High Falls Loop

by BKClark

Here’s a short loop through rural county routes and past the beautiful High Falls in Philmont, NY — at 150 feet it is the highest waterfall in Columbia County. Park at the High Falls Conservation Area wayside and take one of the trails back to a nice view of the falls. You can also take a short side-trip to a panoramic overlook of the Catskill Mountains from the Taconic Ridge (see Tips section below). The ride is approximately forty minutes, with very few turns or stops, and is easily accessible from the Taconic State Parkway, or from US 9 in Hudson, NY. Extend this trip by following the Taconic State Parkway south to NY route 82, and head south on 82 to pick up the Lake Taghkanic-Bear Mountain ride.

Gallery

Directions: Heading south on NY 9H south of Kinderhook, NY turn left on County 18 heading east. Turn left at the “T” onto NY 217, heading east toward Mellenville. In Philmont, NY turn right on Roxbury Road to visit High Falls. Turn into the High Falls Conservation Area parking on the left. Return to NY 217 and turn right to continue east. Turn right on Martindale Road (County 11) heading south. When you come to a “T”, turn left on NY 23 heading east, then turn right to continue on county 11. When you come to a “T”, turn right on county 27 heading north. Bear right to turn onto NY9H heading north, and continue north to complete the loop.

Tips: From NY 217 in Philmont, head north on the Taconic State Parkway, and pull into the scenic overlook on your right. When you leave the scenic overlook, continue north and take the NY 203 exit, then get back on the parkway heading south to return to the loop.

Shorthand: Kinderhook, NY – NY9H[S]-> L-Co18[E]-> L-NY217[E]-> R-Martindale Rd(Co11)[S]-> L-NY23[E]-> R-Co11[S]-> R-Co27[N]-> S-NY9H[N]

Ride Details

  • Ride Type: Circular
  • Time: 40 minutes
  • Distance: 26.5 mi. (42.6 km)
  • Average Speed: 40 mph (64 km/h)
  • Road Type: State Routes/County Routes
  • Road Condition: 7–Smooth (a few bumpy sections).
  • Date Ridden: 5/27/2019
  • Maximum Elevation: 800 ft.
  • Traffic Lights: 2
  • Stop Signs: 3

Gas:
Cumberland Farms — Philmont

Food:
Vanderbilt Lakeside
Gabrile’s Pizza

Lodging:
Vanderbilt Lakeside
Thyme in the Country
Elm Tree Motel
Sugar Maple Suite

Camping:

Repair Shops:
Speed’s Garage Auto Repair
Bultaco Motorcycles Motorcycle Parts/ Accessories

Attractions:
High Falls Conservation Area

Connections:
Lake Taghkanic-Bear Mountain Loop