Hike the Indian Ladder Trail
Details
Distance
3.5 miles
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Route Type
Loop
Added by The Outbound Collective
Enjoy a picnic and walk along the Helderberg escarpment passing waterfalls, streams and caves in John Boyd Thatcher State Park.
There are many parking areas within the park. Park at the overlook parking. From here you head west following the wood fence. This is the Cliff Top trail. Approximately after walking 0.5 miles you will reach the stairs that will lead you to the base of the cliffs. This marks the start of the Indian Ladder trail.
The trail does have interpretive signs along the way. The trail will pass under two waterfalls, streams and caves. Check out the caves, you can enter a short ways. You will reach a second set of stairs which will lead you back to the Cliff Top trail.
You will then follow the top of the cliffs back to your vehicle. The top is beautiful as well as you now walk over the top of the falls. It also offers views of the Capital Region.
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Reviews
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Beautiful, Seasonal Trail
The Indian Ladder Trail is not open in the winter. It was closed for many years after a falling rock resulted in a death. It is open again, but visitors now have to hike the trail one-way. It's 100% worth doing, especially in the fall. The views are amazing.
5.0
Beautiful Trail w/ Cool History
First, I would highly encourage reading the historical signs found along the way. Knowing that you are walking trails along a cliff face that have been used since before the colonization of North America creates a feeling of connection to the land and its history. Though going off the trails is advised against by the park (just plugging this as a disclaimer), my friend and I found some cool short climbing spots with more spectacular views of the forest below. If you're willing to get a little dirty, you will get a lot more out of this trail than most do as it is a popular tourist destination for locals looking to go on an easy hike along a regularly maintained trail. We went in July, so the waterfalls along the trail were mostly dry but still beautiful where they ran. Definitely going to visit again in early spring to get the most of them.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
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