October 15, 2022 – Spring Glen, NY
Problem: simple
Size: Roughly 1/4 mile
Route kind: out and again
Overview:
Horseshoe Mine Falls, also referred to as Buttermilk Falls, is a A 60 ft. tall sliding cascade that ends with a plunge over an entrance to an outdated mining exploratory tunnel. The tunnel is kind of deep. Parking is roadside only a few hundred ft away on Lewis Street.
Labored in 1853, Horseshoe Mine was opened by a tunnel pushed southwest into the mountain. The placement 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 slim 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 presumably zinc have been the chief metals as different lead-zinc mines exist within the basic space. Little or no waste rock stays on website and little else is understood concerning the operation.
Horseshoe Mine Falls is located simply inside the northwestern boundary of Shawangunk Ridge State Forest and is fed by an unnamed mountain stream that flows by means of the forest east to west from New York State Route 52. See orange arrow beneath.
Shawangunk Ridge State Forest Path Map
The best way to get there:
The parking space is positioned about 0.4-mile previous the Spring Glen Campgrounds on Lewis Street in Spring Glen, NY in Ulster County. As you drive in a northerly course on Lewis Street, look to your proper for 2 outdated stone bridge abutments with a stream flowing between them. There may be pull-off parking for a number of automobiles alongside the highway. If the stream is substantial, you need to be capable to hear the waterfall from the highway.
Previous stone bridge abutments – Lewis Street
A large path leads as much as the outdated O&W Railway. This outdated railroad proper of approach might at some point be a part of the O&W Rail Path.
Large 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 quick 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I’ve visited this waterfall on quite a few events and it by no means will get outdated. Under are some photographs from earlier visits throughout totally 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 in the course of the Spring thaw. Since it’s a quick and straightforward stroll to and from, it’s possible you’ll wish 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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