This was my first time here, and I traveled the Mullet Brook Falls trail, following the instructions on the trail sign board at the entrance. The instructions are easy to follow, I took a picture of them to use along the way, but the trails are very clearly marked, so that was great. There are some parking spots available at the entrance, for probably less than 20 cars. Which was fine for me because while there were some cars occupying some of the spaces provided, there were also a few spots left from me to choose from. I'm not sure if these trails ever get very busy, though.
Shortly after passing the gate towards the trails, you will see a lock box under a sign with all the trails listed on it that says 'PLEASE REGISTER'. Pull the lever up, and you will find a large green notebook and pencil inside, intended for hikers to sign. It will ask for information such as: their names, where they're from, their phone numbers, how many people are in their group, their length of stay, which trail they'll be hiking on and there's a check-box you can mark off on your way back to record that you've completed your hike. I LOVE this! Especially because theres very little (in random spots) to absolutely no cell service in this area. I have been on a couple of trails that offer this, but not many.
Speaking of no cell service - on the trailhead sign board before the entrance, there is a QR code on the bottom right you can scan to download Avenza Maps to your phone. I definitely recommend doing this! Then, download the free map for Neversink. It really helped me on my hike, as I did get a bit lost on my way back, and it worked with no service.
I would say this trail is moderate. There are some flat and easy to walk sections, but there are also a lot more rocky and steep areas. You have to do a bit of light climbing a time or two and walk across some rocky parts to get through a few creeks. This trail is beautiful and, at times, slightly challenging, but worth it! I wouldn't recommend bringing small children on these trails, or at least not on the Mullet Brook Trail, lol.
The waterfall wasn't very large, but it was worth the hike. You can sit on some huge rocks pretty close to the falls and relax (swimming is NOT permitted!). I was able to sit close enough to feel a nice breeze from the falls - it...
Read moreAbsolutely beautiful. Have been there several times this summer taking different trails. We always park by Katrina Falls road. Sneakers are a MUST. There are no paved or wooden walkways, only dirt and rocks. These are hiking trails, don’t bother to bring your bike or stroller. There are no bathroom facilities, water fountains, or trash cans at all, so prepare and bring plenty of water and make sure you bring your trash back with you. Pay attention because there’s 4 different yellow trails leading to different parts of the river. Someone has put up signs telling you which trail they are, but when we first went, there were no signs at all. As for the trails: Mullet loop to Mullet falls then back up the shorter way (red loop): 4.5miles, several downed trees we needed to climb over The falls are beautiful lots of rocks to sit on, and you can get wet, but it’s not deep enough for swimming. When we went it was very crowded and nearly impossible to socially distance. Yellow trail to the river near Denton falls (the 2nd yellow): about 3 miles round trip- very nice walk, small area once you get there, but perfect for swimming. Yellow trail to Denton falls (3rd yellow) about 3.7mi round trip. The trail to the falls was treacherous. Huge mud pit that was nearly impossible to cross without stepping in mud up to your ankles (even with no recent rain) Trying to go up around the sides was very difficult because it was steep. We saw other hikers who were clearly not prepared and were wearing flip flops, so removed them and went barefoot through the mud, only to have their feet and legs covered in leeches. The falls themselves were tiny and the rocks slippery. But it was was pretty. I won’t be doing that trail again. Yellow trail to High falls (4th yellow): about 8 miles round trip. Gorgeous scenic route, tiny bit of mud right near the falls, but easy to cross. Definitely worth the trip. Huge area once you get there, good for swimming or dipping your feet while you eat your hard earned lunch. It took us about 4.5hrs round trip (not counting the time we spent at the falls) but we had a 9 year old and a 7mo pregnant woman in our group. Make sure you head out early because it gets really dark really fast in the evening on the way back. I haven’t done the first yellow trail to the river yet. If I do,...
Read moreNeversink Gorge is an excellent, if somewhat challenging, place to hike and enjoy nature. The main attractions are the three waterfalls: two low ones on the Neversink River and one high one on Mullet Brook. The manager, New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation, calls this land the Neversink River Unique Area and you want to print out the map available on their website. This spot, at the end of Katrina Falls Road, is one of five easy-to-find parking lot and trailheads. It offers the closest access to the river but the small lot fills up fast. Two somewhat less-congested trailheads are off Wolf Lake Road and offer the closest access to Mullet Brook Falls. The lot just off the road is open year round, while the better south lot down a gravel road is closed in winter. On the east side of the river, Mullet Brook Loop and its waterfall is a fairly short hike. It can be combined with a steep descent to Denton Falls. To reach High Falls requires a long trek and you should start early in the day for this out and back. If you're seeking more solitude, I suggest skipping the waterfalls and hiking on the west side of the river from the Cold Spring Road or Fish Hatchery Road trailheads. They were recently joined by a connector trail. They also reach the river after fairly long, but mellow hikes. The rough terrain here is tough without hiking boots or sneakers. Bring a paper map and compass as there is little cell phone reception. Biking and skiing is not recommended in most of the area east of the river given the terrain, but dogs are welcome. The trails west of the river are...
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