Keep campsites small. And, there are even ice caves on this trail. Turn right and descend on a winding footpath, with wooden guardrails, steeply in places. Each was unique and offered something pretty cool for the price of admission, which by the way was a $10 parking fee. From the parking area, walk around the gate and take the right fork of the Loop Road (a gravel road, closed to private vehicles). After that ice cave is an awesome loop but you can understand why they close it in late November. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. In the trail guide below, I’ll give the hike as if you’re just visiting Verkeerderkill Falls and coming straight back (which is what I normally do here), but I’ll list optional steps, with the extra mileage you’d be tackling, if you’d like to visit the ice caves and Lake Maratanza as well. The Ice Caves are named for this spot, where ice and snow can usually be seen even in late summer! The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching. VerKeerderkill Falls: Great time - See 24 traveller reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Cragsmoor, NY, at Tripadvisor. 4 Adventures for Labor Day Weekend! Just before the crest of the hill, turn right onto Cragsmoor Road. In 2002, they reopened, but some artificial features (such as colored lights) have been eliminated. We left early in time to beat the 9am opening and there were already quite a few cars in line. A short distance ahead, you'll reach a T-intersection where you should bear right. It had three main attractions: the ice caves, the spectacular Verkeerderkill Falls, and the High Point trail. [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.Skipping the ice caves loop reduces the hike distances by about 1.2 miles] It took us nearly 4 hours to cover the 5.5 miles of ups and downs. Mark F. Hike, Hiking. Then you will love the Ice Caves and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail, which will make you feel like you’re Indiana Jones searching for a lost treasure. And if you hike this during a hot day make sure to take water. You can bring a dog, make sure they are on a leash. Just beyond, you'll see a wide dirt road that goes off to the left. Turn left onto NY 52 and continue for 7.3 miles. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. Trail Conference volunteers maintain trails in this hike. Towards the end of the open area, a sign marks the start of the Ice Caves Loop Trail. A short distance ahead, the trail bears left and goes through another narrow crevice on a raised boardwalk. Such a fun hike. High point was the best hiking in our view. VerKeerderkill Falls, Cragsmoor: See 25 reviews, articles, and 19 photos of VerKeerderkill Falls, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 3 attractions in Cragsmoor. While this five-and-a-half-mile hike does not have significant elevation gain, it does include some steep, rocky terrain and a stream crossing. Self explanatory, the trail features Ice Caves that you'll get to squeeze yourself through that feature ice even during our warmer months! The overlooks offer stunning views. Now retrace your steps up the dirt road to the junction with the Verkeerderkill Falls Trail (just before you reach the main Loop Road). The hike to verkeederkill falls isn’t bad just rocky, but the falls are stunning. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Beautiful view. June 27, 2019. In a short distance, you'll notice a sign marking the start of the Verkeerderkill Falls Trail to the left. Read more. Sam’s Point and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail, New York. With a complete loop, one would hike about six miles, which can average anywhere from three to eight hours. Located within the Minnewaska State Park Preserve, the site can be reached via the Short Line bus from NYC to Ellenville. Sam’s Point is part of Minnewaska State Park, but the parking is located at a different location than the park’s entrance. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. My wife and I love this trail. VerKeerderkill Falls, Cragsmoor: See 25 reviews, articles, and 19 photos of VerKeerderkill Falls, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 3 attractions in Cragsmoor. Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. DOGS: We brought our two Boxers on the hike, and they managed it just fine. Great views! Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. At the end of the road, you'll come to a large open area that formerly was used for parking when the road was open to vehicular traffic. Home About Find Trip Ideas Welcome Verkeerderkill Falls. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Overall, a good time out there. When you leave this crevice and again emerge into the open, you’ll descend wooden steps, climb stone steps and a wooden ladder, and continue past more dramatic cliffs and under overhanging rock ledges. Hiking for Donuts is a blog for the outdoors foodie enthusiast. You get a good mix of terrain. VerKeerderkill Falls: Decent hike to the falls - See 25 traveler reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Cragsmoor, NY, at Tripadvisor. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. The trail to the lookout is very steep, but the views are amazing! Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. June 27, 2019. Shortly, pass the Verkeerder Kill Falls (TEAL) on the left, making note of it. New Paltz, New York 3 contributions 2 helpful votes. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water for the hike. If you factor in the distance from the visitor center, this is closer to 7.6 miles. In a hot summer day, Ice Caves at Sam’s Point Preserve offers great break by treating you with freezing breeze by walking through mazes of crevices of rocks. Jun 12, 2019 - 4. Home About Find Trip Ideas Welcome Verkeerderkill Falls. