One Year Ago

Sam's Point, Verkeerdeerkill Falls, and Ice Caves in Ulster County, NY.  The hike up to Sam's Point is not difficult.  The trail goes up hill on a widely paved trail.  The path going to the edge is well marked.  Definitely worth the visit because you can see for miles on a clear day.  Who knew this beautiful scenery existed just 2 hours north of NYC!

              

The hike to the falls was more on the strenuous side.  The path is rocky and narrow through sections of the mountainside.  When it rains a good portion of the trail becomes flooded but is passable.  We could not get across the water to view the waterfall without getting wet.  So we decided to enjoy the fresh clear water and wade through the water at the top of the falls.  We were able to sit on the edge and enjoy our lunch before our hike back.  And of course take in the view of the beautiful falls.

Next we hiked to the Ice Caves.  The trail to the cave door was a slight challenge since the rocks were wet from recent rain.  There were wooden stairs and rock stairways.  Going through the caves was the easy part.  Wooden walkways were installed inside the caves along with solar lights to illuminate your way.  It is definitely colder inside the caves!  Once out of the caves there is a nice view of NY again.  We sat on the rocks and ate our mid-afternoon snack here.  I remember having blisters on my heels after this long day.  But well worth it!  You can't find hikes like this just anywhere.