Vernooy Falls Upper Cherrytown Trail Head Parking - Kerhonkson, NY
Vernooy Falls Upper Cherrytown Trail Head Parking: Dog-Friendly Trails & Waterfalls in Kerhonkson, NY
If you’re searching for a scenic dog-friendly hiking experience near Kerhonkson, New York, Vernooy Falls Upper Cherrytown Trail Head Parking is the perfect fit. This spot features pet-friendly trails stretching about 3.4 miles out-and-back, leading you through shaded woods to a series of picturesque cascading waterfalls. It’s a relatively easy and rewarding hike, excellent for dog owners looking to exercise with their pets or enjoy nature’s tranquility. The area is known for its seclusion and peacefulness, even on weekends.
There is ample parking at the trailhead, and dogs will love splashing in the frigid but refreshing waterfall pools after a summer hike. While there are no fenced areas or dedicated off-leash spaces, the remote setting and wide trails make for a pleasant outing with your well-behaved, leashed dog. Keep in mind that there’s no cell service in the area, so come prepared, and always bring water, bug spray, and waste bags for your pet.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are permitted, but must be leashed at all times on the trail.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a large parking lot at the Upper Cherrytown Trail Head.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park offers a 3.4-mile out-and-back hiking trail to Vernooy Falls.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Dogs can enjoy splashing or swimming in the pools below the waterfalls.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The hiking trail is shaded, making it comfortable even on hot days.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The area is typically quiet and not very crowded, even on weekends.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Bug spray is recommended, as the wooded area may have pests like ticks.
Reviews
Prepare yourself for a rugged hike. Having a buddy would be safest. Register at the entrance. Wear proper hiking boots, bring a bottle of water.
Great short hike with big payoff. We parked at the lot off of trails end road. The hike is shorter there at only 1 mile. Then you reach a series of gently cascading waterfalls with pools between them. The pools are quite slippery and the water is frigid even on hot days. It was 80 degrees the day we visited and the water was numbingly cold. Overall I would hike here again. The area is more remote so definitely bring your bear spray and be prepared for wildlife. Expect no cell service.
Short (1.7mi one way, 3.4mi out-and-back) and very easy hike to the Vernooy Falls. Shaded trail is very enjoyable on a hot summer day, finish with a cold plunge in the water. Quite a few good spots to chill by the water. Not busy on week days. Bring bug spray.
Very rewarding hike with waterfall payoffs.
Rainy weekday proved to be secluded. Last person logged was 2 days prior.
I didn’t have cell service on site, so be sure to bring a map for directions out.
Roughly 3.4 miles total, out and back. Easy stroll through the woods. About 1 hour hiking time.
I drove past the sign for the falls this week and decided to hike it this weekend. It’s 1.7 miles from the parking lot to the falls and 85 percent of the trail is a steady gradual uphill climb on a rocky path. It’s not a challenging hike but you will definitely burn some calories and work up a sweat. It was super quiet and peaceful. The falls are nice and look like a great place to swim. There is a lot of parking and there was not many people there for a Sunday. 1 car was there when we arrived at 10am and there was probably 10 cars when we left at 1:30. There are no views on the hike besides the falls. Easy to follow well marked trails.
Astounding!Incline going up is relentless and rocky but doable. It will make you wonder how there could possibly be a waterfall up here. Once you arrive at the top of the ridge,cross streamlets and then it’s glory presents itself. One of THE prettiest falls we have visited. Many tiers of flowing water. Bridge and mill ruins. A photographers dream! Go early, everything in this area fills up fast.