Kaaterskill Falls Hiking and Parking Guide. Hi Albert — I have lugged my own child on my back up this trail, and it was great, but I certainly wouldn’t make a blanket recommendation for everyone to do the same. Absolutely! Thanks. My last time there was in 1985 and this video is quite a joy and brings up many memories.! Started at the viewing platform then made the trek to the lower falls. Directions to Kaaterskill Falls. What area are these carvings supposed to be in? The upper falls and viewing platform can also be accessed from Laurel House Road. Retired art teacher, always loved the Hudson River painters. This is an easy hike along a well marked trail to the viewing platform and lower falls that experienced hikers and newcomers alike will enjoy. The Kaaterskill Falls hike almost a “rite of passage” hike for Catskill hikers. Whew, that was heavy. A major lowlight for this hike is that it encompasses perhaps my least favorite trail section in the entire Hudson Valley, which is the 5-minute walk from the parking area to the trailhead along Route 23A. If you click the links to read about the individual accidents here, the problems invariably occur when people venture off-trail. If you go all the way up to the viewing platform, you’ll add about 1.6 miles and 400 vertical ft of ascent to your day. Appreciate you taking the time to make my day – happy adventures to you! I’m overdue to get back out there and update this trail guide with all the new construction. You can also subscribe without commenting. Look sharp out there while supporting the trails! There’s a tiny bit of mild rock scrambling and a few warm up views on the way out to the Point. (Don’t do “Kaaterskill Falls Viewing Platform” or it’ll take you to the upper trailhead on Laurel House Rd. They’ve put in some excellent carriage road style trails down to a nice, safe viewing platform for the upper falls (marked as .3 miles from the parking lot) and there is also a trail about .4 miles down to the bottom of the falls from this area. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/kaaterskill-falls-trail New York State Division of Tourism, One Commerce Plaza , Albany, NY, 12245, Phone: 518-474-4116 The same hubris that leads them to hike in flip-flops makes them ignore safety warnings – “It won’t happen to me” or “That doesn’t apply to me” is the mindset. I’ll update the trail guide above with links when it’s ready.). 4. The Kaaterskill Falls hike is located in the Catskill Mountains in Greene County in New York state. I was there with my siblings and great friends. There is a fair amount of parking. This firm gravel trail has minimal elevation change with a typical grade of 7%, and provides outstanding views of the falls and valley below (see accessibility information below). **UPDATE May 2018**  The DEC has made several recent trail and safety improvements at Kaaterskill Falls. After the bridge the trail is on the right. I just couldn’t leave writing of this quality without a comment! Really appreciate the kind words. Poet's Ledge, Wildcat Falls and Buttermilk Falls are points of interest on the trail. 3. The waterfalls' fame in America really began when Washington Irving mentioned them in his story "Rip Van Winkle". To get to the plunge pool at the bottom of the main falls go back up the carriage road and you will come to a new footbridge on your right that takes you safely across the stream. So keep it in mind for an added bonus to your day! Thought I heard a rattlesnake but I was told it was squirrel chewing ... go figure. Thanks for being awesome! Tricky in winter at parts - would recommend poles/crampons (we survived in just boots), but definitely worth it to go all the way to the top platform! Here’s one great way: Visit the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference homepage and click on Volunteer, Donate, or Shop! Sorta nearby address for your GPS: You can just type “Kaaterskill Falls trailhead,” into Google Maps and it’ll pull up the correct spot on Route 23A. Hi, Jennifer and Joel! Please don’t do it. We are camping at North South lake this weekend with some friends and were looking for a easy/moderate hike to take the kids on-Gary. Water was flowing heavy, took some beautiful long exposure photos. Great place to visit….I’ve been coming to these falls as a kid and still enjoy it 40 years later. Do you not understand how advertising works? The rocks we sat on. Kaaterskill Falls Trail Map & North/South Lake Map provided by the Trail Conference This free map of the area around Kaaterskill Falls and North/South Lake in the Catskill Forest Preserve is provided by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Took 15 min get a parking spot but worth it. Lots of steps but I think fairly accessible to a variety of ages/fitness levels. I’ve done this hike myself many times. Follow the Yellow Trail as it ascends steeply, with the creek off to your left. The trail down to the base of the falls is a bit rocky and features a lot of stone steps. It is also available as an app map on your phone using the Avenza Maps app, so be sure to download it here. Will check out the other hikes listed. Absolutely beautiful especially with the dusting of snow and icicles. 