New Paltz Hike: Stony Kill Falls

A super short hike to an off the beaten path 90 foot waterfall? Add this to your itinerary for a day trip in New Paltz. Stony Kill Falls is way less publicized than it could be, and that is great for you and I [The intersection of Rock Haven Road and Shaft (on sign it wail say Shaft 2, on GPS it will simply say Shaft) Road in Wawarsing, NY]. You’ll probably see a few cars parked along the side of the road before the gate, fall in line and get ready for a little 1.5 mile RT hike. You’ll need a bit of directions to access the falls, which are free and legal to enter. Pass the gate and continue down the gravel road, bare left at the chain-linked box and keep going straight. You’ll pass the helicopter pad and see the Shawanagunks to your left.

Walk across the gravel area straight until you reach the path into the woods, and bare right along with the stream. There is a skinny concrete dam, walk right across it and head up stream for a few moments.

There is no true path, but this is most defined area. Take your time and make your way. The stream looked a little dry to us, but when we got to the waterfall thankfully it was still flowing! It was a little skimp, but with a good rain I’m sure would be booming.

You can get as close as you want, but be careful the rocks are slippery when wet.

Bring your bathing suits; I heard there is a pool at the top! We skipped that and headed to nearby Minnewaska State Park for some relaxation. On our way back we saw a gorgeous tiger swallowtail resting on a rock.

Only a handful of people were here on a beautiful day enjoying the falls. This was a great easy little hike to a super waterfall, and when you get there you’ll feel like you are in on one of natures best kept secrets.