This One Easy Hike In New York Will Lead You Someplace Unforgettable
By Lea Monroe|Published June 13, 2016
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
Made up of millions of acres of land, the Adirondack Park is any true adventurers paradise. This spot is filled with jaw-dropping mountains, gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, and much more. While we’re always up for a good outdoor challenge, sometimes what explorers need is a relaxing day taking in some fresh air that won’t leave them feeling completely exhausted afterwards.
Right in one of our favorite areas to visit during the summer, this easy hike in New York that falls under one mile round trip will lead you someplace unforgettable:
Located in the remote town of Fort Ann, you can find this easy hike down off of the popular Buttermilk Falls Road.
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Off of Buttermilk Falls Road you'll find quite a few mountains and hiking trails that are worthy of being on your summer bucket list. After passing the Hogtown Trailhead (where you'll go to hike Sleeping Beauty Mountain) you'll drive another 2.5 miles until you reach the trail for Shelving Rock Falls.
Just after you see the trailhead sign for Shelving Rock Falls and you pass over the small bridge, you'll find one of the areas where you can park.
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Pictured above you can see the beginning of the trail for Shelving Rock Falls and the small bridge you'll cross over to get to the parking area. Another small area to park can be found just before the bridge as well. The trail starts off a bit rocky, following a stream along the way the entire hike.
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After walking over the rocky terrain, the trail will quickly widen and clear out, making for an easy path to follow!
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You'll have a hard time getting lost on this trail! While you may need to keep an eye out for tree stumps, for the most part the trail is wide and easy to follow.
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Before you know it you'll see the stream widen out and will soon begin to hear the roaring of the falls!
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During your 0.4 mile hike to the falls (so technically a hike under 1 mile round trip), you'll find a peaceful stream on one side of you and picturesque woodland areas on the the other. The best of both worlds!
Once you see the top of the concrete dam, you'll know you're almost there!
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Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife when exploring this amazing area!
A small taste of what's to come, the concrete dam is a unique feature along the trail and stream.
This part of the stream is not one you'll want to explore, high up at the top of Shelving Rock Falls, this dam is something to be admired from afar on the trail.
The toughest part of this hike is the part where you actually get yourself down to the falls. Following a steep path to the bottom.
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Don't worry! Take your time and grab onto every tree within your reach and you'll do just fine making your way down this steep hill. Pictured above you can see visitors exploring up around the waterfalls, something that's possible to do when the falls aren't completely full in force.
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Frequently pairing this trail up with the hike to Shelving Rock Mountain, the shallow water at the bottom of the falls is perfect to cool off in after a day of exploring.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Clear and refreshing, during the summer you'll want to bring a bathing suit and/or water shoes for this hike! Cooling off at the bottom of the falls is the perfect way to spend any sunny, hot day.
The 50-foot waterfall will bring out the adventurer in anyone who visits!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
The trail is also accessible by boat if you come from Log Bay. The stunning area is one of the many gems hiding within the Adirondacks, absolutely worth exploring!
To find Shelving Rock Falls using a GPS, plug in this address: 901 Shelving Rock Road Fort Ann, NY 12827
To get a bird’s eye view of the trail, Shelving Rock Falls (fast forward about 3:00) and Log Bay, check out this incredible drone footage to see more:
Did you realize this Adirondack waterfall had such an easy hike? Share with us at Only In New York which waterfalls in the Adirondack region are your favorite to hike to!
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