The preserve's trail network passes through the stone foundations of the Mulford estate, which burned down in the mid-20th century.
The property contains a documented Hudson River ice harvesting site where ice was cut and stored for transport to New York City.
The preserve is part of the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge, emphasizing its role as a protected habitat corridor.
Several seasonal waterfalls on the property flow into the Hudson River, providing the namesake feature of the preserve.
The site includes remnants of infrastructure related to the historic cement industry prevalent in the Saugerties area.
Falling Waters Preserve is a 149-acre protected landscape managed by Scenic Hudson located along the western bank of the Hudson River. The site features the ruins of an early 20th-century ice harvesting complex and a former estate house. Hikers access the riverfront via a series of trails that traverse forested ravines and open meadows. The preserve encompasses diverse topography, including several small waterfalls that cascade directly toward the river. Visitors can engage in catch-and-release fishing along the Hudson shoreline. The preserve serves as a significant link in regional greenway corridors intended to provide public waterfront access. The trail system provides varying levels of elevation change, terminating at dramatic views of the river and the distant Berkshires. The land was historically significant for both industrial ice production and as the site of a private estate.
The elevated overlook point providing a wide-angle view of the Hudson River and the surrounding forest canopy.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots as the terrain includes uneven, rocky ravines and slippery sections near the waterfalls.
Check your footwear and clothing for ticks, as the meadow sections are prime habitat during warmer months.
Bring a portable chair if you intend to fish, as there are limited formal seating areas along the rocky riverbank.
Attempting to climb or explore the unstable stone ruins, as these structures are fragile and pose safety risks.
Carry-in/carry-out policy applies; stay on marked trails to protect sensitive flora and reduce erosion.
