Diamond Notch Falls via Diamond Notch Road is a 4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Lanesville, New York that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
The trail was in good condition, except for some parts that were a bit washed out from water and I would rate is as highly trafficked (saw at least 20 people). From where we parked on the road to the main waterfalls was more like 2.5 miles each way. I definitely recommend going until you at least see the bridge and waterfall, or you can even continue on after that. This was a great hike with peaceful views and sounds.
Found a men’s wedding ring on the path to the trail head and I’m pretty sure someone siphoned gas from my car while we were hiking. Parking at the trailhead was way further back than 500 feet like the local sign notes and past where the coordinates bring you in google maps. River crossing was a bit treacherous as the melting snow and rapids made the water levels and flow higher than you might see in the summer months. We turned back about half mile from the top as the entire trail was covered in snow and ice and we weren’t properly equipped.
Really difficult terrain due to the melting snow without snow shoes
A couple hints before I get to the review. There are 2 parking areas. One is about 1/2 mile before the trail right after a bridge (about 4 spots). The other is right at the trailhead along a narrow one lane snow packed road (about 2 spots?). IMO take the extra steps and park after the bridge. They are only really needed in a couple spots, but I wouldn't do this without microspikes. Ran into 2 groups that had to turn around about halfway because of the ice. At the falls after the bridge, take a quick left and then a left downhill to a spot along the falls that is PERFECT for lunch/snack before heading back. You'll likely have it to yourself for quite a while. As for the review, I'm very much a journey hiker vs. a destination hiker. I'd take a fun hike with no views over a boring hike with an amazing view. This trail is a big exception to that. The falls at the end (especially if you have it to yourself) and the view at one spot on the way back are totally worth it. The trail itself is kind of boring for the first mile or so, but once you cross the stream it gets better. Easy to follow for the most part. Mostly packed snow. A couple very icy spots as noted earlier. A couple spots where the snow isn't packed and you may pothole a bit. Overall I very much liked this trail.
Very nice hike! Definitely a little difficult at some spots. I went today, snowy and very icy about a mile in but still accessible and beautiful! Only issue wa the parking.. had to drive up an extremely narrow one car road in order to find the entrance , wasn’t clearly marked and probably wouldn’t be able to do without a 4x4 car. There was parking about 1/2 mile away though but very limited lot of “no parking” signs but overall 5/5
Went with my two sisters and this was their first hike. They had a good experience saying it was steep at times and slippery with the water and rocks. Easy/Moderate for more experienced hikers.
Beautiful hike! Definitely rocky & hard at times when it’s steep but worth the view at the end!