Falling Waters and Grand Loop Trails

Although Schooley's Mountain County Park features a large picnic area, a lodge, and other developed recreational facilities, most of the park remains in its natural state. This hike passes through wild and undeveloped portions of the park that are far removed from the more heavily used areas.

From the end of the parking area, cross a grassy strip and turn left onto a paved service road, passing a restroom building on the left. Just before reaching a trail junction (marked by signs for the Patriots' Path and the Grand Loop Trail), turn right onto a gravel road and descend towards Lake George, bearing right at a fork. Upon reaching the lake, turn left and continue along the lakeshore.

At the end of the lake, you'll see a sign marking the start of the Falling Waters Trail. Turn left and follow this blue-blazed trail, which descends into the scenic gorge of Electric Brook, named for a long-abandoned electric generating plant which was powered by the brook (the concrete foundations of the plant are still visible just beyond a small waterfall). This section of the hike is particularly beautiful, but the trail is quite rocky in places.

After a short but steep descent over rocks, you'll pass two attractive waterfalls. This is a good place to take a short break to appreciate the wild and spectacular scenery. Just beyond, upon reaching a "private property" sign, the trail bears left and climbs out of the gorge, following a woods road.

At the top of the climb, the blue-blazed trail ends at a junction with the white-blazed Patriots' Path. Turn right and follow the white blazes for only about 50 feet. Where the trail makes a sharp left turn, continue ahead to a south-facing overlook from a rock outcrop. The view is over agricultural lands, with hills in the background.

After taking in the view, retrace your steps and bear left onto the white-blazed trail. Continue a short distance beyond the junction with the blue-blazed trail that you just climbed, and then leave the white-blazed trail and bear right onto a wide, unmarked gravel road. Although not marked by a sign, it is designated on the park map as the "Quarry Stone Path." Follow this road through attractive woodlands to its end at a junction with the Grand Loop Trail (marked by signs). (Just before this junction, an unmarked path to the right leads a short distance to an interesting rock outcrop.)

Following the sign that points towards the Beeline Trail, turn right onto the Grand Loop Trail - a woods road - which descends steadily. When you reach the Beeline Trail (this junction is also marked by signs), turn left, continuing to follow the Grand Loop Trail. (Just beyond the junction, you'll pass twin tulip trees on the right.) You now begin to climb steadily, rather steeply in places.

At the top of the climb, turn left onto the red-blazed Highland Cut. This trail is a footpath that "cuts across" the ridge of Schooley's Mountain, passing the highest point in the park (elevation 1,104 feet) on the way. Unfortunately, there are no views from this high point, which is in the midst of deep woods.

After a brief, gentle descent, the Highland Cut ends at a junction with the unmarked Grand Loop Trail, a wide woods road. Turn right and follow this road back to the restroom building and the parking area where the hike began.