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Diamond Notch Falls bridge?

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 8:39 am
by marcstedman
Hello everyone.
Does anybody know if the bridge at Diamond Notch falls (West Kill Falls) has been replaced? If not, is there a way to cross the river?
Thank you for the info, I'm planning on going there next weekend.

Marc

Re: Diamond Notch Falls bridge?

Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 11:07 am
by mike
People have been climbing Westkill Mtn. So, either they have replaced the bridge or people have found a way across the stream. I will have to check with Jeff S. to see what the situation is.

Re: Diamond Notch Falls bridge?

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 4:27 pm
by TrunksWD
I am planning on hiking West Kill next week, the first week of April, and was wondering the same question. Has the bridge been replaced and if not how is the stream crossing? Also how are the other two approaches to West Kill if anyone has done them before?

Thanks,
William

Re: Diamond Notch Falls bridge?

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:43 pm
by mike
There are a couple bridges that have not been replaced. I think they have not replaced this one yet. But, with the water being down, you should be able to get across it without too much trouble.

If they have replaced the bridge, please let us know.

Re: Diamond Notch Falls bridge?

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:07 pm
by Sinatrafan1
Hi..Just hiked the Diamond Notch Trail for the first time on Saturday..The bridge leading to the stone steps is gone and the surrounding area washed out.Was a little tricky but was able to safely maneuver to the other side. The steps leading to the upper trail were also damaged and a bit difficult to maneuver. The folks I hiked with said the hike was rougher than it used to be. Throughout the trail you could see the devastation that must have occurred when Hurricane Irene came through in fall 2011. The falls was beautiful and was a welcome cooling from the heat..the entire hike and rest at the falls took about 4 hours. Nice way to spend an afternoon. I would rate it as moderate to difficult to hike, but then again I am out of shape and almost 50 :D ..

Re: Diamond Notch Falls bridge?

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:15 pm
by TrunksWD
Thanks for the shots. Good to know the bridge is still out. I wasn't able to do the hike in April and will hopefully get it done sometime this Summer. Not sure how tall you are, but how would it be for someone who doesn't have the longest legs?

Re: Diamond Notch Falls bridge?

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:51 am
by mike
I recently heard that this bridge is on the short list to be replaced soon. Maybe in the next month or two, we will have a new one. The DEC bridge crew has been working straight since hurricane Irene. LOTS of bridges to replace. Good pics and nice TR.

Re: Diamond Notch Falls bridge?

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:08 pm
by Sinatrafan1
I'm 5 ft 3 with short legs..It really wasn't that bad a hike but I would recommend being in moderate shape..The other caution is there was some weed..(friends thought it might be called fire weed) that really irritated my legs, itching, bumps redness..went away after I washed my legs with my water bottle but really miserable for 15 minutes..I felt this prickly sensation then this itching..Anyone know what this plant is?

Re: Diamond Notch Falls bridge?

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:40 pm
by bikenhike
Many call them Neddles. They are 18-24" high and grow along some of the trails. They have very fine spikes that are hard to see on the shaft of the plant. It burns for about 1/2 hour. You can often see some whitish seeds near the top of the plant.

Re: Diamond Notch Falls bridge?

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 10:18 pm
by TrunksWD
Yeah I've heard they are called stinging neddles. I'm 5'4 so good to know I will be able to get across. West Kill from what I've heard is on the easier side for High Peaks and a lot easier than the rest of the Devil's Path. If the bridge has been replaced when I get up there later this summer, I'll make sure to post pics.