Background
If you find this free trail guide useful, please provide payment by picking up at least one piece of litter on your hike. Cha-ching! Thanks for being awesome! (And here’s a quick primer on Leave No Trace, too, to help us keep the trails nice and fresh for each other.)
******BIG FAT WARNING POSTED APRIL 2021!!!!!****** The parking area for this hike is closed, perhaps permanently. The preferred approach to this hike (which was already better anyway) is documented in this trail guide: Kaaterskill Falls II (upper trailhead). Please use that trail guide instead of this one. (Thanks to friendly commenter Ben Reisner for the heads-up in the comments below! If anyone finds that the parking situation here has changed, please drop a comment below and let us know!)
Background you can feel free to skip: If you’re the kind of person who likes a good waterfall and you haven’t visited Kaaterskill Falls yet, you really should get in the car right now and just start driving toward the trailhead.
This is one of the most popular hikes in the area, in part because everyone likes waterfalls, and in part because it’s a relatively short hike to a huge, 260-foot payoff, divided over two drops.
Another highlight along the way is the smaller-but-still-awesome Bastion Falls, which flows past the trailhead and is easily visible from the road.
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. There’s no good shoulder to walk along, and this road can be very busy. The last time I did this hike was with my wife and son, late on a Friday afternoon in November, and it was like I-95 out there. 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. Drivers here are generally respectful, and they expect to see hikers along this section, but to me, it’s not an ideal way to start and end a hike. Please be very careful here.
While you may feel like you’re starring in a live-action version of Frogger to get from the parking area to the trailhead, once you’re there, this hike is pure awesomeness, hugging the energetic Spruce Creek the entire way as it cascades down the hill. (If you visit in late summer, you might find things not nearly as energetic. The falls can slow to a trickle, so you’d be best to come here in a different season, or after there’s been some decent rain.)
People often underestimate this hike since it’s officially only a half-mile to the falls from the trailhead. But it is steep and rocky, and if you feel like you’re climbing a staircase along some of the sections, it’s probably because you are.
This is a quick hike, but it is not an easy one. Leave the flip-flops at home. But definitely bring the camera.
Trail Guide
Bonus unsolicited advice: Don't depend on having cell service in the woods - it can be spotty out there! Download this trail guide to your phone before you head out. (It's easy to do on iPhone and Android.) May your connection to nature be strong, even when your connection to the internet is weak.
**UPDATE April 2021** If you missed the (big fat!) warning at the top of this page, please take a moment to read it now! Spoiler alert: The parking area for this hike is closed. Please use the trail guide for Kaaterskill Falls II (upper trailhead) instead, which will take you to a parking area that still exists (which is a nice trait in a parking area).
**UPDATE May 2018** The DEC has made several recent trail and safety improvements at Kaaterskill Falls. 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. It takes advantage of all the new awesomeness at Kaaterskill Falls, and saves you the road walk detailed below. Whatever route you choose, happy adventuring out there!
**UPDATE August 2018** The DEC has adopted some new common-sense safety regulations at Kaaterskill Falls that shouldn’t at all affect the behavior of responsible hikers, including staying six feet from cliffs edges, not entering the water within 150 feet and the top of the falls, and not being allowed to play music except with earbuds (thanks especially for that one, DEC!). The New York Times also covered these new regulations in this article: “The Deadly Waterfall in the Instagram Age.“
1. From the parking area, carefully walk downhill along Route 23A, making sure traffic can easily see you. Cars will be expecting you to walk along the left side of the road, so that’s where you should try to be.
2. Walk over Spruce Creek on the Route 23A bridge, then find the trailhead kiosk on your left, at the base of Bastion Falls.
3. Follow the Yellow Trail as it ascends steeply, with the creek off to your left.
4. Whammo! In about 20 minutes, there it is. Or there they are? In any event, thar be Kaaterskill Falls: 260 feet of two-tiered awesomeness.
Several words of caution (updated May 2018): The trail used to end right here, and I devoted several paragraphs warning hikers not to wander off-trail, due to the many deaths and injuries that regularly occurred (and still occur) at Kaaterskill Falls when people try to create their own trails. That warning is still tragically relevant. Even after the improved signage, trail extensions, and safety fencing were installed, several people have gotten killed or hurt here.
