Hanging Spear Falls Loop

[ChrisM]

Good afternoon,

I am planning to hike the Hanging Spear Falls Loop, starting from Upper Works Rd. and proceeding in a counter-clockwise route.

I am looking for some general information from any hikers who have completed this hike. I am hoping to make this a day hike.

Thank you very much.

[DSettahr]

There's no bridges at either where the East River Trail crosses the Opalescent River, or at the outlet of Flowed Lands. It's not a bad idea to bring crocs/water shoes/etc. for these crossings to keep your hiking shoes dry (especially for the lower crossing). Usually, these aren't dangerous crossings in normal summer season conditions, but enough rainfall can bring the water up enough for the crossings to be impassible. Remember that moving water starts to get sketchy when it's about knee deep. (If you're planning this trip for this upcoming weekend, I'd be a bit wary given Saturday's forecast for over an inch of rain.)

Note that the East River Trail spontaneously changes trail marker color also at the turn off for Allen. Most hikers don't even notice but this can and does cause occasional confusion.

The trail hasn't been super well maintained in recent years between the turn off for Allen Mountain and the outlet of Flowed Lands. There's not a huge amount of blowdown but it does get brushy in spots- especially with witch hobble.

Hanging Spear Falls is worth the short side trip but also warrants caution. The side trail ends at an overlook above the falls. Don't try to scramble down to the base of the falls for a better look- hikers who've attempted this in the past have gotten stuck when they weren't able to make the climb back up.

Livingston Point is also a possible side trip. The trail there from the outlet of Flowed Lands is very brushy as it gets even less use than the East River Trail. But it's a pleasant spot on the east shore of Flowed Lands with a lean-to and a nice designated tent site that few people ever visit.

Keep your eyes peeled on the Calamity Brook Trail for the old truck fender resting beside the trail- a hint that yes, this was indeed once a road. It's located maybe a half mile or so below Calamity Pond and the Henderson memorial.

For connecting the loop between the trailheads, there is a foot trail that follows the shoreline of the Hudson River between the Upper Works lot and the MacIntyre Furnace, intersecting the East River Trail where that trail crosses the Hudson on the suspension bridge. Although it's probably just as fast/easy to walk to road.

I'd say this trip is definitely doable as a day hike with an early start. If you wanted to do this as an overnight, though, there is a single designated campsite between the Allen turn off and Hanging Spear Falls- the former site of the Gorge Lean-to. There's also the lean-tos at Flowed Lands. (Don't forget your bear canister as this is the Eastern High Peaks!)

Hope this is all helpful info. Good luck and enjoy your trip! :-)