game, and some don't care about that, so that's fine too. You'll get great exercise and witness sights to see, with glee. Keep in mind, you will get slightly wet if you hang around rainbow falls but can walk past it without issues, too, if you don't stay under it. All this water, still bring some water. All in all, I think the NY Parks and recreation could manage it better, yet it's still worth it to see, and if you're into geology and nature's wonders,...

This nearly 150-foot high waterfall is a sight that should not be missed. Located about a mile west of the park's main entrance, just follow the popular 1.5-mile Gorge Trail through the 400-foot-deep gorge until you reach the famous Rainbow Falls and adjacent Triple Cascade. This Rainbow Falls is located in Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County, New York (not to be confused with the Rainbow Falls and Indian Head trail in the Adirondack Mountain Reserve).The park includes dense hardwood forests, beautiful views, waterfalls, three lakes and numerous hiking trails. The park is managed by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Park in the lower parking area and take the Mossy Glen Trail (yellow), which is almost an immediate left off the lower Carriage Road( corner of parking lot ). The trail hugs the Peters Kill for almost 2 miles. Follow the trail left and up to the upper carriage road and make a right. Follow the Carriage Road for about a mile and look for the orange blaze on the right for Rainbow Falls Trail heading downhill. Follow the trail a short distance for about a half mile to the base of the falls. Continue along the base of the falls following the orange markers UP the short rock scramble. Once at the top enjoy the view of the Catskills in the distance,Rainbow Falls is simply magical. Plummeting from the airy heights of the Great Range in the Adirondack Mountains, Cascade Brook has etched away at the heart of the High Peaks to form a miniature box canyon so narrow that it rarely sees complete sun. What results is a stunningly beautiful micro-ecosystem and one of nature’s most impressive and refreshing...

The Watkins Glen trails and Gorge trail are spectacular. Worth seeing if you are anywhere in New York, and often overshadowed by other sites like Niagara and the city. Couple tips: gorge trail is a LOT of stairs and climbing. If you a big ol' hoss or a chubby little rascal, might wanna pace yourself. We ain't carrying you out. Also, don't bring dogs on the gorge trail. It's posted but not overtly so, it is possible to miss the signs in the crowds like we did (and there WILL be crowds). That particular trail is not at all dog friendly which we discovered by accident. However, the park has several OTHER trails, the Indian trail and the south rim, which are much less crowded, much more doggie friendly and just as good a hike if that's your goal. Won't see the gorge much from up there, but the woods...