Verkeerderkill Falls property acquired for public use and conservation

Whose waterfall? Our waterfall!

The Open Space Institute (OSI) has acquired the Verkeerderkill Falls property in the Shawangunks, securing permanent public access to the 187-foot waterfall and 134 surrounding acres. The acquisition connects a critical section of protected lands at Sam’s Point, part of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, and ensures continued access via a six-mile round-trip trail from the Sam’s Point Visitor Center. OSI’s next step includes upgrading the trail to improve safety and protect the sensitive environment, in partnership with state agencies and local organizations.

This acquisition was partially funded by RunWild, a nonprofit that contributed $205,000 toward land protection and future trail enhancements. Additional funding and partnerships are being sought to suppo