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And up-and-down out-and-back. Trailhead info at bottom of this post.

Hiking Trail Description

This alternate route to Diamond Notch Falls from Diamond Notch Road in the south, is moderately challenging with stream crossings and some rugged terrain.

This trail begins in Lanesville, a small hamlet in the northern Catskills in Greene County, New York. Nestled between rolling hills and picturesque forests, Lanesville is known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. With a population of just a few hundred people, the hamlet offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Despite its small size — the population is just over 2700 — Lanesville has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The hamlet was originally settled by Irish immigrants who worked in the nearby quarries, and many of the historic buildings in the area reflect this heritage.

Plan on 2½-3 hours to get the most from this extremely enjoyable hike.

You might also enjoy this alternate (and easier) route to Diamond Notch Falls via Spruceton

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Table of Contents

Diamond Notch Road Trail Notes & Gallery

Diamond Notch Hollow

Diamond Notch Scenic View

Diamond Notch Lean-To

Diamond Notch Falls

Similar Hikes

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Diamond Notch Road Hiking Trail

The hiking trail to Diamond Notch Falls via Diamond Notch Road includes…

Historical ruins

Mountian stream

Great geological features

Steep mountain pass

One great scenic view

Moss!

Footbridges

A lean-to shelter

A stunning double-waterfall

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Diamond Notch Road Trail Notes & Gallery

Diamond Notch Road approaches the trailhead for this hike from the south, along a narrow dirt road that’s lined with fantastic old stone fences .

Old stone fences on Diamond Notch Road

Follow the blue blazes north to cross the footbridge …

Footbridge near Diamond Notch Road

The trail tracks alongside Hollow Tree Brook which is fed by the notch between West Kill (on your left) and Southwest Hunter (on your right).

Hollow Tree Brook

The trail is flat at first but quickly begins to climb into…

Diamond Notch Hollow

The trail is mostly quite easy to follow, but some sections do require care and attention…

Rugged trail in Diamond Notch Hollow

Hiker in Diamond Notch Hollow

Miriam up high in Diamond Notch Hollow

Don’t forget to look down. Lots of beautiful moss up here…

Moss in Diamond Notch Hollow

Diamond Notch Scenic View

At 2670’, just below the top of Diamond Notch, you’ll come to an obvious boulder .

Diamond Notch Boulder

From this spot, there’s a terrific view of the Burroughs Range: Wittenberg , Cornell , the col , and Slide Mountain .

Burroughs Range seen from Diamond Notch

Behind the Burroughs Range , you can see Table and Peekamoose mountains.

Diamond Notch Lean-To

Pass over the top of the narrowest point of the notch — where you may be able to straddle the very edges of both Southwest Hunter and West Kill mountains — and, on your way down the far side, look for the Diamond Notch lean-to on your right.

Diamond Notch lean-to

It’s beautifully situated. There’s also a privy .

Diamond Notch lean-to

From here, head back to the trail and continue downhill less than half-a-mile to…

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Diamond Notch Falls

Beautiful in summer and winter…

Diamond Notch Falls

Spot the hiker…

Diamond Notch Waterfalls

Diamond Notch Waterfalls

Diamond Notch Falls

From here, it’s roughly 2.0 miles back to your car in Lanesville.

Similar Hikes

Check the alternate route to Diamond Notch via Spruceton .

If you love waterfalls, you’ll love this list of waterfall hikes .

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Diamond Notch Falls via Diamond Notch Road Trailhead

Small lot at the end of a narrow dirt road.

Google Maps Location: 42.145324, -74.263583

The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead

Cell Service

You may get some cell service near the top of the notch on the south side. Count on having no signal down low on either side of the notch. My network is Verizon. YMMV.

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The parent mountain for this hike is West Kill .