Are dogs allowed on Indian Head and Rainbow Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Indian Head and Rainbow Falls but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Indian Head and Rainbow Falls?

No, Indian Head and Rainbow Falls does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Indian Head and Rainbow Falls?

Indian Head and Rainbow Falls is rated difficult. It is 11.0 miles long with 2,805 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Indian Head and Rainbow Falls suitable for kids?

Indian Head and Rainbow Falls is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See New York trail conditions

DifficultLoop

New York

Indian Head and Rainbow Falls

Keene, New York

11.0 mi

Distance

2,805 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 40m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

As of May 2019, there are now severe no parking restrictions on Rt. 73 between Keene Valley and Chapel Pond. Parking is only allowed at a few turnouts along that stretch. For this hike and others in the area, the only weekend parking after about 8 AM will be at turnouts up along the road to Chapel Pond. A great family hike. Park at St Huberts in Keene, follow Lake Rd from Ausable Club to Gill Brook Trail. This pristine trail is dotted with waterfalls and great views. The destination -- Indian Head -- has amazing, iconic Adirondack views. It's a long, but easy hike with no rock hopping or scrambles. Beware that no dogs are allowed and this restriction is strictly enforced. The parking is across the highway from the Roaring Brook access to Giant Mt. and is at the southerly of the two junctions of Rt. 73 and Ausable Rd. (not "Ausable Club Rd.") On a busy weekend, you will likely have to park on the highway. From the parking area, walk 1/2-mile up the road past a golf course. Just before reaching he large clubhouse, turn left and down between two tennis courts to the gate house and trail register.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:391 ft

Max:824 ft

855 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.