October 15, 2022 – Spring Glen, NY
Issue: simple
Size: Roughly 1/4 mile
Route kind: out and again
Overview:
Horseshoe Mine Falls, often known as Buttermilk Falls, is a A 60 ft. tall sliding cascade that ends with a plunge over an entrance to an previous mining exploratory tunnel. The tunnel is kind of deep. Parking is roadside just some hundred toes away on Lewis Highway.
Labored in 1853, Horseshoe Mine was opened by a tunnel pushed southwest into the mountain. The situation of its entrance was decidedly on the foot of the waterfall. Throughout its operation, the course of water was diverted away from the adit to permit a dry route for its slender gauge railroad to enter.
Though the mine was positioned inside shut proximity to a significant railroad, it was not a producer. It’s probably that lead and probably zinc had been the chief metals as different lead-zinc mines exist within the normal space. Little or no waste rock stays on web site and little else is thought in regards to the operation.
Horseshoe Mine Falls is located simply throughout the northwestern boundary of Shawangunk Ridge State Forest and is fed by an unnamed mountain stream that flows by way of the forest east to west from New York State Route 52. See orange arrow under.
Shawangunk Ridge State Forest Path Map
How one can get there:
The parking space is positioned about 0.4-mile previous the Spring Glen Campgrounds on Lewis Highway in Spring Glen, NY in Ulster County. As you drive in a northerly path on Lewis Highway, look to your proper for 2 previous stone bridge abutments with a stream flowing between them. There’s pull-off parking for a number of vehicles alongside the highway. If the circulate is substantial, it’s best to be capable of hear the waterfall from the highway.
Previous stone bridge abutments – Lewis Highway
A large path leads as much as the previous O&W Railway. This previous railroad proper of method might someday be a part of the O&W Rail Path.
Extensive path to the left of the bridge abutments – Spring Glen
Previous O&W Railway – Spring Glen
Don’t flip onto the deserted railbed, as an alternative proceed straight forward on the unmarked path that follows the unnamed tributary upstream.
Horseshoe Mine Falls Path
From there it’s a brief stroll to the waterfall.
Horseshoe Mine Falls
Horseshoe Mine Falls
Horseshoe Mine Falls
I’ve visited this waterfall on quite a few events and it by no means will get previous. Beneath are some pictures from earlier visits throughout completely different seasons.
June 26, 2016
Horseshoe Mine Falls
Horseshoe Mine Falls
March 5, 2017
Horseshoe Mine Falls
Horseshoe Mine Falls
October 6, 2020
Horseshoe Mine Falls
Horseshoe Mine Falls
This simply accessible picturesque waterfall is greatest considered after a rainfall or through the Spring thaw. Since it’s a brief and simple stroll to and from, it’s possible you’ll need to mix this with a hike within the space, such because the Bear Hill Nature Protect, Minnewaska State Park, Sam’s Level, or any close by hike on the Shawangunk Ridge.
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