Vernooy Kill Falls Trail - Sundown Wild Forest : Catskill Forest Preserve

Catskill Region

Romantic

Directions & description

Location: Vernooy Kill Falls is located in Ulster County near the town of Kerhonkson, New York

Length/Configuration: 10 mile loop trail

Terrain/Surface: Rough, rocky, washed out sections of old road to narrow technically challenging singletrack.

Technical Difficulty: Not exceptionally strenuous, but requires good basic technical and bike handling skills. Geared for intermediate to advanced riders.

Elevation Change: About 1,200 ft total elevation gain.

Caution: These are multi-use trails so expect hikers and horses. It is your responsibility to ride safely and considerately. Bring insect repellent.

Other Area Rides

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Note: The trail maps on this website have been simplified to provide an overview with approximate locations of trails and special features. Read Full Disclaimer.

Directions:

Head south on NY 209 till you come to Kerhonkson. From town go west on Sampsonville Road. Bear left onto Lower Cherry Town Road and continue to the parking area at the state trail marker. Get more detailed maps at Catskills Mountain Bike Shop in New Paltz.

General Description:

The 29,000 acre Wild Forest forms the south and southeasterly border of the Catskill Forest Preserve. This multiple use trail (snowmobile in winter) forms a ten mile loop starting at the parking area on Upper Cherrytown Road, passing over the Vernooy Kill and Balsam Swamp.

The Trails:

This trail is of the best kept secrets in Ulster County. It passes through a dense forest of pines, maples, oaks, beeches and hemlocks and along streams and swamps. After Vernooy Kill Falls the trail narrows and becomes rough, rocky, single track. At the junction with Yagerville Road, it widens into a snowmobile trail. It is not exceptionally strenuous, but the many sections of rough, eroded road with exposed rock will require basic technical skills. Riders will encounter challenging steep climbs and long, technical descents.

Around the balsam swamps, hungry mosquitoes await to dine on the unwary rider. I hope you brought the mosquito repellent. Towards the end of your mountain bike ride, stop and take a break at Vernoy Kill Falls. This scenic, secluded, spot in the Catskill mountains, with a series of beautiful, cascading waterfalls and a swimming hole is a romantic place to stop for a snack or lunch and just admire the scene with your significant other.

Tip: Its best to bike Vernooy Kill loop in a counterclockwise direction. That way, you get most of the ride done before coming back to the Falls. From there it is only two miles back to the trailhead.

For more information:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
21 South Putt Corners Road
New Paltz, New York 12561

Phone: (845) 256-3000
(TDD) Users: 711 (AT&T National Relay)

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