Emery Park is truly a hidden gem! I know that term gets thrown around quite a bit, but this park has earned this moniker. There are four genuinely breathtaking waterfalls within the park, which are all fairly easy to hike to. Astonishingly, this park isn’t on many people’s radars, making this off the beaten path destination truly special.
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Waterfalls
This park has the bragging rights of not one, but four stunning waterfalls. These are all impressive waterfalls that are each worth visiting. They each require a small amount of hiking to reach them, although nothing truly strenuous.
Emery Falls
Emery Falls is the easiest waterfall to locate as it is in the center of the park. Parking at the Baseball Field/Maintenace Building parking lots, and walk across the street toward the creek. Take the stairs that lead down toward the creek, and follow the trail to the pavilion in the distance. From here, visitors can see the top of the falls.
Use the footbridge to cross the creek above the falls and follow the trail along the far side of the creek. Keep your eyes peeled for a stone staircase on the side of the trail. This steep staircase will take you to the base of the falls for a stunning up-close view of Emery Falls.
Beware: The steps are extremely slippery due to moisture from the spray of the falls and the algae growing on the rocks from that moisture.
South Emery Falls & Harrigans Falls
South Emery Falls and Harrigans Falls are quite close to each other and are located on the Elizabeth Grove Trail at the far south end of the park. Follow the trail until it begins to loop back, this is where a spur trail will begin, following the gorge. South Emery Falls is the first waterfall encountered, continue hiking the trail another 200 feet to see Harrigans Falls. The ravine is quite steep here and you can get a good look at the falls without having to climb down. (I sincerely discourage anyone from trying to climb down into the ravine.)
North Emery Falls
North Emery Falls is located in the northmost portion of the park, at the very end of the yellow trail. This is another easy hiking trail; however, you need to watch the trail markers carefully. There are places where, if you aren’t paying attention, you can lose the trail.
This waterfall really makes a dramatic impression as it suddenly appears on the right side of the trail and becomes more visible the closer you get. There are several get spots along the trail to take unobscured pictures of North Emery Falls. The trail eventually leads to the very top of the falls, where visitors can look right over the falls. Be careful here; there is nothing to prevent people from accidentally slipping and falling over the North Emery Falls.
Hiking & Cross Country Skiing
There are numerous trails at Emery Park. In addition to hiking, cross-country skiing is very popular here. The trails are all, for the most part, relatively flat and easy to hike. This is a great place for beginning hikers.
Hidden Beauty within Emery Park
Emery Park has numerous structures, such as stone bridges and benches, on the property that are clearly quite old and add a lot of natural beauty and charm to an already magnificent sylvan setting.
An elegant stone and wood pavilion, the perfect setting for a wedding or a photo session, is located near the top of Emery Falls.
Other Park Amenities
If you are looking for a place to have a picnic or host a BBQ, this is the place! There are shelters and picnics area spread throughout the park. Many even offer privacy amongst the trees.
Summer Activities:
In addition to hiking and picnicking, Emery park has numerous tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball courts, paved bike paths, as well as the 18 Hole Black Diamond Disc Golf Course.
Winter Activities:
This park has the corner market for winter activities…Warm up to the cozy fireplaces at the ski lodge after snowmobiling on the marked trails, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing through the trails. There are numerous marked Snowmobile trails. Best yet…Magic Carpet for downhill skiing and snowboarding is open Wednesday-Friday 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM and Saturday/Sunday/Holidays 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM when conditions allow.
Getting to Emery Park
Address: 2084 Emery Road, South Wales, NY