6. I managed to do this hike in October 2013 so at the time, the only option I had to experience Kaaterskill Falls was to do a two-mile round-trip hike from the so-called “lower trailhead”. Advanced features of this website require that you enable JavaScript in your browser. Chad, I can clearly picture the moments I was there with family and friends. Hi G Bell — Good question, especially given the continued accidents here. It is a 5 minute walk on a wheelchair accessible carriage path to the new viewing platform. But definitely bring the camera. I got maybe halfway up, and the shale started to give way. Thanks for the kind words, George, and glad this page reminded you of happy memories. Sorry for being such a downer. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference offers concise, excellent advice on hiking during this crisis here: The New Hiking How-tos. Kaaterskill Falls - 1.4 miles, moderate. The entrance to the trail that leads to Kaaterskill Falls is located on … Haines Falls, as we called out general destination. Gorgeous ice formations and icicles. While my first Kaaterskill trail guide is still perfectly valid, the construction around the upper trailhead at Kaaterskill Falls have made that old route, in my opinion, totally obsolete.. One more note of caution: Kaaterskill Falls is not a well-kept secret. Even after the improved signage, trail extensions, and safety fencing were installed, several people have gotten killed or hurt here. Parking is available at the Molly Smith parking area on … Jennifer! It’s just around the corner from the falls. The Deadly Waterfall in the Instagram Age. Whammo! 1. This trail is part of the Long Path stretching from Fort Lee, NJ to Thacher Park near Albany. Directions from Hunter, NY: At the junction of SR 23A and Kaaterskill Creek, parking is uphill to the west. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from April until October. In the summer you will want to check the water level because there might not be much water in the falls, and during periods of more rain the trail may be muddy. The Kaaterskill Falls are an oasis just a few short hours outside of the concrete jungle we know and love as NYC. Does anyone have still images or video clips of the Historical Carvings on the rocks? Hi, Pure Logik! If the main parking lot is full, there is a second parking lot which is about .3 miles from the trailhead. People often underestimate this hike since it’s officially only a half-mile to the falls from the trailhead. I can tell you having grown up here, I am always amazed and in awe of this area. When I read about you in the paper, let it be because you won the Nobel Prize, not because you visited Kaaterskill Falls. Directions to the trailhead: From Palenville, take Route 23A west as it climbs into the Catskills beside Kaaterskill Creek. In my experience, orange tape is used to mark trees that need attention/to be cut. Your email address will not be published. A family friendly walk in the woods to see an awesome waterfall! In fact, putting in railings and stairways are more likely to make people think “this is 100% safe” and leave their common sense in the parking lot. There are two parking areas, the lower one has the better views but required more trekking. Snowy day, very slippery. The improvements here have made this hike so much better, and the money spots so much more accessible. Take a Hike and Visit the Waterfalls at Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskill Forest Preserve. It is just a mile(ish) hike off of Route 23A making it an easy trip to one of the highest waterfalls in New York. While the trail guide below is still perfectly valid, I recommend you check out my updated trail guide for Kaaterskill Falls II (upper trailhead), which is, in my opinion, a much better route. Thank you! The Kaaterskill Falls area is beautiful, but you have to respect the wilderness. Enjoyed all the peoples initials and dates-including a couple of old artists.One more item, 2 teens were sitting on the edge,to the right of the stream,legs dangling, just “shootin’ the breeze”-crazy, crazy! Today a friend and I did the entire thing and would love to know .. Hi, Amanda! Best waterfall in the area! After you get back to your car, don’t even bother looking for a taller two-tier waterfall in New York. I agree with Joel’s recommendation — you can see my take on that version of the hike in this trail guide: