Falling Waters Preserve
Discover serene waterfalls and stunning Hudson River vistas at Falling Waters Preserve, a dog-friendly natural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Falling Waters Preserve
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover serene waterfalls and stunning Hudson River vistas at Falling Waters Preserve, a dog-friendly natural escape.
"Very pretty hike for me and Buddy. The falls and the river views were beautiful."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Roots and rocks abound! Proper footwear is key for a comfortable hike.
🐶 Dogs Welcome!
This is a dog-friendly haven. Bring your furry friends for a great outdoor adventure.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 471 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Waterfall
Main Trail
A beautiful cascade accessible via a short, mostly paved path. Perfect for a quick nature fix.
Hudson River Views
Riverfront Trails
Breathtaking vistas of the wide, majestic Hudson River. Enjoy the scenery from well-placed benches.
Second Waterfall
Blue Trail
A smaller, charming waterfall that's great for families and offers a different perspective.
Historic Icehouse Ruins
Near the River
Explore the remnants of an old icehouse, adding a touch of history to your nature walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Shoes Are a Must!
Dog-Friendly Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Roots and rocks abound! Proper footwear is key for a comfortable hike.
🐶 Dogs Welcome!
This is a dog-friendly haven. Bring your furry friends for a great outdoor adventure.
Advice for things to do
My spouse and I are staying in the Saugerties area for a week with our two dogs. We love to hike and explore nature, but we have a pup that can’t really handle serious hikes anymore (despite thinking she’s still a youngling mountain goat). Can anyone recommend some good trails…
💧 Pack Water
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. There are no concessions on site.
📸 Capture the Views
The waterfalls and river offer stunning photo opportunities.
Toddler friendly spots
Hey all, I am visiting with my husband and 16 month old in a couple of weeks. We are staying in Saugerties M-F. I'm looking for tips on toddler friendly hikes where she could potentially run around without falling into a body of water or off a cliff. We have a lot of nature…
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Roots and rocks abound! Proper footwear is key for a comfortable hike.
🐶 Dogs Welcome!
This is a dog-friendly haven. Bring your furry friends for a great outdoor adventure.
💧 Pack Water
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. There are no concessions on site.
📸 Capture the Views
The waterfalls and river offer stunning photo opportunities.
⏱️ Allow an Hour
A leisurely walk, including enjoying the views, takes about an hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Falling Waters Preserve's natural beauty, particularly its waterfalls and Hudson River views. The dog-friendly atmosphere and accessible trails make it a popular choice for a relaxed outdoor experience. Some note that proper footwear is essential due to rooty terrain, and the small parking lot can fill up quickly.
"Hudson River
Why I lost the desire to swim across
I guess you’re cold in winter as summer
I guess I got water-phobia for 20+ years
When I see you so wide so deep so big
How can you afford such a metropolitan
If you are not wild not untamed
How can you keep unchanged as original
If you are not severe like a sleeping giant
I walk along your side in the trees yellow
I keep the distance and look upon you
I can’t get so close to you for the fear
How big the fish to your depth and width"
nathan li
"Very pretty hike for me and Buddy. The falls and the river views were beautiful. There’s cool wooden handmade benches to relax on. The trails were well marked. There were some rocky/slightly steep parts, but that makes things more interesting. Everyone i saw there (6 people) each had their dog with them . Good hike for humans and dogs alike!"
Janet Bunnell
"Absolutely beautiful place to hike. Wear the proper shoes! Lots of ankle rolling roots."
Liz Alderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Falling Waters Preserve is located in Saugerties, NY. Many visitors use GPS, but it's helpful to know it's accessible via local roads. The small parking lot holds about 10 cars, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, there is a small parking lot that can accommodate approximately 10 vehicles. It can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Public transportation options to Falling Waters Preserve are limited. It is best accessed by car.
Due to the small parking lot size, Falling Waters Preserve is not ideal for RVs or large vehicles.
Directions can be found on various travel blogs and websites. A common reference point is Saugerties, NY.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Falling Waters Preserve is a day-use park and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to visit.
Falling Waters Preserve is typically open during daylight hours as a day-use park. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check local listings or park advisories.
There is no entrance fee to visit Falling Waters Preserve. It is a free public park.
While the preserve is accessible in winter, trails may be icy and less maintained. The waterfalls may also be frozen.
Falling Waters Preserve is generally open year-round during daylight hours, though conditions can vary significantly with the seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The preserve offers three main trails of varying lengths. The main trail leads to the primary waterfall, while the blue trail is great for smaller children and leads to a second waterfall. The red and white trails form a loop with river views.
Falling Waters Preserve has some handicap-accessible trails, including paved sections, making it enjoyable for a wider range of visitors.
Expect beautiful waterfalls, scenic views of the Hudson River, and wooded areas with remnants of an old icehouse.
The natural setting with river access and wooded areas makes Falling Waters Preserve a potential spot for birdwatching, though specific information is limited.
Information regarding restrooms at Falling Waters Preserve is not widely available. It's advisable to plan accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
The main waterfall, the Hudson River vistas, and the icehouse ruins offer excellent photographic opportunities. The benches along the river also provide scenic backdrops.
Absolutely! The combination of waterfalls, river views, and natural foliage makes it a prime location for landscape photographers.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the golden hour.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's recommended to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone in the preserve.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits.
Social
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