This trail is a short hike to a waterfall. In the summer you will want to check the water level because there might not be much water in the falls, and during periods of more rain the trail may be muddy. This is an easy hike along a well marked trail to the viewing platform and lower falls that experienced hikers and newcomers alike will enjoy. The difficulty increases as reach the waterfall but there are stairs put in and the trail is very well marked. This hike can be kid friendly, but watch children closely as the trail can be slippery.  The waterfalls' fame in America really began when Washington Irving mentioned them in his story "Rip Van Winkle". The parking area is busy due to this being one of the more popular hiking trails in the Hudson Valley, so arrive early. If the main parking lot is full, there is a second parking lot which is about .3 miles from the trailhead. Makes for a great weekend trip from New York City. The upper falls and viewing platform can also be accessed from Laurel House Road.