Hiking to Russell Brook Falls Through the Delaware Wild Forest – Catskill Mountains, NY

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Hiking to Russell Brook Falls Through Delaware Wild Forest | Catskills, NY video on YouTube

A rewarding Catskills hike with Trout Pond, quiet forests, and a hidden waterfall

Some hikes are all about the destination. Others are just as much about the journey.

Our hike through the Delaware Wild Forest ended with the beautiful Russell Brook Falls, but earning that view made it even more satisfying. Instead of taking the shortest route to the falls, we decided to hike the main loop clockwise first, saving the waterfall for the end.

It turned out to be one of those hikes that keeps changing as you go, from rocky climbs that test your ankles to peaceful forest trails and a mountain pond before finally reaching the waterfalls tucked beneath towering rock cliffs.

Trail map of Oh, Kae. with hiking routes and landmarks in Delaware Wild Forest. — Delaware Wild Forest trail map 🗺

The rocky beginning

The first stretch of trail quickly reminded me that not every hike in New York feels like the Finger Lakes.

The trail was covered in loose rocks and tree roots for much of the climb, making every step require a little more attention than usual. It wasn’t difficult in a technical sense, but it was definitely more of a workout than I expected. My ankles were sore for a couple of days after.

But really, I didn’t mind.

With plans to hike the Adirondacks, it felt like good training. Sometimes it’s nice to leave your comfort zone a little and let a trail remind you that strength comes from doing hard things.

We took our time, enjoyed the forest around us, and appreciated having nowhere else we needed to be.

A rocky hiking trail winds through a lush hardwood forest in the Delaware Wild Forest, with bright green ferns lining the path beneath a sunny summer canopy. — The first stretch of the trail was beautiful, but it definitely kept us on our toes. Loose rocks and uneven footing made for a surprisingly challenging start, especially compared to the trails in the FLX. // Adidas Terrex Soulstride sneakers

A hiker's view looking down at loose rocks, exposed roots, and uneven footing along the rocky trail in the Delaware Wild Forest, illustrating the terrain underfoot. — The first stretch of the trail was beautiful, but it definitely kept us on our toes. Loose rocks and uneven footing made for a surprisingly challenging start, especially compared to the trails in the FLX. // Adidas Terrex Soulstride sneakers

Fantastic Fungi Finds

While the rocky trail kept us watching our footing, it also rewarded us with some fascinating fungi growing from fallen logs and old hardwoods.

One of my favorite finds was Artist’s Bracket (Ganoderma applanatum), a large shelf fungus that’s been used by artists for years. Its white underside bruises brown when scratched, allowing people to create surprisingly detailed drawings — hence its common name.

Close-up of an Artist's Bracket fungus growing from the trunk of a hardwood tree in the Delaware Wild Forest, showing its smooth white growing edge and distinctive concentric bands of tan and brown. — **Artist’s Bracket** (Ganoderma applanatum) is one of the forest’s most recognizable shelf fungi. Its smooth white underside bruises brown when scratched, allowing artists to create detailed drawings that become permanent as the fungus dries. This fresh specimen, with its bright white growing edge and beautifully layered bands, was a wonderful find along the rocky trails of the Delaware Wild Forest.

We also came across Violet-Toothed Polypore (Trichaptum biforme). At first glance, it’s easy to mistake it for turkey tail, especially from above. Looking underneath tells a different story, though. Instead of tiny round pores, it has irregular, tooth-like structures with subtle violet coloring around the edges, making it one of those mushrooms that’s especially fun to identify in the field.

Close-up of violet-toothed polypore mushrooms growing in overlapping layers on a decaying hardwood log, with pale tan caps edged in soft violet in the Delaware Wild Forest. — **Violet-Toothed Polypore** (Trichaptum biforme) is often mistaken for turkey tail at first glance, but a closer look reveals its subtle violet edges and distinctive tooth-like pore surface underneath. Growing in overlapping shelves on decaying hardwood, it’s a common yet easily overlooked woodland fungus that’s well worth stopping to admire.

Another exciting find was Berkeley’s Polypore (Bondarzewia berkeleyi), a massive, multi-layered fungus that grows at the base of hardwood trees. Some specimens become absolutely enormous, and it’s one of those mushrooms that’s impossible to walk past without stopping for a closer look.

A large Berkeley's polypore mushroom growing at the base of a moss-covered tree in the Delaware Wild Forest, its broad cream-colored caps layered like overlapping shelves on the forest floor. — **Berkeley’s Polypore** (Bondarzewia berkeleyi) grows in enormous, layered clusters at the base of hardwood trees and can become one of the largest mushrooms in North America. Finding one this fresh and intact along the rocky trails of the Delaware Wild Forest was an exciting reminder to keep looking beyond the path—there’s always something fascinating hiding in the forest.

