Falling Waters Preserve

Falling Waters Preserve offers a peaceful riverfront destination just minutes from downtown Saugerties.

This stunning landscape once played a vital role in the region's economy. Today its woods and streams offer outstanding opportunities to connect with nature.

Glasco, Ulster County (168 acres)—Falling Waters Preserve is an excellent place to explore the rugged beauty of the Hudson River, hiking atop rock ledges that slant precipitously into the water while occasionally descending to the shoreline. On your way to (or from) the mile-long trail hugging the river, you'll pass other scenic treasures, including a meadow affording outstanding views of the Catskills and a picturesque waterfall.

Created through a unique partnership between the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, Esopus Creek Conservancy and Scenic Hudson, Falling Waters Preserve once was the site of the Mulford Ice House, an enormous, windowless structure that held up to 10,000 tons of ice "harvested" annually from the river and destined for shipment to New York City during warmer months. (An informational kiosk at the preserve's entrance explains more about the land's history.) While following the trail leading to the icehouse remains, stop and admire the second of the cataracts for which Falling Waters is named.

Park Features

Waterfalls
Bird watching/nature study
Dog walking (on leash)
Picnicking
Fishing
Walking/Hiking
X-country skiing & snowshoeing (ungroomed trails)
Featured Atlantic Kayak Tours destination

When to visit

Year-round daily dawn to dusk. Allow 1 hour.

Trails

Roughly two miles of trails varied trails include a gravel road with views of the Catskills, a carriage road that used to provide access to a riverfront ice house and a riverside footpath that offers dramatic Hudson River views.

Directions & Map

From Saugerties, drive south on Route 9W; turn left onto Joseph's Drive, then turn right at the T intersection onto York Street. Dominican Lane will be your first left.

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