|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: Plotter Kill Preserve is a nature preserve near Rotterdam, NY. The Plotter Kill, a tributary of the Mohawk River, flows through a very rugged gorge. The forest here contains a mix of hardwoods and confiers. There are three beautiful waterfalls. The Upper Falls is 60 feet; the Lower Falls and the Rynex Creek Falls are both 40 feet. Start on the red trail near the kiosk. Take the side trail (blue) which will take you to lookouts over the Upper and Lower falls. Continue on the red trail which crosses the Kill on a foot bridge. You will pass by the Upper and Lower falls. The trail goes down a switchback taking you to the top of the falls on the Rynex creek. Cross the creek here. If you have ample time, you can follow the red trail to the end of the preserve near the Thruway. There is a cascading waterfall there. I opted to turn around shortly after crossing the power lines for this trip. Trailhead: Take Interstate 90 (Thruway) to Exit 25A (Interstate 88). Take first exit ramp right after the toll booth. At the light, turn left onto NY Route 7 (East). After about 1/2 mile, turn left onto NY Rte 337 (North). Turn left at next light on NY Route 159 (West). Drive for 3.5 miles to parking area on the right - just past Coplon Rd. (Lat:42.825 Lon:-74.052) Trail Guides for Plotter Kill Preserve: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Schenectady County Planning Department (518) 386-2225 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by George Senft, who has posted 26 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 2 of 8 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Meghan on 5/17/2009 This is beautiful. If you start on the Coplon Road entrance it is a harder hike. That is what we did and we were so glad. The route that comes in from 159 is very easy. The waterfalls are absolutely gorgeous and being able to get so close to them (on top of one basically) is amazing. The trails are marked VERY well. I can't wait to go again.
Reviewed by Adrienne on 4/9/2009 Very beautiful place! Based on what I read above I was expecting the Red trail to be a 3.5 mile loop which could be done in 2 hours total. After 2 hours we weren't even half way around, according to the map, and we aren't slow walkers. Just be aware that the whole Red trail loop is a 1/2 day to full day trip depending on your experience level. I wish the map would give the total distance for each colored trail. 
Reviewed by Jeff and Karen on 1/25/2009 Just returned from snowshoeing the South Rim up to the falls. Pretty easy but a good workout nevertheless. Beautiful, cold day and only saw four other people. Saw some ski tracks down the power lines and I'm wondering if anyone has done this and can comment. Looks like it would be a blast.
Reviewed by Mark on 1/6/2009 Been to plotterkill over a dozen times now, and I simply enjoy it. Trails are marked very clearly, and the falls are amazing in the early spring. 
Reviewed by Andrew on 8/16/2008 The Most awsome Single track For MT,Biking Around....After One year of riding the trails I'm Now Able to ride 90% of the Big loop. 10% is Just about impossible HAHA.
Reviewed by Lou on 8/10/2008 Best to use a GPS and use these coordinates: N 42.82553 W 74.05165 (No rounding to the nearest #) - Had a great time, it was the first time for me and I have to admit that if you don't have a map, you're going to feel a little exposed but the trails were marked which was great. Went there and only managed to get around for about 20 minutes before realizing that it would be best to turn back and head home before the thunderstorm rolled in. Have fun and I can't wait to go there again. Scotia (rt. 50) to Plotter Kill was about 10 minutes.... Really really close... just drive as if you're going to the Rotterdam Mall.
Reviewed by Eric on 6/17/2008 awesome place.. been there probably well over 100 times in the past 8+ years, so its not as 'beautiful' as it once seemed lol, plus the main rt159 entrance is usually packed full and sometimes i find it unenjoyable when theres tons of ppl there, especially when they are being loud and obnoxious.... the falls are great in early spring or after a storm.... as for the coplon entrance, i used to love that one and i went to it for the 1st time in a couple years.. its great that most ppl do not goto that one and also, deer like to graze in the fields by the parking lot which can be a nice sight... but be careful in this part.. all that tall grass and plants (some of it waist high.. or taller) is a haven for ticks.. i was covered in them!! bewar
Reviewed by Dfobes on 5/26/2008 personally, i love the place. its tru that the river does run low around mid summer, but i think it might be jus because people keep throwing rocks in the river to make bridges. other then that, its a beautiful place. many different terrains, i prefer to stay between the powerlines and the entrance. id sugjest this palce to anybody who likes to climb up and down steap hillsides because it contains a lot of them. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Schenectady County Hiking, Schenectady County Trails, Schenectady County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||