See these tragic headlines that occurred after the initial safety improvements (more fencing and signage were added in late 2017):
- 2016: Newburgh hiker falls to death at Kaaterskill Falls in Greene County
- 2016: New Jersey teen falls to his death at Kaaterskill Falls in Greene County
- 2017: Woman Falls, Suffers Head Injury at Kaaterskill Falls
- 2017: Two Hurt in Separate Incidents at Kaaterskill Falls
I do not know the individual circumstances in all of these incidents, but when you read many of these stories, a common thread emerges: almost all (maybe exactly all?) of the tragedies at Kaaterskill Falls begin with someone leaving the trail and/or ignoring fencing and warning signs.
The safety features here do NOT protect you if you choose to wander off-trail. If you wander off-trail, you are endangering your own life, the lives of those in your party, and the lives of the people who may have to try to rescue you. Please don’t do it.
If you stay on the marked trails, there is no greater danger here than you’ll find on your average staircase. Once you wander off-trail, though, all bets are off. Please stay on the trail. When I read about you in the paper, let it be because you won the Nobel Prize, not because you visited Kaaterskill Falls.
5. Whew, that was heavy. Sorry for being such a downer.
6. **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). 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. It’s an awesome spot if you’re up for it! These choices didn’t exist prior to the recent enhancements at this site — nice to have choices in life! (You can see my trail guide for Kaaterskill’s upper trailhead for more details on the platform and scenery at the top.)
7. After you get back to your car, don’t even bother looking for a taller two-tier waterfall in New York. You just visited the awesomest one of all.
Directions
Directions to the trailhead: From Palenville, take Route 23A west as it climbs into the Catskills beside Kaaterskill Creek. In about 3.5 miles, you’ll come around a hairpin turn with Bastion Falls and the trailhead to your right. Continue up the hill another .3 miles to find the large parking area on your left.
You can also get directions by checking out the Kaaterskill Falls entry on the HiketheHudsonValley.com Google map.
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. (Don’t do “Kaaterskill Falls Viewing Platform” or it’ll take you to the upper trailhead on Laurel House Rd.)
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.)
Resources & Interactives
Related resources: If you’re looking for actual facts and/or useful information, visit these excellent resources:
- The very informative Kaaterskill Falls Wikipedia page
- My updated guide for Kaaterskill Falls II (upper trailhead)
- Another nice write-up (with user comments) on LocalHikes.com
- A nice description from another person who obviously appreciates a good waterfall
- An epinions.com review of the falls
- This crazy HDR picture of the falls
- A vertigo-inducing 360-degree image of Bastion Falls
- A nice trail guide from Catskillmountaineer.com
And some links regarding the danger that abounds if you wander off the trail:
- Man falls to death at Kaaterskill Falls
- Another death at Kaaterskill Falls
- Death in the Catskills – Should this trail be closed?
- 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
- Newburgh hiker falls to death at Kaaterskill Falls in Greene County
- New Jersey teen falls to his death at Kaaterskill Falls in Greene County
- Woman Falls, Suffers Head Injury at Kaaterskill Falls
- Two Hurt in Separate Incidents at Kaaterskill Falls
Want to support trails in the Hudson Valley? Here’s one great way: Visit the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference homepage and click on Volunteer, Donate, or Shop! (Then you can volunteer, donate, or shop, depending on your mood.)
The DEC has closed this parking area. I’m not sure if they plan to re-open it or not. The Tweet from the DEC (https://twitter.com/NYSDEC/status/1377704821772328962) says:
The Molly Smith parking area on Route 23a in Hunter is closed to improve visitor safety. Visitors may access Kaaterskill Falls by parking at the Laurel-House Rd, Schutt Rd, or South Lake parking areas. Directions to these lots can be found here: https://on.ny.gov/3fx46OD.
Commenters on Facebook noted that the parking area is blocked by cement barriers.
Ben, thank you so much the heads-up and the links! I’ve added warnings above with a link down to your comment, and also a link to the Kaaterskill Falls II (upper trailhead) guide, which will take people to a parking lot that actually still exists. Really appreciate you sharing this info here – thank you!
Wear cleats in Winter or this will happen. https://www.reddit.com/r/catskills/comments/meodhm/kaaterskill_falls_can_be_icy_and_dangerous_this/
Is this hike possible without ice cleats during this time of year?
Hi, Mia! Good question! I would say no — attempting this hike this time of year without micro-spikes or other traction devices could be really dangerous. It’s steep and potentially slippery even in perfect conditions, and there is almost certainly ice and snow on the trail up there now. I’ve seen recent pictures of the falls, and it looks like an icy wonderland — worth the visit for sure, but I’d say spikes are a must. Hope you have a wonderful visit if you go!
