Rasika DalviIn October 2020, we decided to take you all on a little hiking spree! Unlike some of the long, strenuous trails we had conquered before, this time we explored a collection of short and easy hikes that you can spontaneously add to your adventure itinerary – just like we did.
But don’t let the simplicity of these trails fool you. Sometimes the most unforgettable experiences come from the paths that require the least effort. These peaceful trails wind through beautiful landscapes and lead to hidden gems that are truly worth discovering. So, lace up your hiking shoes and join me as we explore some of these charming little adventures!
Campbell Falls State Park, Connecticut
Hidden deep within a lush forest along the Connecticut–Massachusetts border, Campbell Falls State Park feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Tucked away from the crowds, this beautiful waterfall rewards visitors with a peaceful hike through the woods and the chance to experience nature at its finest.
One of the unique highlights of the trail is a historic Connecticut–Massachusetts boundary marker from 1906, allowing hikers to literally cross between two states during their journey. It was such a fun and unexpected experience to step across a state line while exploring the trail.
The short and easy hike makes Campbell Falls accessible for almost everyone, but the real surprise comes at the end – the stunning waterfall cascading in a zig-zagging plunge through a rocky gorge. Surrounded by dense woodland and serene scenery, this hidden gem is a perfect spot for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a quick yet memorable adventure.
Finding the trail entrance to Campbell Falls can be a little tricky, so keep an eye out for the sign marked with two hikers; it will guide you to the right path. Once you begin, the trail quickly immerses you in a peaceful pine forest, offering a relaxing and scenic walk surrounded by nature. We started our hike a little later than planned, and navigating through the quiet woods as daylight began to fade added an unexpected sense of adventure to the experience. The trail itself is relatively easy, covering about 1.4 miles with gentle ups and downs. Near the end, there is a short but steeper section that descends toward the base of the falls, so a little extra caution is needed.
If you prefer having a map handy while hiking, make sure to take a screenshot or photo of the trail map before entering the forest, as cell service can be unreliable or unavailable in this area.
At the end of the trail awaits the true reward – a stunning, photogenic waterfall featuring two cascading drops with a combined height of approximately 50 feet. Surrounded by the beauty of the forest, Campbell Falls is a perfect example of how a short hike can lead to an unforgettable natural wonder.
The direction of the flow of the water for each of its drops went in different directions so it may have a bit of a zig-zagged appearance depending on the viewing angle. There was an informal scramble that allowed us to go above the lower drop of Campbell Falls for a closer look at the taller upper tier. It was simply one of those excursions where it was enough to bask in the silence of nature broken only by the sounds of rushing water as well as the odd birdsong and rustling leaves.
The trail and the waterfall were so secluded, it’s like having your secret hideaway. The actual waterfall is located in Massachusetts, but the entry places are in Norfolk, Connecticut.
The best part I would say about this hike is the serenity and tranquility of the dense forest which leads you to this gorgeous water force. This is a super short hike that leads to a surprisingly awesome outcome!
High Falls Conservation Area, New York
Our original plan for the day was to visit the famous Bash Bish Falls, but sometimes unexpected detours lead to the most memorable discoveries. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the park was operating with limited capacity, and when we arrived, more than 15 cars were already waiting for entry. Not knowing how long the wait would be, we decided to skip the uncertainty and search for another adventure nearby.
That decision led us to the beautiful High Falls Conservation Area in Philmont, New York; a hidden gem that turned out to be well worth the change of plans. Located within the protected conservation area, High Falls stands at an impressive 150 feet tall, making it the tallest waterfall in Columbia County and one of the most remarkable waterfalls in eastern New York.
Surrounded by peaceful woodland and scenic trails, this spectacular cascade proved that sometimes the best travel moments come from embracing the unexpected.
There are three different trails of 1.5 miles (red, blue, and green) all lead to an excellent view of the falls. The Green Trail will lead you directly to the High Falls overlook, where the main waterfall can be viewed in its entirety. The Red Trail also leads there, although it is longer and includes a slight incline. The Blue Trail leads to the creek and both waterfalls. While the trails are neither long nor especially difficult, they do provide a great chance to get out into nature and enjoy some beautiful scenery. As you hike along the trails, you will observe locust stands, maples, and oaks along the forest, which shows logging was also once a dominant industry here.
The History and Beauty of High Falls
The beauty of High Falls is deeply connected to the industrial history of the region. During the 19th century, Agawamuck Creek served as an important source of power for the many mills that once lined its banks. A dam was constructed at the top of the falls in 1845 to help harness the rushing waters and support the growing milling industry. However, as technology evolved, many of these mills became outdated and eventually closed. Today, only a few historic structures remain, with little evidence of the former industrial landscape except for another dam farther downstream. Even the town’s original name, Factory Hill, reflected its past as a bustling center of factories and mills. The name was later changed to Philmont after the decline of the milling era.
Nature has since reclaimed this historic landscape. Standing at 150 feet tall, High Falls is the tallest waterfall in Columbia County, dramatically cascading down the gorge before flowing into a large pool below. The waters of Agawamuck Creek continue their journey northwest, eventually joining the Hudson River.
Of course, we couldn’t resist adding a little extra adventure to our visit! Instead of simply following the trail like responsible adults, we decided to wander off the beaten path and explore a small creek nearby. If you don’t mind a little rock scrambling, holding onto tree roots like a professional jungle explorer, and accepting that your shoes might become unwilling participants in a creek adventure, this route is definitely worth trying!
At the bottom of High Falls, a beautiful natural pool awaits, and it quickly became the favorite hangout spot for visitors. People were swimming, fishing, relaxing, and showing off their bravery with some thrilling jumps into the cool water. Watching everyone enjoy the falls made us realize that High Falls is not just a place to admire from a distance; it’s a place to jump in, get a little wet, and make some unforgettable memories!
Overall, this short 1.4-mile hike is absolutely worth the effort. It’s just the right amount of adventure – enough to feel like you earned the waterfall, but not so much that you need a week-long recovery plan afterward!
I hope you enjoyed this little game of “hide-and-seek: waterfall edition” with us. These waterfalls may try their best to hide deep in the woods, but the fun is in following the clues, getting a little lost (hopefully not too lost!), and discovering the magic waiting at the end of the trail.
🌿 Stay on the Trail!
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