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Verkeerder Kill Falls
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Verkeerder Kill Falls
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Location Ulster County, New York
Coordinates 41°41′06″N 74°19′41″W / 41.68500°N 74.32806°W / 41.68500; -74.32806
Elevation 1,713 feet (522 m)
Total height 187 feet (57 m)
Watercourse Verkeerder Kill

Verkeerder Kill Falls is a tall and beautiful waterfall. It is found in the Sam's Point Preserve in the Shawangunk Mountains. This area is located in Ulster County, New York. It is the highest waterfall within the Sam's Point Preserve.

The waterfall is 187 feet (57 m) tall. That's about as tall as an 18-story building! You can reach it by hiking a trail that is about 3-mile-long (4.8 km). This trail is part of the longer Long Path. The waterfall gets its name from the stream that feeds it.

Exploring Verkeerder Kill Falls

Verkeerder Kill Falls is a popular spot for hikers. It offers amazing views of nature. The path to the falls is a fun adventure.

Getting to the Falls

To see the waterfall, you will hike a trail that branches off from the main path in Sam's Point Preserve. This trail is about 3-mile-long (4.8 km). It takes you through beautiful forests and rocky areas. Remember to wear good hiking shoes!

Views of the Waterfall

You can see Verkeerder Kill Falls from different spots. One way is to view it from the top. There is a rocky edge where you can look down. Another way is to try to reach the bottom. However, getting to the bottom means going off the main trail. This is called "bushwhacking." It means making your own way through thick bushes and trees. This can be difficult and is not recommended for everyone.

Safety Tips for Visitors

When visiting the falls, it is important to be safe. The rocky edges at the top of the waterfall do not have fences. This means you need to be very careful near the edge. Always stay a safe distance back. Never try to climb over rocks or get too close to the drop-off. Always follow park rules and stay on marked trails when possible.

The Name's Meaning

The name "Verkeerder Kill" might sound a bit unusual. It comes from the Dutch language. "Verkeerder" means "wrong" or "incorrect." "Kill" is an old Dutch word for "creek" or "stream." So, "Verkeerder Kill" means "Wrong Creek." No one is exactly sure why it was called this. It might have been because the stream flowed in an unexpected direction. Or perhaps it was difficult to navigate.

Location and Surroundings

Verkeerder Kill Falls is located in a special natural area. This area is known for its unique plants and animals.

Sam's Point Preserve

The waterfall is inside the Sam's Point Preserve. This preserve is a large natural area. It protects many different types of habitats. It is famous for its rare dwarf pine trees. It also has beautiful ice caves. The preserve is a great place for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying nature.

Shawangunk Mountains

The Sam's Point Preserve is part of the larger Shawangunk Mountains. These mountains are sometimes called "The Gunks." They are known for their white cliffs and beautiful views. Many people come here for rock climbing, hiking, and exploring. The mountains are home to many different plants and animals.

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