How to See the Picturesque Indian Brook Falls
While working on our goal to visit all the waterfalls in the Hudson Valley area, we were excited to make a stop at the hidden Indian Brook Falls, which is located in the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. This trip left us speechless! Do you want to know why?
Hiking Indian Brook Falls is unlike any other New York State Park experience. Don’t expect an easy-to-follow hiking trail that will lead you to the base of a waterfall. You have to be a little more adventurous (bushwacking included) to make your way to this picturesque waterfall.
But don’t worry, we have you covered with all you need to know about getting a parking spot, directions on how to find the base of the waterfall, and the best activities nearby which will round up this perfect day trip.
Is Indian Brook Falls Open?
YES! Even though the trail is not well maintained and brush had covered the trail when we visited the falls in the spring, Indian Brook Falls is open to hikers daily from sunrise to sunset. We would only recommend this hike to adventurous souls who have fun crossing some obstacles.
Our Other Resources for Waterfalls in New York State
- Explore the Awosting Falls Trail in Minnewaska State Park
- Hike to the Unforgettable Verkeerderkill Falls in Minnewaska State Park
- Stony Kill Falls: Best Kept Secret in Minnewaska State Park
- How to Hike the Indian Ladder Trail at Thacher State Park
- How to Hike the Striking Indian Head Trail Adirondacks + Rainbow Falls NY
- The Most Picturesque Finger Lakes Waterfalls You Have to See
- 57 Spectacular Waterfalls in NY You Have to See
- 90+ Best Quotes about Falls to Inspire Your Wanderlust
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Where to Park for Indian Brook Falls?
First things first: When you want to see Indian Brook Falls, your biggest issue will be to find parking. There are NO established parking lots for this hike. Usually, people would park at the town-owned very small parking area for the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center (8 spots) located at the intersection of Indian Brook Road and Warren Landing Road. However, this parking area is CLOSED and no one knows when the town will open it again.
For now, there are three ways to get to the Indian Brook Falls:
1. Boscobel House and Gardens
You need a seasonal parking permit which includes a reserved admission pass to visit the grounds. The admission is $12 per person. We splurged a little and decided to pay the money and did not regret it at all. It was fun to stroll around on their hiking trails, check out the stunning viewpoints overlooking the marsh, and admire the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees.
Upon your arrival, mention that you would like to visit Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary and the friendly staff will give you a map with detailed directions. It is a 1.1-mile hike to Indian Brook Falls. Read more about what there is to do at Boscobel House and Gardens and Constitution Marsh below.
2. Cold Spring Trolley
On Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Veterans Day, the Cold Spring trolley will stop at Constitution Marsh (9D and Indian Brook Road) upon request during certain times of the day. This will be your cheapest way to get to the Indian Brook Falls since the fare for the trolley is just $2 per person. Keep in mind that you won’t be as flexible and make sure to check the schedule to plan your trip accordingly.
3. Uber or Lyft
Take an Uber or Lyft to the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve at Indian Brook Falls.
How to Get to Indian Brook Falls From Your Parking Spot
Chances are high you won’t get dropped off at the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve at Indian Brook Falls directly. When you start your trip at the Boscobel House and Gardens, walk on the Indian Brook Road until you reach the intersection of Indian Brook Road and Warren Landing Road. That will most likely be the spot where the Cold Spring Trolley would drop you off too.
Here, you need to head up Indian Brook Road for about 0.2 of a mile. If you are walking in the opposite direction of the Hudson River then you are going the right way.
After a short stroll, you will walk under a large bridge for Route 9D. Just ahead of you, the old gate for the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve at Indian Brook Falls welcomes you!
What to Expect on the Trail
General Information about the Indian Brook Falls Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: Short walk
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Change: Very little
Location: On Indian Brook Road just up from Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary
When you see the gate, continue walking around and head directly over a small bridge located just ahead of you. Turn immediately left onto a set of stone steps after passing the bridge. This will bring you to a very narrow path along the stream that will guide you directly to the waterfall.
There is no doubt that you will ask yourself if you are in the right spot. Unfortunately, this area of the park is not well maintained, somewhat overgrown the Indian Brook Falls trail is really beaten up. You will probably even have the whole part of the State Park to yourself. But rest assured, you are still on the right way to this beautiful Hudson Valley waterfall gem.
For years, residents and town officials have tried to shut down this area of the Hudson Highlands State Park due to vandalism. People smoke weed, spray graffiti, and dump their trash in the beautiful landscape. Please do your job to protect nature and make sure to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. Please carry out anything you carried in with you to keep this area clean for future visitors.
