The Steaming Plotterkill Preserve November 24

The Plotter Kill Waterfalls

The Plotter Kill Preserve (located in the town of Rotterdam on Route 159) contains 632 acres of rugged hardwood and coniferous forest along the Plotter Kill, a scenic tributary to the Mohawk River. The gorge of the Plotter Kill was cut by melt waters at the close of the ice ages about 10,000 years ago. The ledges give the stream its name: platte (flat) and kill (creek).  There are beautiful slate bottom swimming holes throughout the stretch of the kill, shouldered by networks of cascading falls and drops. 

The Plotter Kill drops 900 feet in its 3.5 mile descent from Rynex Corners to the Mohawk River. There are three spectacular waterfalls: the Upper Falls, Lower Falls and the Rynex Creek Falls at the junction of Rynex Creek and the Plotter Kill. All are magnificent sights in spring high water (or right after a hurricane).  The Upper Falls is 60 feet high, and the others are 40 feet.

The Plotter Kill Preserve is wonderful for nature study. Over 600 species of plants have been found in the area including: trilliums, violets, lilies, ferns and club mosses.  The fields off of the Coplon Road parking area are bursting with wildflower nation.  There is also a large range of insect, bird, mammal and amphibian life which can be seen mostly to those with gentle tread.  Many of the trails lay host to the peripatetic orange newt so watch your step in the summer. 

Some of the local diners and restaurants located near the five corners where you can grab take out or re-energize after a hike are:
Broadway Restaurant and Lunch
Lucia's Two Go
McDonalds
Tops Diner
McLanes Deli Restaurant
Duncan Donuts
Subway
Country Farm
Poppy's Ice Cream