Less than 4 miles from the Rock Hill exit on NY-17 takes you to the trailhead for Mullet Falls and Denton Falls, and if you have time, High Falls. That’s 3 waterfalls on or close to Neversink River in what New York State designated as a “Unique Area” because of its “special natural beauty, wilderness character, geological, ecological or historical significance” outside the more well-known preserves of Adirondack and Catskill Parks. (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_State_Forests#Unique_areas)

I did the 4-mile, out-and-back to Mullet and Denton Falls—passing up on High Falls as it would double my hike—and have to say it reminded me of trails people from other parts of the world would travel to. There was not a dull moment as vegetation was varied, the trail was well-marked with pointers to off-trail side-trips for those so inclined, and the sound of rushing water on nearby Neversink River Gorge and its offshoot stream and brook was a constant companion heightening the hiker’s relaxation on an otherwise arduous hike.

So, yes, there’s a good amount of workout, too, which, strangely, I felt only when it was time to leave. But having gone there at sunrise, I was alone on the trail and only met people on my way back, people whose jaunty sprints alleviated much of the exhaustion I otherwise would have felt.