High Falls Conservation Area

Excellent spot.
1) There are two falls. One large and smaller falls.
2) The High Falls can be seen from the bottom and another from the overlook.
3) Overall it is an easy hike.

This is only one of 10) conservation areas maintained by the Columbia Land Conservancy. Schor (Jon’s Pond) can bring tears to your ideas, it is so idyllic. Ooms Pond is another. Even outside the CLC areas are great places like Harvey Mountian, Beebe Hill Fire Tower (on a clear day you can see Albany, and No Bottom Pond. With the exception of whatever county the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone are in, I would nominate Columbia County for the most attractions.

Great diversion while driving up the Taconic State Parkway!
Lovely and easy fall hike. We started on the Red trail to the Overlook where there were rocks to sit on (and one table) to have a nice picnic. The waterfall is framed perfectly from there. Later went to the base of the falls. Small changes in elevation and curvy trail to keep things interesting.

This is a great little hike when you don’t have a lot of time, are in the area, and want a brief pleasant walk to a splendid waterfall. We took the high trail and saw the falls from across the river. I didn’t realize we could walk to the base of the falls though! An excuse for a second walk.

Another great nature preserve in Columbia County. I biked here from Chatham on a Saturday morning in August, which was a delight in itself.
The conservation area was not too crowded, even on a beautiful summer weekend. About 5 cars in the parking area, and plenty of solitude on the trails.
I recommend going to the lookout point at the end of the green trail first for an overview of the falls, then going down to the western end of the stream, and working your way along the water first to the small falls then to the pool at the base of the high falls. Come back to the entrance along the red trail for a grassier, sunnier stroll.
A bit buggy in places. No trash receptacles on site. Not a particularly large hiking area.

A 20 minute meandering walk through the forest ends in a stunning view worth not only the hike, but also the drive.
Make sure your gps map is up to date, mine missed a closed bridge and apparently got itself lost.
Bring bug spray, a camera, friends, and food for an awesome experience.

Gorgeous place. A little bit of a hike to get to the first falls. do NOT be mistaken and think this is High Falls. It isn’t. Climb/​Slip over the mossy, wet rocks for another few minutes to get to the actual falls. it is well worth it. Or you can take the easy road and look from the trail at the top, but who would want to miss being at the base of the falls?

This was a good hike, I’d recommend it. The falls were pretty and its a short, easy hike. The address is wrong on Unilocal.You need to turn onto Roxbury Rd from the north side. Here’s a google map link:

When I was a kid, you used to have to trespass to get to High Falls. I guess I thought everyone had a waterfall only a short hike from their house. Reasonably short uphill hike to get to the falls and the view is majestic. The Land Conservancy has also dutifully outfitted the site with trail markers, a bridge, picnic benches and a parking area. Well worth a day-​trip.
From the CLC Website:
«The High Falls Conservation Area is a 47-​acre property located in the village of Philmont, with access from the town of Claverack. High Falls is owned and managed by the Columbia Land Conservancy. High Falls, Columbia County’s highest waterfall, cascades 150 feet before culminating in a large pool. The water flows northwest until eventually reaching the Hudson River.»