More Information
Trailhead GPS: Coordinates N41.99486 W74.99486
Getting There: Exit State Route 17 at Exit 94W and turn left on Route 206. Exit State Route 17 at Exit 94E and turn left on Stewart Ave. At the end of Stewart Ave. turn left on Route 206. From the traffic light drive north on Route 206 for 2.4 miles. Turn left on Morton Hill Road and bear left at the next intersection to stay on Morton Hill Road. Continue on this road for 3.1miles to Russell Brook Road on the left. Turn left on Russell Brook Road and drive.5 miles to park in the lower parking area. CAUTION: Russell Brook Road is NOT always well maintained. Drive slowly and watch for rocks and branches in the road.
Difficulty: This hike is rated MODERATE because it has some uphill hiking and is longer than the EASY hike. There may be wet or muddy areas along the way.
Trail Surface: The trail surface is free of large stones and tree trunks consisting mostly of small stones and dirt. The trail is often wet and muddy.
Hike Description: Walk down the road and turn right just passed the kiosk. Walk down the wide woods road to the bridge over Russell Brook. Cross the bridge and continue on the main trail watching for a path to the right just passed a large stand of Japanese knotweed. Turn right here and follow the path that leads toward the lower waterfall. This path continues to a viewpoint over the lower falls. Before you get to the view point turn right and work your way down the bank to the streambed. You will be directly in front of Russell Brook Falls. After taking in the beauty of the falls walk back up the bank and out to the main trail. Turn right on the main trail and walk to the trail register and a trail junction just passed it. Stay right on the blue-blazed Trout Pond Trail which ascends very gently to the outlet of Trout Pond at .9 miles. You may want to walk to the left of the trail at the outlet and visit the “beach” and the dam. There is a nice view of the entire pond from this location. Continue on the main trail for just over .5 miles to the bridge over the inlet of Trout Pond. There is also a nice view from the bridge or the shore at this end. You have now hiked a total of 1.6 miles. Turn around and retrace your steps to the parking area skipping a second trip to the falls on the way back.