Rainbow Falls and Awosting Falls (Morton Memorial Hike)

Awosting Falls

If it's not excessive, I enjoy the rain.  Often though, when it rains, it becomes an excuse to stay indoors.  This is a shame.  I really enjoyed today's outing.  From now on, when it rains, I will try to make it an excuse to get outdoors.

It's rained pretty good the past few days.  After heading over to Stony Kill Falls, I walked out to Rainbow Falls.  Though it's listed on the map, Rainbow Falls are really not much.  I'm not even sure it's formed by a brook or stream.  With all the rain we've received in the past few days, the falls were just recognizable.  It's still a great location and on a hot, humid day, the trickle of water will be quite welcome.

The walk out to Rainbow Falls is great (as so many trails are in Minnewaska).  There are plenty of cool white rocks through the dwarf pines on the way to Rainbow Falls.  For me, those are the classic features of the Shawangunks.

Sanders Kill

Now that's a cairn

Rainbow Falls

From Rainbow Falls I walked on a carriage trail to Awosting Falls.  The rain became a downpour and I almost decided against going.  Awosting Falls may be my favorite waterfall of all time.  So my tired legs made their way down to the bottom of the falls.  Since my feet were soaked, I ventured over to the north side of the Peters Kill to check out the view of Awosting.  This would be the first time I'd see the waterfall from this angle.  Rain or not, I could chill out here forever.    

Stony Kill Falls (Morton Memorial Hike)

It's hard to believe it's been 8 years since the death of my last cat.  One of the guys I hang out with at the cafe mentioned he lost his dog about a month ago.  He feels similarly how I felt eight years ago, like losing a good friend.  Pets make great companions.

Originally I planned to head up to the Adirondacks and get a couple 46ers (as I plan just about every year), but the forecast would be rain.  When it rains, Where is a great place to go?  Waterfalls.  I haven't been to the Gunks in a long while, so that would be the destination.

Access point to Delaware Aquaduct

Into the fog

Stony Kill Falls

Stony Kill Falls is one of my all time favorite waterfalls.  Though the start of the walk passes an old heliport and an access point for the Delaware Aquaduct, once near the Stony Kill, the area feels quite wild.  It can be a bit of a rugged walk, depending on where you want to go.  On a day like today, it's easy to take a spill on the wet rocks.  Though Verkeerder Kill Falls are higher, sometimes Stony Kill Falls is listed as the highest in the Shawangunks.  It's definitely the largest single drop (at 87 feet), as Verkeerder Kill Falls is a cascade.

Definitely one of the more beautiful waterfalls in the Hudson Valley

It's rugged

Behind the falls is a great spot to chill

It's steep all around

It's a great place to wonder around.  Be careful, as there is plenty of loose rock.  It's an extremely picturesque waterfall, so bring the camera.  If you're especially adventurous, hike to the top of the falls and enjoy the view.  At the top of the waterfall is one of the best swimming holes in the Hudson Valley.  But don't be surprised to see naked people as it's a known spot for nudists.  

A wonderful setting