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Outlet Creek Falls Outlet Creek Falls

The Indian Ladder Trail is carved within the Helderberg Escarpment, and traverses the Indian Ladder Gulf. The limestone escarpment is replete with fossils and underground streams.

A metal staircase is located at either end of the trail, descending to a narrow trail along the escarpment, capable of fitting two abreast for the most part. The trail traverses many rock shelters and passes under two impressive waterfalls. The Empire State Plaza in Albany can be seen over ten miles away, as well as much of the surrounding region to a great distance.

Parking for the trail is located in the John Boyd Thacher State Park, and as of 2011, costs $6 to park in the Indian Ladder Trail lot.

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  1. Large birds, such as the turkey vulture and broad-winged hawk, utilize ridge lift on the Helderberg Escarpment to soar.

    Turkey Vultures, Helderberg Escarpment

  2. Outlet Creek Falls has carved a large embayment in the Helderberg Escarpment. The Indian Ladder trail passes behind the falls, affording a unique vantage.

    Outlet Creek Falls, Indian Ladder Gulf

  3. The porous Devonian limestone of the Helderberg Escarpment contains numerous subterranean streams.

    Subterranean Stream, Helderberg Escarpment

  4. The Helderberg Escarpment is lined with many cavernous rock shelters and some small caves. Along the Indian Ladder Trail in John boyd Thacher State Park, many of these rock shelters are traversed.

    Rock Shelter, Helderberg Escarpment

  5. Despite the narrow profile of the Indian Ladder Trail in John Boyd Thacher State Park, it was once used as a road to transport goods between farming communities.

    Indian Ladder Trail

  6. The loose, fractured limestone of the Helderberg Escarpment is laden with fossils.

    Helderberg Escarpment

  7. A deep crevice in the Helderberg Escarpment. Many such cavities form due to erosion.

    Helderberg Escarpment

  8. Minelot Creek Falls helps form the Indian Ladder Gulf in the Helderberg Escarpment. The Indian Ladder Trail passes behind the falls.

    Minelot Creek Falls

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