Escarpment Trail is a 3.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Voorheesville, New York that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
camping
cross country skiing
hiking
nature trips
snowshoeing
bird watching
running
forest
views
waterfall
wild flowers
wildlife
snow
fee
$6.00 Vehicle Use Fee. The visitor descends 60 ft (18 m) to the base of the escarpment via a metal staircase. From here the trail follows the base of the escarpment passing under the Minelot Falls and by the stream exiting from a small cave in the base of the rocks. This water is actually from Thompson Lake, some two miles (3 km) away, which makes its way through the porous limestone until it exits here. At the end of the trail, a second set of metal staircases take the visitor back to the top of the escarpment. The trail then continues back to the parking lot, offering excellent panoramas.
Did the Escarpment trail beginning from the Elm Ridge parking lot with some friends and my 10-year-old son. Didn’t look at the map on this one, hoping to be surprised and found the 4.25 mile incline to be a beast. The terrain yesterday was icy with light snow with temps in the high 30’s low 40’s, perfect for our hike. Loved doing this hike with my son, who surprisingly conquered it in his wet adidas sneakers. It was a difficult incline but a fantastic workout going up and coming down. I totally needed to push myself this weekend and got a great workout before snowboard season. Altogether from the Elm Ridge parking lot in Windham NY, it was approx 8.5 miles to the summit and back, I think.
Kaitlyn Elyse recorded Escarpment Trail
Indian ladder trail was closed. Easy walk along the ridge.
Adam Nichols recorded Recording - Oct 11, 12:16 PM
Great hike. Nice trail conditions
It was nice and easy enough for the kids. We had a good time with 9 kids ages 2-13
Great hike to bring kids along. Makes for a fun afternoon.
Mark Newman recorded Recording - Aug 30, 02:32 PM
little to no waterfall
Post rain walk at Thompson’s Lake. Meadow loop has lots of tree roots and some muddy areas probably better in hiking boots than my Tivas. Pretty moss covered bedrock on main trail.
Did a more thorough review on the Indian Ladder page. This is truly a magical kingdom. Most definitely returning for more of what the John Boyd Thatcher State Park has to offer.
Took my pups on their long leads - they loved it. The falls were only trickling but it was enough for them to have an ice cold drink. We got a little muddy bc of the long leads, but it was all good. The stairs are steep and the the dogs were a little reluctant at first. Beautiful spot!
easy walking trail, with stairs
Been hiking this trail since I was a kid so it will always come in as a favorite. Lots to see in my opinion if you actually look around you and take a moment here and there to appreciate nature and beauty around you. It’s an easy hike, there is a mix of terrains, wear proper shoes. Be respectful of others and the wildlife. Who knows when this trail will open again if at all.
bummer!! trail closed!
Super easy, child and pet friendly. Great views!
I live near here so I’ve done this hike many, many times in my childhood and since. It’s great for the kids and the fur kids, usually lots of other folks to greet.
Beautiful and different terrain than normal
nice day
After the last few hikes I took, I was looking for something more scenic and less strenuous. This trail was perfect. Easy trail with some slippery rocks and a couple of steep staircases. It took about an hour and a half with stops for photos. The falls are beautiful and flowing due to the week of rain we had. The leaves are just starting to change. Beautiful views at the start of the trail and at the falls. I plan to go back in a week or so to check out the foliage progress. Only downside I found was the amount of people there. It's definitely a busy place. Some people there were loud and rather obnoxious. I'll try a different time of day next time!
Fast, easy hike with great views at the top of the trail. The waterfall is great on a hot day, and parts of the cliff that we had to duck under to pass were especially fun for the kids.
Elaine T.
very nice trail, pretty easy, and great signs.
This was by far one of the most amazing trails I have been on. One note is that this is a state park and it costs $6 to park all day, but its definitely worth it. They also have a dirtbike, snowmobile, and awesome playground. to start at this trail head to the visitor center and it is just down the hill. there are three paths. Indian is the middle with the large stone steps. It has caves, cliffs, waterfalls ( better just after a heavy rain, and if you have kids be on the lookout for all the orange newts and salamanders around them) and breathtaking views.....minus the big ugly white factory that your eyes draw to. Went with 2 dogs and our 4year old. Minus a few slips on the wet rocks she was easily able to do it and loved the cave.
Amanda M.
Beautiful! Newts everywhere, they are so cute! A little slippery and steep in parts, so it would be tough for little kids or elderly to Do the full loop- but lots of easier access spots to check out too. Beautiful visitors center!!!!
if you want to make this a much better hike and not pay the high price of $6 for parking right on old stage road you'll see a small parking lot that can hold around 10 car or you can parl along side the road if full. this spot will take you too 2 great overlooks. you see on the this map the dotted line call high point road. the second overlook is were hang gliders jump from. then take escarpment trail that will take you into the park and you'll be on Indian trail. this will make your hike a 100 times better.