Overhead view of a massive Berkeley's polypore with wide, cream-colored caps edged in pale tan, growing among leaf litter and ferns in the Catskill forest. — **Berkeley’s Polypore** (Bondarzewia berkeleyi) grows in enormous, layered clusters at the base of hardwood trees and can become one of the largest mushrooms in North America. Finding one this fresh and intact along the rocky trails of the Delaware Wild Forest was an exciting reminder to keep looking beyond the path—there’s always something fascinating hiding in the forest.

The rocky forest may have challenged my ankles, but it was also full of small discoveries waiting just off the trail. Sometimes slowing down to notice the details is just as rewarding as reaching the destination.

Trout Pond

Then suddenly it all changed.

As we approached Trout Pond, the trail became noticeably smoother and wider. The terrain was easier to walk, and it made sense once we realized this section serves several backcountry campsites.

Passing by the campsites was an odd-feeling experience. Nearly every camper stopped what they were doing and stared as we walked by, which felt weird, but then again, there weren’t many day hikers out on the trails so maybe we were the weird ones. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Either way, the peaceful atmosphere around Trout Pond made it a nice place to slow down before continuing toward the falls.

Calm waters of Trout Pond reflect a bright blue summer sky and surrounding forest in the Delaware Wild Forest, with a rocky shoreline in the foreground. — *A peaceful mountain pond tucked into the Delaware Wild Forest. It was the perfect place to pause, take in the scenery, and enjoy a few moments before continuing on.*

Saving the best for last

One decision worked out even better than we’d hoped.

By choosing to visit Russell Brook Falls closer to dinnertime, most campers had already returned to their sites. So instead of arriving to a crowd, we found ourselves with plenty of space to enjoy the waterfalls and the dramatic rock walls surrounding them.

The sound of rushing water echoed through the forest while sunlight filtered through the trees overhead.

It was one of those moments that reminds me why I love exploring New York’s public lands. Not every beautiful place has to be famous. Sometimes it’s simply about finding somewhere peaceful, taking your time, and appreciating the landscape.

Towering rock cliffs covered in pale lichen rise beside Russell Brook Falls in the Delaware Wild Forest, creating a dramatic natural corridor through the forest. — Russell Brook Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in the Catskills, but its setting is what makes it unforgettable. Water tumbles through a narrow rocky gorge beneath towering cliffs streaked with lichen and moss, creating a peaceful spot that feels tucked away from the rest of the forest.

Russell Brook Falls cascades over layered rock ledges beneath towering cliffs, surrounded by lush green ferns and hardwood trees in the Delaware Wild Forest. — Russell Brook Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in the Catskills, but its setting is what makes it unforgettable. Water tumbles through a narrow rocky gorge beneath towering cliffs streaked with lichen and moss, creating a peaceful spot that feels tucked away from the rest of the forest.

Trail notes

Location: Delaware Wild Forest, Catskill Park, New York

Destination: Russell Brook Falls via the Trout Pond Loop

Trail type: Loop with a short spur to the falls

Difficulty: Moderate, with a rockier first section than many Finger Lakes hikes

Kae Audhild Selfie overlooking Russell Brook Falls in the Delaware Wild Forest, with the waterfall cascading over layered rock ledges beneath towering cliffs in New York's Catskill Park. — *Obligatory selfie with Russell Brook Falls // Goodr Pop G New Wave Renegade sunglasses*

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a hike that offers a little bit of everything, this one is worth considering.

The long rocky beginning provides a satisfying challenge, the middle section becomes an easy walk through the forest, and finishing at Russell Brook Falls feels like a well-earned reward.

It’s also a reminder that some of New York’s best adventures aren’t necessarily the busiest ones. Sometimes the quieter trails leave the biggest impression.

A black Fjällräven Kånken backpack and black Abisko Summer Hat resting on a rock beside Russell Brook Falls in the Delaware Wild Forest, with the waterfall and layered cliffs softly blurred in the background. — *The hiking essentials. My trusty* *Fjällräven Kånken backpack* *has been with me on countless adventures, and the* *Abisko summer hat* *has become a must-have on sunny trails.*

If You Go

Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support, especially for the rocky first section.
Bring plenty of water, particularly on warm summer days.
If you’d like a quieter experience at Russell Brook Falls, consider visiting later in the afternoon or around dinnertime, when many campers have returned to their sites.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles so this beautiful area stays that way for future visitors.
ROADS ARE SEASONAL – Closed December 1 to late April