The narrow ungroomed pathway leading to the base of Indian Brook Falls is very short but does present some challenges. You may encounter fallen trees, overgrown shrubbery, or large exposed roots, rocks, and more. Even though the water doesn’t look deep, you should not enter the stream due to dangerous conditions and snakes. Don’t be discouraged, we always love to add some more thrilling adventures to our hikes.
Just stay close to the right side of the river, and go slow and easy while you climb your way around these natural obstacles. You will be glad you did when you arrive at the base of the cute Indian Brooks Falls.
Take your time and enjoy the falls which you will most likely all have to yourself!
Top 5 Hiking Essentials for Every Hike
Day Hiking Packs
Deuter is one of the top brands for hiking packs and just happens to be our favorite. We currently use the Deuter Speed Lite 22 SL which has a more slimming design to fit a women’s back perfectly.
Insulated Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
We found out very quickly that having a good insulated water bottle makes a world of difference on our hiking trips. Personally, we love the Hydroflask 32 oz. Wide Mouth insulated water bottle which comes in many different designs. Additional accessories we like for our Hydroflask are the 32 oz Straw Lid, packable bottle sling, and Flex Boot. Other top brands we would recommend are Camelback and Yeti.
Durable Hiking Footwear
Hiking up the mountains in the Hudson Valley area requires sturdy hiking boots you can trust. We currently (mostly) use the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot and are totally satisfied with them because they are lighter than many other boots.
Comfortable Hiking Socks
Trust us, a quality hiking sock with a good cushion can make a huge difference in how your feet will feel after any hike. Our absolute favorite hiking sock brand is Darn Tough.
Photography Gear
There is never a hike we go on without having our photography gear with us. Peak Design with its many smart photography accessories makes capturing our adventurous hiking moments so much easier. Our ultimate favorite is their capture clip which simply attaches your camera to your backpack for quick accessibility.
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Indian Brook Trail?
The amount of time it will take you to hike to Indian Brook Falls on the Indian Brook trail is dependent on where your starting point is.
1. From the entrance of Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve at Indian Brook Falls
If you are already in the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve at Indian Brook Falls, it should take roughly 10-15 minutes to hike to the base of the falls.
2. From the intersection of Indian Brook Road and Warren Landing Road
If you get dropped off at the intersection of Indian Brook Road and Warren Landing Road (the top of the hill at Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary), you have to add approximately 10 minutes to get to the Indian Brook Falls trailhead.
3. From Boscobel House and Gardens parking lot
When parking at the nearby Boscobel House and Gardens, it will require a little more effort to see the falls, as you will have to take a 1.1-mile walk to the Hudson Highlands State Park. It is a fairly easy stroll but requires a minimum of 25-35 minutes to reach the trailhead.
Tips for Visiting the Indian Brook Falls Trail
The Trail is NOT in Good Condition
Unlike most of the trails in the beautiful Hudson Valley, this one is not maintained and groomed regularly. You definitely don’t want to hike the Indian Brook Falls trail in or after a rainfall when the grounds are extremely slippery and it is too dangerous to climb over the obstacles the trail presents. Always dress appropriately and wear proper footwear.
Visit Indian Brook Falls in the Spring
The trail is open all year round from sunrise to sunset. Our favorite time to visit waterfalls in New York, including the Indian Brook Falls, is in the Spring when the water tends to flow the best. Then the waterfalls are in their most powerful, gracious, and beautiful state.
More Top Hikes to Check Out in the Area
Anthony’s Nose Trail – A very popular Hudson Valley hiking trail located near the Bear Mountain Bridge. At the top, hikers are rewarded with a grand view of the bridge, Hudson River, and surrounding area.
Breakneck Ridge Trail – This trail is one of the most popular Hudson Valley hiking destinations. The roughly 3.2-mile loop uphill with tough steep inclines is a challenge, but you get rewarded with outstanding views of the Hudson Valley when you arrive at the top.
Cornish Estate Trail – This easy 1.8-mile scenic hike through the woods leads you to the historic ruins of the Cornish Estate. See how nature has taken back the area of a once-living and thriving homestead. It is a real paradise for lovers of spooky places or history geeks who love to admire old structures.
Minnewaska State Park Trails – Enjoy more of New York’s outstanding hiking trails in Minnewaska State Park. Each trail offers a different feature from plunging waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, lakes, and more. This is one of our absolute favorite places to hike in the area.
Mount Beacon – If you are in for a long steep climb, give the Mount Beacon trail a try. Most hikers will call it quits when they make it to the overlook of the Hudson River, but keep pushing to climb up Mount Beacon Fire Tower to get a 360-degree view.
