Uncas Falls via Terzian Woodlot

Uncas Falls via Terzian Woodlot is a 2.2-mile out-and-back from the preserve kiosk, through hardwood woods and along a brook to a small waterfall. The preserve map lists the orange route at 1.1 miles; that is treated as the one-way kiosk-to-falls distance because its directions put the yellow-spur junction a mile from the kiosk, with the falls farther on. Allow about two hours. The available mapped trail line covers only about 0.76 mile, so the stored line is shorter than the map-based distance; use the orange markers and a current preserve map rather than treating the line as a GPS track. If you begin at the roadside access instead of the kiosk, reports put the walk in at about 0.3 mile each way; that approach is not included in 2.2 miles.

From the kiosk, the trail climbs gradually to a knoll, drops to a small stream, rises over another knoll, then descends to a larger brook. It follows the water briefly before a sharp turn and a short straight stretch to an old logging road. Turn left for a longer, gradual climb across the ridge and then descend to the falls. Orange markers begin at the kiosk. The first crossing may mean hopping rocks; a bridge spans the larger brook, and a short steeper pitch interrupts the otherwise rolling walk.

The public orange route ends at a small waterfall tucked into the woods. The yellow Uncas Cliff spur is a separate branch, not part of the 2.2-mile Falls route; it reaches an open rock ledge with a broad Lake George view and a bench. Beyond Uncas Falls, the Silver Bay trail system is for YMCA members, so turn back at the falls if you are hiking the public route.

Public foot access reaches the preserve across State Forest Preserve land, and the kiosk marks the beginning of the LGLC trail. The preserve is open from dawn to dusk year-round; dogs must be leashed. Neighbors helped secure the Terzian family parcel for conservation in 2014, protecting forest, a tributary and habitat used by timber rattlesnakes. They are protected under state law: give them space and do not publicize sighting locations. Hunting is by permit; during hunting season, wear bright colors and hike in a group.