https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/kaaterskill-falls-ii-upper-trailhead/. Leave the flip-flops at home. And if you give it a go, I hope you all have a great time! I’d recommend crampons at this point. You can walk the pathway behind the falls which is awesome. Makes for a great weekend trip from New York City. I send out a hello to my old Levittown New York friends who joined me at this special place on earth.! The parking area leads to a short trail to the overlook. There is a write up on this website for it. Chicago teen Abraham Mendoza dies in fall from N.Y. waterfall, Dutchess County woman, 23, falls 180 feet to her death in Greene County; 2nd fatal accident on trail this summer, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference homepage, https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/kaaterskill-falls-ii-upper-trailhead/, NYC Escapes: Your Ultimate Catskills Weekend - Jessie on a Journey, 50 Things to Do in Westchester This Fall - Wee Westchester, https://www.facebook.com/NYSDEC/posts/10154171081585956, http://www.watershedpost.com/2015/kaaterskill-falls-closed-summer-2015, http://nynjtc.org/map/catskill-destinations-kaaterskill-falls-trail-map, Another nice write-up (with user comments) on. Inspiration Point was the best East facing view I’ve seen so far in the Catskills. Moderate hike. While the trail guide below is still perfectly valid, I recommend you check out my updated trail guide for Kaaterskill Falls II (upper trailhead), which is, in my opinion, a much better route. Hello Mike. While we all carefully adhere to social distancing guidelines — road trips, especially ones a few short hours out of the city, have been a theme for many this fall season. NY's highest cascading waterfall. The trail to Kaaterskill Falls remains relatively flat and easy for the first third of the hike to the base. Immediately, you’ll see Bastion Falls which will give you some inspiration to climb what might feel like a million stairs crammed into ½ a mile of incline. We are NOT serious hikers, but I am looking for an easy morning walk before lunch in nearby Woodstock. Hope you enjoyed your trip! First time ever seeing Kaaterskill falls, they are beautiful, but can be fatal, so please be safe and wear hiking sneakers. A piece of advice for anyone traveling a distance and would like to do a little more hiking in the area. Trails was mostly good, a kilter mud in some areas but easy to walk through or around. Cha-ching! Inspiration Point and Kaaterskill Falls are located in the Kaaterskill Wild Forest in Haines Falls, New York and is a moderate 5.6 mile loop hike. Great views to be had even away from the falls. I will see your other posts Mike. This is a historically significant location painted by Thomas Cole as well as other artists of the Hudson River School. ), GPS coordinates of parking area: 42.18983, -74.07401 (Clicking will open in Google Maps or the Apple Maps app, depending on your browser/device.). These choices didn’t exist prior to the recent enhancements at this site — nice to have choices in life! Drive past the overcrowded and dangerous parking lot up from the lower trail head. Here’s the view from Inspiration Point if anyone is curious, definitely worth going out there! Here is some aerial footage I shot this past October: Hello Chad. The waterfall is running at a trickle right now since we haven’t had much rain. I want my friends to be able to see the view from the top with me this year, we won’t go until the trail is open again. Please leave a comment! Follow the stairs up to the Escarpment Trail (blue). Thanks for the awesome guide. Required fields are marked *. On a weekend, thousands of people line the road to hike up to the base of Kaaterskill Falls. At the intersection with the trail to Layman’s monument, walk to the right trail There is a new 200 step staircase to get you down to the money shot. **WARNING** While most Hudson Valley parks and trails have reopened, there are still a few notable closures and parking restrictions to be aware of. In about 3.5 miles, you’ll come around a hairpin turn with Bastion Falls and the trailhead to your right. **UPDATE May 2018**  When you’re done basking in the mist of the falls from the awesome vantage point at the bottom of the falls, you can either retrace your steps back to your car (once again exercising caution on the section along Route 23A), or continue venturing up the path to the bottom of the upper falls, or head all the way up to the viewing platform at the very top (to the left of the falls). Stay on the joint Escarpment Trail/Kaaterskill Falls Trail until you reach a fork. Marked Kaaterskill Falls Trail Head on the map, this is the beginning of the 1 mile round trip hike on the Yellow Trail to Kaaterskill Falls. We also did the extra jog to Inspiration Point based on Jennifer’s recommendation (thanks, Jennifer!). Subscribe: Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. Upper Kaaterskill Falls Trail (0.3-miles, loss of 200′ to the platform, yellow marked) Laurel House Road Parking | Scutt Road Parking The Upper Kaaterskill Falls trail [g1] from the Laurel-House Road parking area to the observation deck is .3 miles of 7% grade with 541 feet greater than 8% (the slope of a standard ramp). Much appreciated! Cool but enjoyable November hike up to falls and around to Inspiration Point with a loop to back side of Falls. Went on October 30th and was actually proposed to infront of the falls and it was snowing! lovely, short waterfall hike. Walk over Spruce Creek on the Route 23A bridge, then find the trailhead kiosk on your left, at the base of Bastion Falls. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Whatever route you choose, happy adventuring out there! Once you get to Kaaterskill Falls, chances are you won’t want to leave right away. I have included that setting in one of my paintings-“The Land of the Mohican”. The trail then crosses a bridge over Spruce Creek a short distance upstream of the falls. What a thrill to see the falling water and the rock mountain as your drone slowly ascends and descends. Please stay on the trail. Great views, was very muddy in certain areas. The path is studded with old deteriorating railroad ties. The trail leads to the snowmobile trail that run around Kaaterskill High Peak and Round Top. This was a week day, no other hikers around. Now I’m bringing two of my adult kids to see the sight I always wanted to, and I’ll see it myself, too. It’s a very safe spot for panoramic photos of the mountains. Thanks so much, Joe! Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. Thank you, Jean! There is a huge system of trails offering multiple payoffs. We hustled to get off the road as quick as we could, slightly harried and very surprised at the volume of traffic in a pretty remote area. I was wondering does anyone know what the orange tape around the trees is? The falls are absolutely stunning - with beautiful surroundings. Happy Trails. There are 3 lookouts, 2 of which are above some pretty steep stairs but sooo worth it. Beautiful views and a great temp for a winter hike. I”ve hiked the Catskills for the past 40 years and live about 30 minutes from the falls. I still today carry the vibe of the river and these mountains. Highly recommend yaktrax, very slippery in some areas. from the Balsam Lake fire towe, or the winter scene of the Ashokan from Wittenberg. Wonderful views and a fantastic short and easy 20 minute hike. (You can see my trail guide for Kaaterskill’s upper trailhead for more details on the platform and scenery at the top.). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With the exception of last weekend, we haven’t had much rain since then, so I don’t expect the situation would be too much improved now. My wife and I hiked Kaaterskill Falls yesterday. I know it’s been dry lately so I wanted to know if the falls were worth going to right now. From there, went back to my vehicle and drove around to the top of the Falls. A herd path from the snowmobile trail … Or just wear whatever you have already. I wouldn’t say we were hiking, but we were there for hours, relaxing and imbibing the beauty and the peace of the extraordinary place. We opted for the upper lot which was pretty packed. We crossed paths with about ten people in total. I just updated the trail guide with links to that article. A friend of mine just posted this and I was happy to come across it. There is no “safe” mountain hike when you are wearing flip flops, flats, most sandals, and most tennis shoes. I think the closure of this popular trail for the installation of railing, stairways and signs intended to make the area safer are going to do just the opposite. It’s free to park and clearly marked for Kaaterskill Falls. Mirek’s comment below (which I believe was meant to be a reply to you) pegs it at 2.63 miles from the parking lot to the platform and back. (And here’s a quick primer on Leave No Trace, too, to help us keep the trails nice and fresh for each other.). … I too have been going to this great waterfall since 1973. But, at high water you will see the same view as the pictures displayed below. Def lots of steps so get ready to work your legs! Kaaterskill Falls is a beautiful double falls located in the Catskills. I did find this comment on an article about swimming in the Catskills, which rings true to me: “Straying from the trail to swim in the falls is strictly forbidden by NYS.” Hope that helps! I’m guessing the campground you’re thinking of is North-South Lake? Kaaterskill Falls Access From the Laurel-House Road parking area: 0.3 miles to the observation platform overlooking Kaaterskill falls. Nice! 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