Vernooy Kill Falls
Swimming hole in Kerhonkson, New York · Waterfall
Vernooy Kill Falls is a waterfall swimming hole. It is near Kerhonkson, New York. Access is free. Best season: Late spring–summer for swimming pockets.
Typical season: Late spring–summer for swimming pockets
About Vernooy Kill Falls
**Vernooy Kill Falls** (**Vernooy Falls**) is a Catskills cascade in **Sundown Wild Forest** near Kerhonkson. a top search among New York waterfall swimming holes that still requires a real hike. The **Vernooy Kill** drops in stages; swim only in calm side pockets, never on the cascade lip. Free DEC access. See more NY swimming holes or near me.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Waterfall
- Water body
- Vernooy Kill
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Kerhonkson
- State
- New York
- Coordinates
- 41.87180, -74.37050
- Best season
- Late spring–summer for swimming pockets; after rain for the best cascade. Muddy after storms.
- Access difficulty
- Easy–moderate — roughly 1+ mile each way on forest roads/trails from Trails End Road parking.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- Designated DEC camping near the trail system where posted — not ad-hoc at the bridge.
- Activities
- Hiking, swimming in calm pockets, photography
- Facilities
- None at the falls. DEC trailhead parking only.
- Listing last updated
- October 6, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitLate spring, summer for swimming pockets; after rain for the best cascade. Muddy after storms.
- AccessEasy, moderate. roughly 1+ mile each way on forest roads/trails from Trails End Road parking.
- FacilitiesNone at the falls. DEC trailhead parking only.
- Camping nearbyDesignated DEC camping near the trail system where posted. not ad-hoc at the bridge.
Highlights & features
- Sundown Wild Forest cascade
- Kerhonkson day hike
- Free DEC swimming pockets
- Bridge crossing mid-falls on the DEC trail
- Also searched as Vernooy Falls / Vernooy Kill Falls
- Quieter than roadside Catskills holes when you earn the hike
How to get there
From Kerhonkson / Route 209, follow local roads to **Trails End Road** DEC parking (approx. 41.88405, -74.36057) or the Upper Cherrytown Road lot.
Hike Flat Hill / Vernooy Kill trails to the bridge at the falls. Note which lot you used. trails interconnect.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes. Bring water and a headlamp if starting late. Combine with other Kerhonkson listings rather than rushing multiple long Catskills hikes in one day.
Access & fees
NYSDEC Sundown Wild Forest. free. Follow Leave No Trace and DEC camping rules. No lifeguards.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Vernooy Kill Falls New York?
In the Sundown Wild Forest (Catskills) near Kerhonkson / Accord, Ulster County. Common trailheads include Trails End Road and Upper Cherrytown Road DEC lots.
Is Vernooy Kill Falls the same as Vernooy Falls?
Yes — maps and trip reports use both names for the same cascade on the Vernooy Kill.
Can you swim at Vernooy Kill Falls?
People wade and swim in calmer pockets beside the cascades when levels are moderate. Do not climb wet rock beside the drops; current increases after rain.
How long is the hike to Vernooy Kill Falls?
About 1–2 miles one-way depending on trailhead (Trails End Road Flat Hill Trail is a common ~1+ mile approach to the bridge at the falls).
Explore more nearby swimming guides
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Map & location
Sources & updates
Reference sources
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