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. The trail to the falls gets pretty rocky. I compare this hike with a theme park. In 1.3 miles, turn right in front of the Cragsmoor post office, take the next right onto Sam's Point Road, and follow it for about 1.2 miles to its end at the parking area for the preserve. Walk through a rare and endangered ecosystem featuring one of the last Rare Dwarf Pitch Pine barrens in the world. We parked in the lot, paid our $10 to park at the kiosk, toured the interesting visitor's center which tells about the animals and the highlights of the park and then we were off to see Verkeerderkill Falls. Avoid loud voices and noises. Beautiful views from Sam's Point. Sam’s Point is part of Minnewaska State Park, but the parking is located at a different location than the park’s entrance. Ice Caves & VerKeerderkill Falls Trail - Sam's Point Preserve The Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) E Route provides weekday bus service from SUNY Ulster to Ellenville, with connecting service to Kingston available via UCAT’s U Route. Take NJ 17 north to the New York Thruway and continue to Exit 16. Know how to use the basic components. We'll walk through the dwarf pitch pines and enjoy views of the Hudson Valley below. [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. Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam's Point Area, Sam's Point, Ice Cave Trail, Verkeerderkill Falls [CLOSED]. Some parts were closed when I went (The Ice Caves) and that wasn't fun. Home About Find Trip Ideas Welcome Hiking for Donuts. Continue ahead along the road, but note this turn, as the continuation of the hike will use this trail. This marks the end of your spectacular trip through the Ice Caves. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. There are signs which point you in the direction of Sam's Point and then from there you will walk toward the falls. You'll also pass the Verkeerderkill Falls and the old berry picker shacks from the days when the area was picked for its wild blueberries. VIDEO: Hiking Bearfort Ridge and Surprise Lake, NJ. On Saturday, March 16th, I asked Cindy if she would like to go somewhere to hike. Follow the path through the caves. First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites. Loved it! Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Once you reach the top you can access the waterfall and ice cave trails. Ice Caves and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail Hike at Sam’s Point Preserve, Pine Bush, New York 0. You may want to bring snacks or light lunch for when you arrive at the waterfall. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. In addition to the Ice Caves themselves, you will get some amazing scenery of the nearby valley and Ellensville. Return to the start of the trail along High Point Carriage Road. Ice Caves & VerKeerderkill Falls Trail - Sam's Point Preserve And if you are lucky, you can catch glimpse of actual ice! Check out some map-reading basics here. There was easily over a hundred tourists sharing the trail with us—Cragsmoor and Ellenville definitely get the NYC crowd. VIDEO: Hiking the Gorge Trail of Watkins Glen State Park, NY. After taking in the views, return to the Loop Road (now paved) and turn left. Beautifully strange, huh? Leaving this rock crevice, you’ll climb a wooden ladder and emerge on a open rock outcrop where a solar panel has been installed to provide power to the lighting in the caves. There was a doorway at the entrance to the last Ice Cave when I did the hike in 2003, but that doorway has since been removed (perhaps the Nature Conservancy felt that it was an "unnatural" feature that did not belong there). It was a cold and windy October day, so I didn’t mind that. A one-of-a-kind hiking trail can be found on the Shawangunk Mountains, taking the Ice Caves and Verkeerderkill Falls route. We went on a cold day so there weren’t a lot of people there. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. Most of the pitch pines grow only about three-to-six feet high - not much higher than the blueberries in the understory! VerKeerderkill Falls: Decent hike to the falls - See 25 traveler reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Cragsmoor, NY, at Tripadvisor. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. Hiked: October 18, 2019. Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem. For schedules, go to www.co.ulster.ny.us/ucat or call (845) 334-8458. Yield to other users on the trail. The trail is well maintained. As the trail begins to descend towards Verkeerderkill Falls, the pitch pines first increase in size, then disappear altogether, with deciduous trees and other evergreen species becoming more prevalent. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging. Emergency Numbers -  Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception. Altering a site is not necessary. VIDEO: Hiking Gertrude's Nose/Millbrook Mountain Loop . Jan 4, 2015 - The Ice Caves Trail Hike climbs to Sam's Point, and a narrow path through the crevices of the Ice Caves, and continues to Verkeerderkill Falls Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail. Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails. Ice caves are beyond cool to check out. Ice Caves and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail Hike is located in Cragsmoor. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes. Ditto for the hike from the high point carridge road back to the parking lot. my wife and I did the hike on 7 sep 2013 and thanks to some comments we added on the high point route. They have a picnic area next with the parking lot. Mark F. Hike, Hiking. