This paddle and hike combination to Dug Brook Mountain Falls is located on the south end of Indian Lake, best reached by canoe from the Indian Lake Islands DEC boat launch. There is a small falls where the brook enters the lake, and a larger 40 foot falls further upstream to the east.
Key takeaways
- Distance for hike: 0.5 miles round-trip
- Distance for paddle: Roughly 16 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 50 feet
- Hike includes unmarked trail
Hiking and paddling
Paddle 2 miles across the lake and veer around “Long Island” to the right, heading southwest into the narrow part of the lake. Follow for 5.5 miles to the end of the lake, and take out where the Dug Mountain Brook enters the lake. Where the stream enters the lake, there is a picnic area and table on the shore, and you’ll see a small, 4-foot waterfall. This is the lower falls. The upper falls is reached by following the herd path on the left (north) side of the brook for around 0.25 miles. The upper falls has a nice little swimming
Alternative route: You may access the falls via a shorter, 2.5 mile paddle along the Jessup river, 6.0 miles northeast of Speculator. This river is very narrow, and in low water can be difficult to navigate. From the 4 corners in Speculator, drive 6.4 miles north on Route 30, and look for the Jessup River. Park on the side of the road, and paddle downstream on the eastern side of Route 30 towards Indian Lake. Look for Dug Mountain Brook entering Indian Lake on your right.
In the winter
Access in the winter to the falls is difficult and not recommended.
Experience more trails in Hamilton County
Does Dug Mountain Brook Falls sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With hundreds of miles of trails, we can help you find the right hike in the big outdoors.
How to get there
From Speculator, drive north on Route 30 for 12 miles to the DEC Indian Lake Islands boat launch on the right.