The trail to Kaaterskill Falls is better done from the top down. The DEC made a new trail from the top. There is also a lookout platform to see the falls from safely. Head up the road to Haines Falls, and take the road on the right to North/South lake. At the top of the hill you will see Laurel House Road on the right. Plenty of parking and and an easy trail down a stone staircase to the bottom of the falls. Crampons or spikes are still a good idea.
What Joel said! I do recommend that new trail in the trail guide above, but I also should have mentioned it in answering Mia’s question. Thank you, Joel! This is a much friendlier route to the falls (though spikes would still be strongly encouraged, and perhaps mandatory): https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/kaaterskill-falls-ii-upper-trailhead/
Yes, It is beautiful when the falls freeze solid. But you better have mountain climbing cleats, crampons or you will end up like this dude.
https://www.reddit.com/r/catskills/comments/meodhm/kaaterskill_falls_can_be_icy_and_dangerous_this/
Hello there!
I was wondering if this hike is still open on the winter? If so , it uses the same parking area on Rte 23A right?
Thank you!
Hi, Brianna! Yes, this hike is open, and the parking area on 23A is open again as well. (Micro-spikes are a must for this time of year, and I’d give some time for snow removal in the parking areas before venturing up there after all this snow we’re getting now.) Happy adventuring!
Thank you for the write up. Very informative. Is there a way to check the water level before we head up ?
Hi, Salvatore! If you search Facebook or Instagram for Kaaterskill Falls, you can usually find recent pictures posted. Otherwise, you can use your local creeks and rivers as a rough guide — if they’re low, the falls are likely to be low as well. Dry spells in late summer and early fall are generally when the falls are at their lowest, and they’re usually roaring in the spring. Hope you enjoy whenever you visit!
Hello Mike. I thank you for this write up and the great pictures presented here. This brings me many memories of my time spent here since 1973. I was there with my siblings and great friends. We would camp nearby in a campground ( I can’t find it on maps ) and we would go out to different spots on the river and really enjoyed ourselves.! It was a tough trek down to the first pool below. 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. I still today carry the vibe of the river and these mountains. Our three plus hour trip from Levittown was well worth it and was part of our fun. I will see your other posts Mike. You did a fine job presenting this amazing location, Kaaterskill Falls. Haines Falls, as we called out general destination.
Thanks for the kind words, George, and glad this page reminded you of happy memories. I’m guessing the campground you’re thinking of is North-South Lake? It’s just around the corner from the falls. Appreciate you taking the time to make my day – happy adventures to you!
Just to let everyone know who wants to see Kaaterskill Falls easily and safely. Drive past the overcrowded and dangerous parking lot up from the lower trail head. When you get to Haines Falls take the next road to the right. It goes to North/South lake campground but before the campground is Laurel Road. Drive down to the large parking lot. It is a 5 minute walk on a wheelchair accessible carriage path to the new viewing platform. 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. After the bridge the trail is on the right. Hike along the new trail for about 10 minutes. 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. You can walk the pathway behind the falls which is awesome. Wonderful views and a fantastic short and easy 20 minute hike. Stay safe.
So would u do this instead of the normal hike or would you do this as well to take u behind and to the top viewing of the falls?
Hi, Jennifer and Joel! 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/. Both trailheads can take you to the same destinations, but the upper trailhead is a much friendlier approach to the falls, no car-dodging required.
How can you be “very surprised at the volume of traffic in a pretty remote area” when you’re part of the blogging and social media crowd who seems to have made it their collective goal in life to overexpose every inch of trail and wilderness on the planet? Do you not understand how advertising works?
Hi, Pure Logik! That quote was in reference to the surprising amount of traffic buzzing right past Kaaterskill Falls on a cold November evening, but I understand your frustration with some of the most popular natural places around here being crowded. My goal for this site is to provide solid information (mixed with questionable humor) to outdoor enthusiasts that will help make their lives better, and to increase appreciation for the natural beauty of our area. I like to think of this site as a (tiny little) force for good in the world, and as such, your comment did indeed bum me out. I’m working on a site revamp now, and will be putting a heavier focus on sustainability, Leave No Trace, and leaving the trails we all love in better shape than we found them. Thanks for taking the time to drop by and share your concerns.
Wow, harsh much? I think the thing I most appreciate about the time and effort put into this site is being able to judge whether a chosen hike will pleasantly challenge my abilities or if it ventures into the do-not-do-this-you-will-have-a-stroke-and-die range. It also gives me an opportunity to decide if I want to venture into a populated area, or if the chosen hike will take me on a trail remote enough to avoid even the most curmudgeony of humans…
Ha, thanks so much, Tracy! May you have many more strokeless adventures out there 🙂
Are the trails open all year round? We are looking to do this hike next weekend?
