Vernooy Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
400 ft
About Vernooy Falls
Vernooy Falls sits in the Catskill Mountains of New York, a multi-tiered cascade tucked into mature forest that makes for a peaceful day hike. The falls and access trail are located within the Sundown Wild Forest land unit and are on an SCA-designated parcel owned and managed by SDC, so visitors should observe any posted protections and stewardship guidance while exploring. The route to the falls is a popular, moderately paced outing that rewards hikers with scenic water-carved ledges and woodland views. Because the route follows the Vernooy Kill and sits in a forested setting, expect a tranquil, photogenic experience well suited to hikers and nature lovers looking for a relatively short, scenic escape in the Catskills.
The Setting
Vernooy Falls sits at 1,654 feet within Sundown Wild Forest, fed by the Rondout Creek, in the hills of New York.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Stony Kill Falls (87 ft) lies 10.6 miles to the southeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 3.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 400 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
This is a 3.5-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 400 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The path is well-marked and follows the Vernooy Kill through Sundown Wild Forest, featuring a mix of flat sections and gradual inclines. The trail is a non-technical forest footpath—suitable for day hikers prepared for uneven ground and seasonal wet conditions.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Vernooy Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Vernooy Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the falls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique view of the frozen falls.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially near the falls. Exercise caution and stay on marked paths. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
96 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 89 years of record
3.02 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge RONDOUT CREEK NEAR LOWES CORNERS NY (10 km away).
Today
Strong
96 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
96 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
87 cfs
10/10Fri
Roaring
99 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
121 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
102 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
112 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Napanoch hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 57 feet of drop through Vernooy Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,653 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 44 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 35 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,653 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 57 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Vernooy Falls is accessed via the Vernooy Kill Falls Trail, which begins at the Upper Cherrytown Road trailhead near Kerhonkson, NY. The trailhead is marked and has a small parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Upper Cherrytown Road trailhead. The lot is small, so arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends.
Elevation
1,654 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.871790° N, -74.370531° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring bug spray during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds.
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With 3.5 miles and 400 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Eastwind Hotel Oliverea Valley
Coldbrook Bed and Breakfast
Catskill Cabin Hummingbird Suite 2
The Bend
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Minnewaska State Park Preserve and the Mohonk Preserve, both offering additional hiking opportunities and scenic views.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Vernooy Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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