Philipstown, NY
SYNOPSIS: A short walk up a dirt road, then veer off into the woods to reach a picturesque waterfall and flat-water pool nestled in a small gorge.
APPROXIMATE TIME: 40 minutes.
DIFFICULTY: Moderate, only because there are some spots with wet or loose rocks.
DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of Routes 301 and 9D in Cold Spring, head south on 9D for 1.3 miles. Make a slight right onto Indian Brook Road, which is a dirt road, and go .4 miles. The preserve sign and parking area for Constitution Marsh will be where the road curves left. Park there. There is enough parking for 5 to 10 cars.
THE HIKE: Walk up the dirt road toward the large bridge that carried Route 9D overhead. Shortly after the bridge there is a gate and a path that veers off to the right. Follow the path as it curves to the right, with a concrete wall and drop-off on you right hand side. Go over the small, old bridge. (Watch the kids, probably not the safest bridge) and turn left and down a small embankment. Follow the trail along the side of the stream, heading a short distance upstream until you reach the falls. Unfortunately, and as appealing as it looks on a hot day, swimming is not allowed.
There are green (I think – I am red/green color blind) trail markers on the trees. Return the way you came in.
HISTORY: The property that Indian Brooks Fall is on is part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Network of properties.
ADDITIONAL INFO: Our last visit to Indian Brook Falls was in April 2012.
