Amazing easy/moderate hike in. No idea it existed and not that far away from Troy/Albany. Surprisingly big waterfalls and rock formations. Was told cause of all the rain it was not normally as high. Really peaceful. Thankfully no trash or other distractions from people. Will be back many times I'm sure. read more

I almost don't want to write a review for this conservation area because then it could become inundated with people. Simply put, you don't have to walk very far for some incredible views. We visited right after a heavy summer rainstorm so the trail right down to the falls was a bit hard to traverse (high water, slippery rocks, etc) but it was worth the treachery. But you don't have to hitch yourself down to get the full magic of these falls, you can also go for a slightly longer walk to see them at eye level. If you're visiting close to the Hudson area, a visit to the High Falls Conservation Area should be on your list! Then grab a drink in town. read more

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I enjoyed the various hiking trails, as well as the beautiful falls. They were doing maintenance on the trails, as well as on the scenic view area of the falls. The work didn't have an effect on the hike, or overall beauty of the area. The maintenance work should be done soon, and add to the overall beauty and safety of the trails. read more

ABSOLUTELY loved this super easy hike right near Hudson. Came here right after a little walk in Hudson (of course during covid and while almost everything was shut down). Thankfully, since people do keep their social distancing strong, this hike trail has remained open! Really easy beginner/family hike that takes only like 20 minutes to get to the gorgeous waterfall views. You're not allowed to swim but I don't see why just dipping your feet in the freezing cold water on a hot day would be a problem ;) Once you get to the viewing area (and follow the super easy map/trail/people) you can easily get to the bottom part where you can just hear the whole waterfall sounds and relax. Perhaps pack a picnic or some crackers and cheese and spend some time here to just meditate, people watch, take a nap, or relax. All of these work. No restrooms in facilities so I guess you just have to stick to the natural ways or hold it til you get somewhere lol! Loved this hike and can't wait to be back! The tots amount was about 1.5 miles (very easy). Bring your kids, dogs and you're sure to enjoy this for sure! read more

This is one of the most beautiful and pristine preserves within 50 miles of Philmont, NY. Located along the Agawamuck Creek, it boasts the largest waterfall in Columbia County, and includes Agawamuck Falls 200 yards down the river, and also has the nicest swimming hole (where swimming is "not allowed") I've ever visited, which includes some of the most wonderful sunbathing on rocks you'll ever find. With well maintained and fairly easy hiking trails leading to the falls, every step leads to more beauty along the river. Dog and kid friendly. Approximately a one and a quarter mile moderately difficult hike each way. read more

Absolutely gorgeous for Massachusetts Painful in the feet so use your hands Don't actually go to the waterfall go off to the side there is less people, a lazy river effect, and just a bit more relaxing, if you place your back to the current!!!! read more

Beautiful Falls and easy hike. What a lively surprise ! We will return for sure !! There are a few different paths to choose from. Wear waterproof boots if you have them. But we really didn't get wet depends on the trail ! read more

The way some reviews describe this, I half expected a concrete slab leading to a waterfall outlook. It wasn't that. You still need proper footwear, you still need to watch your step, there are hills and a few slippery inclines. However, it's almost all shaded forest trail, it wasn't very muddy despite a good rain yesterday, and though I expected lots of bugs, especially near the water, I only saw one and it wasn't the biting or flying in your face kind. I only saw one other hiking group the whole time. I found all 3 trails to be well marked except for the tiny section of West blue trail, where I didn't see a single marker. There are big "trail stops here" signs too. The trail does continue past those but it's at your own risk. I didn't chance it. I ended up hiking 2 miles the way I did it. My first pass, I went straight up the green trail and ignored all the side trails. This trail leads steadily uphill to the falls overlook. We had a good rain yesterday and the falls were outrageous, thundering, majestic. Watch your footing here, the viewing area is on a slope with a short flimsy fence at the bottom that would not stop you if you tripped into it. I picked up the red trail on the way back. This loops back to the green trail. Mostly flat, it gets narrow but is still well defined. When it hit the green trail again, I backtracked to the blue trail. There is a steep shortcut between the green and blue trails but you don't have to take it. Follow the green trail around the corner and the blue branches off to the left with the green continuing right and uphill. The blue trail goes down to the Agawamuck creek("creek of many fish")and the smaller falls. There is a bench at the end of the blue trail at the bottom of the falls. This is a lovely spot worth the side trip. There is a shortcut between the lower and higher sections of the blue trail, nicely made stone steps. Then I took the green trail back to almost the beginning where the small spur of western blue trail is. Now this is a steep slope down with some tree roots to use as "steps." There really aren't any trees to hold on to or anything so watch your footing. This little bit goes along the creek to an old mill if you go left and just up to the creek's edge if you go right. Overall, I'd still say it's mostly easy and the waterfalls are insanely beautiful. Usually you have to work a lot harder to get to a View like that! read more

Beautiful sets of waterfalls. Nice easy hike in an intimate setting. Few different trails to take to the falls

Excellent spot. 1) There are two falls. One large and smaller falls. 2) The High Falls can be seen from the bottom and another from the overlook. 3) Overall it is an easy hike. read more

