But the falls themselves, dropping some 60 feet in all down a series of broad sandstone ledges, were the ultimate expression of this day’s perfection. In the shining and shadowed waters that coursed down those rocks the brightness of April sunlight mingled with the somber tones of hemlock shade. The Vernooy Kill itself was stained the color of tea by the tannin-rich leaves and needles steeping in pools where we have refreshed ourselves in summer, but which now invited only our black Labrador retriever for a swim. From the wooden footbridge that spans the Vernooy Kill below the falls, we could see the 20-foot high stone wall that remains from the gristmill that once harnessed the stream’s power here, operated first by Cornelius Vernooy in the early 1700’s, and remaining in operation until 1809. It was the power of falling water to grind grain that first attracted settlers from Europe to this spot, and one imagines the traffic of farmers driving their horse-drawn wagons here for decades, laden with wheat, rye, or corn. But now it is beauty’s power alone that draws people like us to this old crossroads, as a new season of growth and young life approaches, like a wagon spilling blossoms as it bounces over the bluestone slabs and cobbles.
To reach the trailhead for Vernooy Kill Falls, follow Rt. 3 (Samsonville Road) from Route 209 (about 1.5 miles north of the junction of Rt. 209 and Rt. 44-55) 1.3 miles to Cherrytown Road. Turn left onto Cherrytown Road, continue for 3.6 miles to Upper Cherrytown Road. Follow Upper Cherrytown Road 3.2 miles to DEC parking area for Sundown Wild Forest on your right. Blue-blazed trail to Vernooy Kill Falls, 1.8 miles each way, starts across the road from the parking area.
Richard Parisio is a lifelong naturalist, educator and writer. He currently leads field trips for school classes at Mohonk Preserve, teaches courses about John Burroughs and conducts tours of Slabsides and the John Burroughs Sanctuary for groups and individuals by request. Rich is New York State coordinator for River of Words, a national poetry and art program on the theme of watersheds, and teaches River of Words programs for school classes, grades K-12, by request. Contact Rich ([email protected]) with questions, comments, or suggestions for Nature at Your Doorstep.