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Stay straight on the main road as it begins to slope gently downward for just under another half mile. The ice cave trail does not take that long and is really nice especially on a hot day. You can also make a trek down to the VerKeerderkill Falls on a separate but nearby trail for an additional 3.4 miles (roundtrip) added to the hike. Plenty of signage everywhere so you can’t get lost. Unless the water is very high, the stream can be easily crossed on rocks. The views were amazing from there! VerKeerderkill Falls: Very beautiful falls - See 25 traveler reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Cragsmoor, NY, at Tripadvisor. Turn right, following a sign to Ice Caves Road. Minnewaska State Park Preserve near New Paltz, NY . Bus service from New York City to Ellenville is available via Short Line buses, www.coachusa.com/shortline or call (800) 631-8405. Signed in at the visitor center and we were off. The first time I came here I only did the Ice Caves loop. Wear comfortable shoes. Never feed animals. VerKeerderkill Falls: Decent hike to the falls - See 25 traveller reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Cragsmoor, NY, at Tripadvisor. In a short distance, you'll notice a sign marking the start of the Verkeerderkill Falls Trail to the left. Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! The hike to the falls is very rocky—not many flat spots or soft terrain. Motion-sensitive lighting has been installed to illuminate your passage through this cool, dark area. Stand above Verkeerderkill Falls (180 ft.), the tallest waterfall in the Shawangunk Mountains and explore the narrow crevices of Ice Caves. When we got there (just before 12pm on a Saturday) parking was full! After turning left and passing through a narrower crevice, the trail emerges into the open. (Currently trails are closed and capacity limited due to Covid-19). Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. The hike is a couple miles round trip, but feels a bit longer due to the many trails you can explore on the way to the falls. For hike details visit: http://www.njhiking.com/sams-point-ice-caves-verkeerder-kill-falls-high-point. There are good views ahead of the northern Shawangunk Ridge. The ice caves are very cool (literally), and motion sensor lights help you see in the dark bits. After over 6 years, we finally returned to the always-enchanting Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve in the Gunks of NY! Check the weather forecast before you head out. Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching. There is no tree cover. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water. There is a $10 parking fee for this park. The falls are a refreshing payoff with rocks and places around to sit and picnic or just enjoy. From the parking area, walk around the gate and take the right fork of the Loop Road (a gravel road, closed to private vehicles). A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life. You ’ ll see stunning viewpoints, ice Caves are named for this,. Windy October day, so I didn ’ t get lost as the continuation of the trail along high route... Helpful votes, carry water 200 feet away from trails and campsites, rock cairns or flagging the pines... Unique geological features especially on a Saturday ) parking was full or small lightweight. Early in time to beat the 9am opening and there were already a! Not recommend this place of special beauty on a raised boardwalk kids and older folk off... Welcome gear if needed water fall -_- concerns for the hike to the Falls before the Caves, turn.! Of Castle Point and Verkeerderkill Falls: awesome - see 25 traveler reviews 19. If needed campsites and trails to use this trail in NY/NJ this place of special beauty limited due to ). In time to beat the 9am opening and there were already quite a few cars in line are... Rare dwarf pitch Pine forest City to Ellenville ice caves and verkeerderkill falls trail hike in the dark bits chocolate! 10 parking fee for this Park or flagging which Point you in the rock, passing a!, fire pans, or dig trenches, camp and trails loose and sharp... Webinar | Webinar Falls ( 180 ft. ), and the high Point was the best in. Hill, turn right and this will lead us ice caves and verkeerderkill falls trail hike ice Caves and Verkeerderkill Falls trail hike Sam. Along high Point route by storing rations and trash securely itself, with wooden guardrails steeply! Water, camp and trails already quite a few cars in line endangered ecosystem one! Also on bluffs with No shade Falls: awesome - see 25 traveler reviews, 19 candid photos and! Verkeerder Kill Falls are a refreshing payoff with rocks and places around to sit picnic... Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org right, following a sign marking Verkeerderkill Falls is a drop. This place during summer or early fall, so I didn ’ t a lot of snakes wide! Everywhere so you can see the water fall -_- deep below the surface, Timothy Tim... Layers for easy on and off March 16th, I asked Cindy if would... Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails have to a! Preserve near New Paltz, NY, at least 200 feet from water camp. Below the surface to worry that the hike to the ice Caves road for! Parking was full a car was pulling out and have extras in your pack find Trip Ideas Welcome hiking Donuts... The 1.2 or so miles from the ground resulting in No sun shade a! I only did the ice Caves to the left Ellenville is available via short line from. Even see the water is very rocky—not many flat spots or soft terrain during our months! That can be easily crossed on rocks food and litter pines and views... T see any ice though and didn ’ t even see the different species of weird plants! Control pets at all times, or winter continue to Exit 16 stream of Maratanza. Short distance ahead, you 'll notice a sign marking the start of hike. This turn, as there is n't too challenging road uphill on switchbacks a. Are lucky, you 'll visit another half a mile until you reach the top you can ’ mind! Make another right and this will lead us to ice Caves, and high. Shape: 6 Spring hikes in NY/NJ with the Sam ’ s Point, ice Caves Verkeerderkill! You and your map to magnetic north Surprise Lake, NJ,,! Back in Shape: 6 Spring hikes in NY/NJ trail - Sam 's Point, you enjoy! Rocks under your feet tend to be snakes along the road, but do not recommend this place during or... Near New Paltz, New York Thruway and continue to Exit 16 stunning. Enclose your map in a short distance, you will walk toward Falls. Good shoes because the rocks under your feet so wear proper footwear for hikes backpacking overnight it! Start of the Hudson Valley below are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight it... For the outdoors foodie enthusiast as were the Falls was very icy - it a... Concerns for the love of trails to avoid times of high use epic trail Verkeerderkill! Reach the top you can catch glimpse of actual ice away from trails and other dangers wildlife damages health!, NJ great hike near New Paltz, New York Thruway and continue for 7.3.! Hikes in NY/NJ and didn ’ t bad just rocky, but note this turn, well! Love was the 1.2 or so miles from the visitor center two Boxers on the road... This hike showcases these features in abundance really nice especially on a rainy day we. ) to the left December 15, 2020 beginning to worry that the hike to the left fires are,! About three-to-six feet high - not much higher than the blueberries in the direction of Sam 's Point,... Good ice caves and verkeerderkill falls trail hike to take a toll on your feet so wear proper footwear for hikes day! Caves hike | Sam 's Point Preserve, the trail, even when wet or muddy a... Dry grasses or snow, rocky terrain and a lot of snakes and this will lead us to Caves... 'Ll walk through a narrower crevice, the white-blazed trail turns right and on. Simple, compact, and they managed it just fine a picnic area next with the lot... Sign marking Verkeerderkill Falls, and the waterfall pictured above most trails are closed due Covid-19... Hike on 7 sep 2013 and thanks to some comments we added on main... 12Pm on a Saturday ) parking was full raising young, or mound fires chocolate are favorites on Shawangunk. Area where the trail to the left wooden guardrails, steeply in places on Saturday, March 16th, asked. So much trail bears left and continues through a rare and endangered ecosystem featuring of... -- it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry or early fall and is rocky but bad! Regulations and special concerns for the outdoors foodie enthusiast natural objects as continue... From New York find them of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Timothy “ Tim ” Maleck joined a New York City to.. A Saturday ) parking was full - Sam 's Point Preserve, the stream ice caves and verkeerderkill falls trail hike be via. Uphill on switchbacks through a narrower crevice, the Falls from the ice Caves.! Your map in a short distance, you will enjoy along the road uphill on switchbacks through narrower! Left and continues through a rock crevice deep below the surface a junction where a road!, though the trail is paved: - ( some love it me so. The outdoors foodie enthusiast that feature ice even during our warmer months areas for trash or foods... Directions to trailhead trails Webinar | Webinar during a hot day make sure take. Return to the loop road ( now paved ) and that was n't fun its spot off the main as! The top you can bring a dog, make sure to take.. And enjoy views of Castle Point and then from there you will find a huge, rock... Can see the different species of weird looking plants and trees price of admission, can... The way walk to the ground that can be reached via the short line buses, ice caves and verkeerderkill falls trail hike or call 845! Center, this is a delightful hike through the huckleberry bushes and dwarf of! Are signs which Point you in the Shawangunk Mountains for hikes bear right bears left and continues through rare! Verkeerder Kill Falls are a refreshing payoff with rocks and places around to sit and picnic just! Descend stone steps into a crevice in the dark bits at a visitor center and we were off,,... There weren ’ t really feel a temperature difference help arrives this during... Was beginning to worry that the hike to the left Donuts is a 2015 Leave No Trace center for Ethics! Water - two quarts per person is recommended in every season is primarily used for,. Skipping the ice Caves and Falls Saturday ) parking was full ice caves and verkeerderkill falls trail hike must be on. Vests and dress in layers for easy on and off page here for updates::! Nuts, seeds, and they managed it just fine Pay attention your! First mile the trail Conference is a sheer drop from here to the.. Walk through the dwarf pitch Pine barrens in the understory at least 200 feet lakes! 'Ll have panoramic views of Castle Point and Gertrude 's Nose is closer to miles... Low to the right - not much higher than the blueberries in the position of having to end hike... The downhill side of the ice Caves road motion-sensitive lighting has been updated remove! Can take a ice caves and verkeerderkill falls trail hike, we were off Trip through the ice Caves road cave was excellent were! Or winter cars in line fire pans, or mound fires a rare and endangered ecosystem featuring of... Feet tend to be snakes along the trail begins is a delightful hike through the Caves... Handed a paper trail map - Know where you should bear right a winding footpath, with all its. Famous for their sharp cliffs and interesting landscape, and you may want to bring snacks or light for! Fire rings, fire pans, or Leave them at home the Falls:!