Falling Waters Preserve

Hiking, Fishing, X-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Wildlife-Watching

996 Dominican Lane
Glasco, NY 12432

GLASCO, Ulster County (149 acres)—Falling Waters Preserve is an excellent place to explore the rugged beauty of the Hudson River, hiking atop rock ledges that slant precipitously into the water while occasionally descending to the shoreline. On your way to (or from) the mile-long trail hugging the river, you'll pass other scenic treasures, including a meadow affording outstanding views of the Catskills and a picturesque waterfall.

Created through a unique partnership between the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, Esopus Creek Conservancy and Scenic Hudson, Falling Waters Preserve once was the site of the Mulford Ice House, an enormous, windowless structure that held up to 10,000 tons of ice "harvested" annually from the river and destined for shipment to New York City during warmer months. (An informational kiosk at the preserve's entrance explains more about the land's history.) While following the trail leading to the icehouse remains, stop and admire the second of the cataracts for which Falling Waters is named.