Whose waterfall? Our waterfall!
The Open Space Institute (OSI) has acquired the Verkeerderkill Falls property in the Shawangunks, securing permanent public access to the 187-foot waterfall and 134 surrounding acres. The acquisition connects a critical section of protected lands at Sam’s Point, part of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, and ensures continued access via a six-mile round-trip trail from the Sam’s Point Visitor Center. OSI’s next step includes upgrading the trail to improve safety and protect the sensitive environment, in partnership with state agencies and local organizations.
This acquisition was partially funded by RunWild, a nonprofit that contributed $205,000 toward land protection and future trail enhancements. Additional funding and partnerships are being sought to support the work.
The Verkeerderkill Falls property includes sections of major regional trails such as the Long Path and Shawangunk Ridge Trail. Its ecological importance is highlighted by its high-altitude pitch pine barrens, rare species, and clean water resources, making it a conservation priority in both the New York State Open Space Plan and the Town of Shawangunk’s environmental strategy.
Trail improvement work is scheduled to begin later this year and conclude by fall 2026, after which OSI plans to transfer the land to the state as part of the Sam’s Point Area of the park.
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