The best walks and hikes around Duane Lake

Yes, the region is known for its beautiful waterfalls. A great place to see them is The Plotter Kill Preserve, a highly-regarded local spot featuring a gorge with three distinct waterfalls, including the 60-foot Upper Falls. The preserve offers several trails to explore the area.

For a gentle walk suitable for all skill levels, consider the Hiking loop from Delanson. This is a short, approximately 2-mile (3.1 km) trail. Another excellent choice is the Christman Sanctuary, which features a well-maintained loop trail leading to a 30-foot waterfall on the Bozen Kill.

Dogs are generally welcome on many trails in the area, provided they are kept on a leash. Popular preserves like The Plotter Kill Preserve and Christman Sanctuary allow leashed dogs, making them a great option for hiking with your four-legged companion.

Absolutely. Most of the popular trails in the area are loops, which means you can enjoy a varied hike without retracing your steps. For a moderately challenging loop with rewarding views, the Hang Gliders Cliff – High Point Cliff loop from Altamont is a fantastic option that covers about 5.5 miles (8.8 km).

The trails cater to a range of abilities. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate routes. Easy trails, like the High Point Cliff loop from Altamont, are typically shorter with minimal elevation gain. Moderate trails often involve more significant climbs and rugged terrain within the region's gorges.

Several trails lead to impressive scenic viewpoints. The hike to High Point Cliff offers excellent views over the surrounding landscape. You can access this viewpoint via the High Point Cliff loop from Thompson's Lake State Park, which is a pleasant 3.4-mile (5.4 km) walk through the forest.

Hikers have several excellent, highly-rated options to choose from:

• The Plotter Kill Preserve: A local favorite known for its dramatic gorge and multiple waterfalls.
• Christman Sanctuary: Praised for its well-maintained trails and the picturesque waterfall along the Bozen Kill.
• Indian Kill Nature Preserve: Offers a lovely natural setting, though some visitors note the trail markings can be confusing.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the region's natural beauty, particularly the dramatic gorges, serene woodlands, and beautiful waterfalls found in preserves like Plotter Kill.

Most of the main trailheads and preserves have designated parking areas. For example, both The Plotter Kill Preserve and Christman Sanctuary have small parking lots right at the entrance. It's a good idea to arrive early on weekends, as these lots can fill up.

Yes, winter hiking is a popular activity in the Duane Lake area. Many of the trails are suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, offering a completely different perspective of the landscape. Always check conditions beforehand and wear appropriate gear for snow and ice.

The region is great for more than just hiking. The numerous lakes and streams, including Duane Lake itself, are ideal for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. In winter, many trails are also used for cross-country skiing.

Expect a diverse range of terrain. You'll encounter everything from well-maintained, relatively flat paths through forests to more rugged and steep trails that descend into gorges. The North Rim & South Rim Red Trail loop is a good example of a route with varied terrain, including over 200 meters of elevation change.