Storm King Mountain – A moderate 2.4 miles climb with tons of scenic vistas will bring you up to the top of Storm King Mountain. The trail is a perfect combination of climbing and hiking for all types of hikers to enjoy.
Popular Nearby Attractions in the Hudson Valley
If you already made it out here, why not combine your trip to the Indian Brook Falls with one or more of the various other activities in the surrounding area. No matter if you are interested in birding, beautiful flowers, going shopping in a charming town, or hiking more scenic trails, you will find the right extension for your day.
Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary
The Constitution Marsh trail is a real hidden gem in the Hudson Valley. The 1.3 out and back trail features unique views of the Hudson River, eye-catching wildflowers, and great bird-watching opportunities. To get to the actual tidal marsh, you have to walk 1 mile over rocky terrain, before getting close to this interesting ecosystem.
Boscobel House and Gardens
Boscobel House and Gardens feature a beautifully manicured garden, an old neoclassical mansion, and romantic trails through the woods. From the gardens, you can get a perfect view overlooking the nearby Constitution Marsh. If you plan in advance, you can also join one of their various events to get to know this place a little better.
Cold Spring, NY
Cold Spring, rated as one of the most picturesque towns in the Hudson Valley, is located approximately 2 miles north of Indian Brook Falls. Wander along some of the most important industrial sites at the “outdoor museum” West Point Foundry Preserve, find a souvenir in one of the unique shops, or dine in one of the charming restaurants.
New York State Parks in the Hudson Valley
Indian Brook Falls is located within the Hudson Highlands State Park with various other hiking trails and outdoor activities to enjoy. Bear Mountain State Park and Harriman State Park are 2 other closeby New York State Parks where you can enjoy the outdoors.
Hudson Valley Accommodations
New York’s Hudson Valley is filled with beautiful accommodations throughout the region. But searching for hotels just located in the Hudson Valley may be overwhelming and won’t point you in the right direction.
If you are looking for accommodations close to Indian Brook Falls, we would suggest looking for hotels in nearby cute Hudson Valley towns, like Cold Spring and Beacon.
Did you Master the Challenges of the Indian Brook Falls Trail?
Let us know in the comments below!
Our Other Resources for Hudson Highlands State Park
- Beautiful Anthony’s Nose Hike: All You Need to Know
- How to Hike the Mysterious Cornish Estate Trail
- Hiking Breakneck Ridge: How Tough Actually is this Hike
You Might Also Like the Waterfalls in New York
- Explore the Beautiful Awosting Falls Trail in Minnewaska State Park
- Stony Kill Falls: Best Kept Secret in Minnewaska State Park
- Hike the Unforgettable Verkeerderkill Falls in Minnwaska State Park
- 57 Spectactular Waterfalls in NY You Have to See
- The Most Picturesque Finger Lakes Waterfalls You Have to See
- How to Hike the Indian Ladder Trail at Thacher State Park
- How to Hike the Striking Indian Head Trail Adirondacks + Rainbow Falls NY
- 90+ Best Quotes about Falls to Inspire Your Wanderlust
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I’ve tried to go to these falls several times, but the path narrows down to nothing so that I don’t see any other way to get there but to go into the water. I keep wondering if I’m missing something because I see a lot of blog posts and videos about Indian Brook Falls and everyone seems to get there no problem. Last time I went, I saw two snakes near the small bridge, so I don’t want to go into the water unless there really is no other way. Another blogger said there are rocks you can walk across, but every time I’ve gone, all the rocks seem almost completely submerged in the water.
Thanks for your comment!
We went to Indian Brooks in May last year. It was definitely a little tricky to get closer to the waterfall. The trail narrows down quickly and you really have to climb along the hill to make your way. There were a lot of big fallen trees and branches.
At one point there was kind of a rock bank where we stood on to take some pictures of the falls. Probably the other blogger was talking about that?! Did it rain a lot before you went?
Maybe you will be more lucky in the summer when it is more dry but then the Indian Brook Falls won’t be that impressive.
We didn’t walk in the water at all and I would not recommend doing it since there are several signs which tell you about the dangerous currents.
Good luck next time! Let us know if you could finally see the waterfall.
Hi! The other blogger I saw walked across the stream and didn’t have to stick to the sides. He and his family were able to step on some rocks that were scattered around. It’s possible that it hadn’t rained in a while when they did that. Last time I went it had rained a few days before but the stream was only ankle deep.
I’ve heard before that you need to watch out for snakes in the water (and I did see a few on the path when I was walking around there), so I decided against going in. I’ll definitely have to give it another try and see if I can just walk along the edge without actually going into the water. Thank you for the suggestions. 🙂
No problem. Since it is not a maintained trail, the trail conditions will vary. Let us know if you make it to see the waterfall!