Hike to Vernooy Kill Falls from Dymond Road |
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Maps for Sundown Wild Forest in Vernooy Kill Falls Region |
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Notes About Hiking the FLAT HILL TRAIL to VERNOOY KILL FALLS |
NOTICE: The Sundown Wild Forest and Sundown State Forest both have a significant population of Timber Rattlesnakes. Most of the roads and trails are wide, and most hikers never encounter them. If you plan on hiking off the trail, do so in the Spring, Winter, or Fall when the temperature is below 50F. Most rattlesnakes will go into their den once temperatures are below 50F. Getting bit by a Timber Rattlesnake is a serious medical event.
This trail runs below the Balsam Swamp. There is a rattlesnake den near the trail. So, it is important that you keep watch for rattlesnakes on this trail.
PARKING AREAS AVAILABLE:
Trails End Road DEC Parking Area requires a AWD and 4WD vehicles. Holds 20 cars. Not plowed in Winter.
Upper Cherrytown DEC Road Parking Area can handle any type of vehicle. Holds 40 cars. plowed in Winter.
Dymond Road Parking Area (in Greenville) can handle any type of vehicle. Holds 10 cars. plowed in Winter.
(18)Individual Parking spots on the side of Spencer & Trails Road. Holds 1-4 cars. Not plowed in the Winter.
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| | DIRECTIONS TO TRAIL HEAD from Exit 19 (Kingston) |
N41 52.746 W74 24.075
| | Dymond Road Parking Area WGS84 (DEC): 41.8791, -74.40125 - Elevation is approximately 2,022 feet |
| | Dymond Road Parking Area Deg/Min/Sec: N41 52 44, W74 24 04 - Elevation is approximately 2,022 feet |
| | Dymond Road Parking Area GPS: N41 52.746, W74 24.075- Elevation is approximately 2,022 feet |
| | Dymond Road Parking Area UTM: 18N 549681 4636526 - Elevation is approximately 2,022 feet |
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| | Take New York State Thruway to Exit 19 (Kingston). |
| | Take a RIGHT out of the NYS Thruway to Route 28 West. |
| | Go approximately 0.4 miles on Rt 28 West |
| | Take a RIGHT off the ramp for Rt 209 South |
| | Go approximately 24.9 miles on Rt 209 South |
| | Take a RIGHT onto Rt 55 WEST (Napanoch) |
| | Go approximately 5.3 miles on Rt 55 WEST |
| | Take a RIGHT onto Rt 55A |
| | Go approximately 3.2 miles on Rt 55A |
| | Take a RIGHT onto Rt 46 (by Rondout Reservoir) |
| | Go approximately 5.5 miles up the windy Rt 46 |
| | Turn RIGHT onto Dymond Road (called Yeagersville Road by Google Maps) |
| | Go approximately 50' - Parking Area on LEFT side of road. |
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MILEAGE CHART from DEC PA to VERNOOY KILL FALLS |
| | Mile Point | Altitude | Notes |
| | 0.00 | 2,022' | Dymond Road DEC Parking Area |
| | 1.86 | 1,702' | Vernooy Kill Falls (49' tall) |
| | 3.72 | 2,022' | Dymond Road DEC Parking Area |
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Hike to Vernooy Kill Falls from Dymond Road in the Sundown Wild Forest |
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This is the DEC Parking Area on Dymond Road. It is located in Greenville. It is sometimes referred to as Greenville Parking Area. The land on both sides of the road are on NYS Public land. |
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When you walk across the road, you will see a Trail. This is the Vernooy Kill Falls Trail (WEST Branch). The trail to Balsam Swamp is a two-track trail. Once past Balsam Swamp, it turns into a one-track trail. You need to be aware that this trail goes by the bottom of Balsam Swamp. There are Timber Rattlesnake dens around Balsam Swamp. Most people never see one. But, from time-to-time people do see one. They are as thick as a man's arm. Fairly docile, but will strike if you step on them, or get close to them. Getting tagged by one is a serious medical event.
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The picture on the left shows a DEC Trail Sign. Also, note the the sign below that. It has the DEC Emergency Number on it. Take a picture with your cell phone in case you have an emergency.
Within 50' you will see a DEC Registration Box. Please register. If you get lost or injured that information can be important for the DEC Rangers to help you. |
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The first part of the hike is a double-track trail. When you reach the Balsam Swamp, there is a small muddy section. Thereafter the trail gains a little elevation and is dry. |
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There is a small stream crossing that is not deep and easy to get across. Expect it to be dry in part of the summer months. |
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Once you get past Balsam Swamp, the elevation will go uphill and the trail will turn into a single-track trail. It is usually a dry trail at this point. |
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After 1.86 miles you will come to Vernooy Kill Falls. This bridge crosses in the middle of the 49' waterfall. The picture was taken from the lower part of the waterfalls.
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This picture was taken from the bridge over the Vernooy Kill Waterfalls. The picture shows the upper part of the Vernooy Kill Waterfalls.
If you decide to walk around the waterfall, beware that Timber Rattlesnakes like to be near water, so watch where you are walking.
The forest below the waterfalls is highly populated with Timber Rattlesnakes. So, if you decide to start exploring the forest and creek below the waterfall, you are likely to encounter Timber Rattlesnakes. There is also a good population of Timber Rattlesnakes around the Balsam Swamp.
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Once you are done looking at the Vernooy Kill Waterfalls, turn around and hike back the same way you came. Following either of these trails will cause you to be many miles away from your car on Dymond Road!
Once over the bridge, the trail on the left will take you to Trail End Road in a little over a mile.
Once over the bridge, the trail on the right (Vernooy Kill Falls Trail - East Branch) will take you to Upper Cherrytown Parking Area and the campsite.
The Camping Area is located approximately 250' down the Vernooy Kill Trail -East Branch. Campsite is on the RIGHT side of the trail.
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This is the campsite that is near Vernooy Kill Falls. Make sure you sleep in a tent. Do NOT sleep in just a sleeping bag, because snakes like to crawl into warm spaces (like sleeping bags).
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