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Verkeerder Kill Falls Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 441 Google reviews · Running trail in Cragsmoor, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Verkeerder Kill Falls Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Verkeerder Kill Falls Trailhead
“The trail is narrow and well kept, the vegetation is amazing and so are the views.”
“Sam's Point offers an unforgettable hiking experience with stunning trails that unveil breathtaking views.”
“The path is extremely well marked, you don't need walking sticks or special hiking boots, you can do it with basic sneakers.”
The trail overall is pretty easy the incline and decline isnt that bad. But keep in mind you WILL be in exposed sunlight most of the way. Also when your walking on it you'll have no way of knowing when your near the end of the path. It'll feel like your walking forever with no end in sight (it takes about 40 min).
This is a great State Park and a most amazing trail. I highly recommend you take the Ice Cave loop, but, beware it can be hard for elderly and pets. The trail is narrow and well kept, the vegetation is amazing and so are the views.
Overall a very beautiful hike, esp in the fall when its cool outside. However, the trail is dependent on how wet the weather is before (more wet, the better the view at the Falls) and having good grip shoes with waterproofing was a plus since many parts of the trail had standing water the day these pictures were taken.
It's a beautiful place to visit. The weather right now is perfect for it. First of all, make sure you arrive early because they have a very small parking lot and it fills up fast. The parking fee is $10 for the whole day.
Trail conditions & character
“I don't know if there was a path to see the waterfall from the bottom but being able to see the waterfall from up top was still an amazing view.”
“5 miles, one way, so unless you want to hike over 10 miles to do the loop, this would be an out and back trail.”
“First of all, make sure you arrive early because they have a very small parking lot and it fills up fast.”
“Really great hike that takes you up a hill to an expansive plateau with low lying vegetation.”
“Make sure to bring appropiate shoes because the trail to the waterfall is very, very long, rocky, narrow and sometimes even slippery.”
“The path is extremely well marked, you don't need walking sticks or special hiking boots, you can do it with basic sneakers.”
Plan your run at Verkeerder Kill Falls Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteparks.ny.gov
- Phone(845) 647-7989
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Cragsmoor
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve
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Highest point of a craggy range, with ice caves & cliffs, plus Lake Maratanza & a waterfall.
Ice Caves Trail at Sam's Point
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Hike-friendly area featuring ice caves with a boardwalk for exploration, plus mountain views and waterfalls.
Bear Hill Nature Preserve
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Scenic hiking area with a 1.5-mile trail leading to vistas and cliffs for climbing.
Verkeerderkill Park
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Family-friendly place for kids and dogs featuring trails, sports fields, pavilions and an ice rink.
Awosting Reserve
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Park offering hiking trails and opportunities to view lake scenery, including fall foliage.
Lippman Park
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Park offering a fishing pond, a playground, and picnic areas, plus mountain biking and hiking trails.