The hike to OK Slip Falls is three miles, and might feel like a long way to hike just to see a waterfall, but OK Slip Falls isn’t just any waterfall; it is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Adirondacks. This beautiful piece of paradise has only been accessible to the public since 2014. Before that, this area was private, and very few people visited these spectacular falls located in the Hudson River Gorge Wilderness Area.
The Trail
The trail to the falls is approximately 3 miles long and varies in difficulty throughout the hike. We visited after a downpour and found that a large percentage of the trail was muddy. There are swampy areas where walking paths made of wood blocks and boards have been laid over the water. The trail is rough and uneven due to the tree roots spread out along the ground, and they are slippery when it rains. The path doesn’t appear like it is straight downhill, but let me tell you, it feels that way on the return trip. The surrounding woods are breathtaking, especially in the autumn when the dazzling array of fall colors decorates the forest. At points during the hike, red leaves carpet the ground.
There is a trail registry at the beginning of the trail. I highly recommend that you sign in. The DEC checks these registries, and in the event that something should occur while you are hiking (such as getting lost or injured) and you don’t check out, it will prompt them to search for you.
The trail is listed as easy to moderate, which I agree with when it is dry. However, when the path is wet and muddy, it makes it just a tad more challenging to navigate. This hike isn’t horribly strenuous, but it is 6 miles round trip, so it isn’t for the faint of heart. Make sure to prepare for a long hike by bringing water and wearing proper footwear. It felt like we were hiking forever before we finally reached the falls, but once we reached them, it all felt worth it.
The Falls
At 250 feet tall, OK Slip Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Adirondacks. This waterfall is the quintessential wilderness waterfall. The way the water flows from the top of the mountain and streams in a perfect bridal veil surrounded by a majestic forest is magnificent. This waterfall is the type to appear on the cover of National Geographic or an inspirational poster.
Other Things to See
If you have extra energy and ambition, you can keep hiking past the falls and reach the Hudson River; however, this stretch of the trail is not groomed and is more strenuous. Three ponds can be reached from this trail system, Ross Pond, Whortleberry Pond, and Big Bad Luck Pond. Keep in mind that you will have to hike back 2.3 miles to the split in the trail and then an additional 1.5 to 2 miles depending on how far you are willing to go.
Out and About With Nova
“This was my first BIG hike, and it was exhilarating. I had never crossed any creeks or streams before, and there were several for me to explore. I wasn’t sure I felt about the water at first, but it wasn’t long till I was dashing through it. This was a long hike, but there was so much for me to discover. There were several large logs that fell across the trail, and I had to jump over them. It was arduous at first, but eventually, I got the hang of it. I was exhausted when we finally got back to the car that I took a long nap.”
Some Tips for Bring Your Four-Legged Friends
This is a long hike; remember to bring water for your pets to drink.
Many people use this trail, and they can come upon you very fast. You will want to keep your dog leashed.
Be very careful once you reach the falls; there are places where your dog can slip over the cliff and fall.
Be prepared to have a wet and muddy pet after this hike if it has recently rained.
And please, please, PLEASE clean up after your pets. We found some dog doo right in the middle of the trail. This makes all dog owners look bad and makes it hard for all of us to hike with our pups because destinations start prohibiting dogs. Don’t be that jerk who is too lazy to pick up after your dog. Is rude and disrespectful to everyone.
The Parking Area
If you follow your GPS to OK Slip Falls, it will take you to the parking area. The parking area for OK Slip Falls is .02 miles from the trailhead. You will need to walk alongside the highway (you will see a well-worn path that follows along the road.) You will have to cross the highway at some point to reach the trailhead on the other side.