Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Rock
Best season
June to August
About Stony Kill Falls
Stony Kill Falls is an 87-foot plunge waterfall on the Stony Kill stream in the town of Wawarsing, on the northwestern edge of Minnewaska State Park Preserve in New York's Shawangunk Ridge. The land was bought in 2001 by New York State, the Open Space Institute and the NY-NJ Trail Conference from a sand and gravel company. The falls drop over a cliff of conglomerate rock into a boulder-strewn bowl. Above the falls a trail climbs to a series of cascades and small pools. The place nudists refer to is a pool roughly 100 yards upstream of the upper falls, past a natural rock dam, sometimes called the 'Nudist Pool'. Hikers note that nude swimmers are occasional rather than the norm, and most visitors are clothed day hikers. The falls are strongest in spring and after rain and can be a trickle in late summer, though the pools hold water. There are no facilities of any kind, and the area is busy on summer weekends.
Getting there
Parking is at the end of Shaft 2A Road off Route 209 near Kerhonkson, in front of the gate (about 41.734, -74.295). The lot is free but fills by late morning on weekends; parking on town roads is not allowed. From the gate a gravel road and trail lead about 0.7 miles to the base of the falls, roughly 1.5 hours round trip with about 200 ft of climb. Reaching the upper pools needs scrambling over rock. Upper trails close in winter for ice. No public transport and no wheelchair access.
What visitors say
Hikers praise the falls as a short, easy walk to an impressive cascade, with some clambering at the end. The most frequent complaints are overcrowding and full parking on weekends, and occasional illegal roadside parking. Several reports mention the upstream pool and occasional skinny-dippers but say you probably will not see nude people on a typical visit. Others report taking a dip in the upper pools in summer.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Minnewaska State Park Preserve does not permit or recognise nude use, and swimming is only officially lifeguarded at other sites in the preserve. New York permits non-lewd toplessness but general public nudity can bring exposure charges. No reports of specific enforcement at the falls were found as of 2026.
Naturism at Stony Kill Falls sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 41.7275, -74.3017
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United States
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nude spot at Stony Kill Falls?
Reports place it at a pool about 100 yards upstream of the upper falls, past a natural rock dam, reached by hiking up beside the falls.
Is nudity allowed?
No. The park does not allow nudity; it is informal and occasional, so be discreet and cover up for other hikers.
Where do I park?
At the end of Shaft 2A Road near Kerhonkson. It fills quickly on weekends and roadside parking is not allowed.
Are there toilets?
No. There are no facilities or trash bins; carry everything out.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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