Falling Water Preserve is a stunning destination for waterfall enthusiasts and nature lovers, featuring several waterfalls and access to the shoreline of the Hudson River in several places throughout the preserve. It is a fantastic place for hiking, offering a variety of trails and breathtaking scenic views. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this remarkable preserve.
Trails
There are three main trails at Falling Waters, each completely unique. We explored each of these trails and were in awe as we discovered astonishing beauty around every corner of this beautiful nature preserve.
Upland Trail (Red) -(0.89 miles)
This trail is handicap accessible.
We started exploring the preserve on the Upland Trail. This trail initially goes slightly uphill, but it is wide and flat (minus the gentle incline). It flattens out and is a lovely walk along a serene meadow. There are several handmade benches along the path where you can sit and enjoy the natural beauty of the meadow.
The larger of the preserve’s two waterfalls is located at the far end of this trail. It’s a beautiful waterfall, and the preserve has enhanced its scenic beauty with a rustic pergola and chairs. These are set up so that you can appreciate the falls from the best vantage point.
Riverside Trail (White) – (0.65 miles)
This path is a bit more difficult, not much, mind you. It is just narrower and has obstructions along the trail, such as rocks and tree roots, but it offers splendid views of the Hudson River and access to the shoreline. (Swimming is prohibited) This is a gorgeous trail with lots of great photo opportunities.
Father C. Jorn Trail (Blue) – (0.33 miles)
This is another flat(ish) trail that takes visitors to the other waterfall at the preserve as well as some amazing shoreline views of the Hudson River. This was my favorite part of the preserve. This trail also leads visitors to the remains of the icehouse. There is a loop trail here that runs along the water. You will find the path covered in Chinese Water Chestnuts along the water. However, walking up the back end of the loop, if you look carefully at the path, you will see old brinks in the dirt all the way up the trail.
The second waterfall, slightly smaller than the other, is just as beautiful and also has a pergola and seats set up. We visited when the falls weren’t at their fullest, but they were still stunning, especially with the setting sun shining through the woods behind them.
Getting to Falling Waters Preserve
Address: Dominican Ln, Saugerties, NY
Google Map Link
