WaterfallNear Me

Rainbow Falls

Ulster County, New York

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Ulster County, New York
Access status
State park carriage road and footpath; seasonal flow
The walk
About five miles out and back from the Lake Minnewaska visitor center
Ground & access
Wide gravel carriage road, then a rugged footpath with a steep descent, rock ledges and small stream crossings.
MidAtlantic Daytrips: Minnewaska State Park, Rainbow Falls Hike

Rainbow Falls drops from overhanging rock ledges near Lake Awosting in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. A MidAtlantic Daytrips account followed the Upper Awosting Carriage Road from the visitor center, saw the falls from a clearing about 2 miles out, then took the orange-blazed Rainbow Falls Footpath down to the base, with a few rock-hop stream crossings. Scenes From The Trail notes the falls can be dry in the summer months. Swimming is not permitted at the park's waterfalls.

Plan your visit

Lake Minnewaska visitor center, Upper Awosting Carriage Road to the Rainbow Falls Footpath, then the footpath down to the base of Rainbow Falls

MidAtlantic Daytrips gives about five miles out and back from the visitor center. The first view of the falls is about 2 miles along the carriage road, and the side path to the base follows soon after.

Wide gravel carriage road, then a rugged footpath with a steep descent, rock ledges and small stream crossings.

Where to start

Main park entrance lots at 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson. NY State Parks says the Lake Minnewaska area is subject to intermittent closures when lots reach capacity.

Timing & water

Best after heavy rain or snowmelt; can be dry in summer. Park Preserve hours change by season; NY State Parks lists 9 am to 5 pm from November 1.

Before you go

NY State Parks lists a $10 per vehicle entry fee (under 15-person capacity). Empire Pass accepted.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore New York

Waterfall location

Ulster County, New York.

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