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Wonderful location and the hike wasn't that bad. Beautiful area and the waterfalls are amazing. Loved that it's a good trail and everyone was friendly on it. Hiking wasn't bad at all nice and only several small inclines. My dogs loved it they were able to cook down at the bottom of the falls. Parking is free and lot is big. read more

Very pretty and peaceful spot. Would rate this hike as mostly eastand short distance. When I went a few weeks ago, a gate was blocking off the entrance to the falls and a sign was posted that the trail to it was closed. Trespass at your own risk ... Don't ask me how I got a pic of the falls, let's just say I teleported the part past the gate does get steep and pretty dangerous, some fallen trees and looks like the trail needed some maintenance , hence that's probably why the sign was posted. Also, at the beginning of the trail I walked up to the little creek that runs along it and I was a little concerned that I saw some bones on the ground - they looked questionably human or like a large mammal - a few vertebrae and a few broken off pieces of rib cage not sure what that was all about but it was a little creepy lol. I would still come back ! read more

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A 20 minute meandering walk through the forest ends in a stunning view worth not only the hike, but also the drive. Make sure your gps map is up to date, mine missed a closed bridge and apparently got itself lost. Bring bug spray, a camera, friends, and food for an awesome experience. read more

High Falls - From the picnic area - Hiking Near Me - Philmont, New York

Yessssssssssssss. This waterfall is so cool. I love it so much. Our dog loves it so much. You can take a short trail up to a viewing spot or you can head straight down to the falls. The hike is super easy. It's not really much of a hike, but rather a leisurely stroll. Be prepared to hop some rocks if you want to get down to the falls, but proper hiking gear is not necessary. You could do it barefoot if you really wanted. You're not technically allowed to swim there. Great spot for a picnic lunch or a cute date. read more

Great hidden gem! My wife's family lives south of Albany and had never been aware of this spot. It's not an incredibly long hike but you can make it a couple miles if you traverse all the trails. Fantastic view of the falls from higher up and then awesome when approached from the creek bed. read more

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A surprisingly powerful attraction in the sleepy village of Philmont NY. Good parking lot, signage and trails and not too strenuous to get to this powerful waterfall. Three good restaurants and a nice hotel in the village as well. Just 8 miles from the trendy little city of Hudson. read more

Great diversion while driving up the Taconic State Parkway! Lovely and easy fall hike. We started on the Red trail to the Overlook where there were rocks to sit on (and one table) to have a nice picnic. The waterfall is framed perfectly from there. Later went to the base of the falls. Small changes in elevation and curvy trail to keep things interesting. read more

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This was a good hike, I'd recommend it. The falls were pretty and its a short, easy hike. The address is wrong on Yelp.. You need to turn onto Roxbury Rd from the north side. Here's a google map link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Roxbury+Rd+and+Main+St,+Philmont,+NY+12565&sll=42.247946,-73.657923&sspn=0.007592,0.013819&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=42.248153,-73.657687&spn=0.007592,0.013819&z=16&iwloc=A read more

Another great nature preserve in Columbia County. I biked here from Chatham on a Saturday morning in August, which was a delight in itself. The conservation area was not too crowded, even on a beautiful summer weekend. About 5 cars in the parking area, and plenty of solitude on the trails. I recommend going to the lookout point at the end of the green trail first for an overview of the falls, then going down to the western end of the stream, and working your way along the water first to the small falls then to the pool at the base of the high falls. Come back to the entrance along the red trail for a grassier, sunnier stroll. A bit buggy in places. No trash receptacles on site. Not a particularly large hiking area. read more

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Great little hike to explore the beauty of the area. We'll marked trails and easy enough to take the whole family.

Gorgeous place. A little bit of a hike to get to the first falls. do NOT be mistaken and think this is High Falls. It isn't. Climb/Slip over the mossy, wet rocks for another few minutes to get to the actual falls. it is well worth it. Or you can take the easy road and look from the trail at the top, but who would want to miss being at the base of the falls? read more

Found a hypodermic needle, shoes, a dirty diaper, beer bottles, a bag full of shit and toilet paper at the foot of the falls by the swimming hole. Such a shame that people would trash such a beautiful spot. There were also people drinking and smoking at the base of the falls. Not a place to bring your kids. Beautiful waterfall nonetheless. read more

I agree with the other reviews- GORGEOUS place. We hiked all the way to the larger falls first, absolutely beautiful. The hike was very easy and not long at all- a perfect family trip. I highly recommend this spot. Bring bugspray! read more

This is a great little hike when you don't have a lot of time, are in the area, and want a brief pleasant walk to a splendid waterfall. We took the high trail and saw the falls from across the river. I didn't realize we could walk to the base of the falls though! An excuse for a second walk. read more

This is only one of 10 )conservation areas maintained by the Columbia Land Conservancy. Schor (Jon's Pond) can bring tears to your ideas, it is so idyllic. Ooms Pond is another. Even outside the CLC areas are great places like Harvey Mountian, Beebe Hill Fire Tower (on a clear day you can see Albany, and No Bottom Pond. With the exception of whatever county the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone are in, I would nominate Columbia County for the most attractions. read more