Yes they are open all year
I was wondering does anyone know what the orange tape around the trees is? I was here yesterday and following the trail to the lower falls. Eventually it was all down hill and I stopped passing people and thought “he says stay on the yellow trail but the yellow trail is getting really hard to distinguish.” I eventually saw old, faded orange tape around the trees that marked a “trail” that I followed. It wasn’t until got to the bottom and met road instead of waterfall that I realized that I had gotten off the trail. I have no idea where or how I missed it, but the tape indicated that it was some kind of trail or whathaveyou that I was on.. anyone know??
In my experience, orange tape is used to mark trees that need attention/to be cut. I’ve never seen or heard of tape used as a trail marker – probably because it can be easily removed.
Are you able to go at night ??
I don’t think it’s open but, honestly, it wouldn’t be a good idea. The trails are narrow and steep and the rocks can be slippery.
DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THE UPPER FALLS ARE OPEN YET?
I’ve visited Kaaterskill a few times, and during 2016 the upper trail was closed for maintenance. It looks like they were working on a pretty solid (and safe) way to get to the top where you can swim in the giant pool at the base of the falls at the top.
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. Can someone please update me on this?
Thank you!!
No. It’s still closed. You can wade in the lower pool or climb to the viewing area at the top, but that’s it for now.
Hi just trying to find out at this date Aug 31st if any of the trail is closed?
Sorry for the late response here, Leslie, but I can confirm that everything is open now.
hi can you still swim legally in kaaterskill falls?
Hi, Deeeon! I’m having a hard time finding the official policy on swimming here, but I believe that if it was ever legal to swim here, that must have been a long time ago. 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!
Hi! I did this hike yesterday and after all the rain we’ve had the falls were amazing! However, it is no longer necessary to park on 23A and take your chances in traffic! You can continue up 23A and park at the Laurel House lot of of North Lake Rd. It’s free to park and clearly marked for Kaaterskill Falls. 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. The trail down to the base of the falls is a bit rocky and features a lot of stone steps. As a bonus, after you visit the falls it’s only 1.2 miles out to Inspiration Point from the top of the steps leading down to the falls. There’s a tiny bit of mild rock scrambling and a few warm up views on the way out to the Point. Inspiration Point was the best East facing view I’ve seen so far in the Catskills.
Thank you so much for all this great information (and beautiful picture). Jennifer! I’ve updated the beginning of the trail guide with a link to your comment. Will follow your recommendations on my next visit and get this trail guide updated one of these days, hopefully soonish. Very much appreciated!
Here’s the view from Inspiration Point if anyone is curious, definitely worth going out there!
Sorry, somehow the photo didn’t post above…
My wife and I hiked Kaaterskill Falls yesterday. This was my second hike ever… we’re new to the east coast… so I don’t have much to compare it to, but WOW is this a great spot.
We parked at the Laurel House lot thanks to Jennifer’s comment…. and it was perfect. My wife and I hiked around the blue trail up to Inspiration Point and came back around
on the yellow trail before visiting the observation deck and making our way down to the lower falls.
It’s super easy and fun to make this ‘easy’ hike into 5+ miles with some rocks to climb up. Great views to be had even away from the falls.
Welcome to the Hudson Valley, Dan! We just missed each other — I brought the kids here on Saturday, and they loved it. We also did the extra jog to Inspiration Point based on Jennifer’s recommendation (thanks, Jennifer!). I will work on getting that hike written up here as soon as I can. Glad you had a great day out there!
We are NOT serious hikers, but I am looking for an easy morning walk before lunch in nearby Woodstock. I’ve read about accidents and unfortunate deaths at this site. If we stay on the trail and abide by recommendations, are we at risk?
Hi G Bell — Good question, especially given the continued accidents here. I think a reasonable answer is: No, as long as you stick to the trail, you are not at risk any more than you would be on any other hike. If you click the links to read about the individual accidents here, the problems invariably occur when people venture off-trail. Hope that helps, and stay safe out there!
Is the experience any different from starting from Laurel House lot versus the parking lot on 23A?
Hi there! Yes, the experience from Laurel House is now much-improved, and I’d recommend it as the better choice now. You approach from the top of the falls, rather than the bottom, and can access both the top and bottom of the falls without having to hike along the road. (I’m about 90% done with my write-up of the hike from the new trails up there, and hope to post in the next week or two. I’ll update the trail guide above with links when it’s ready.)
Dog friendly trail?
Absolutely! This is a very popular spot to bring (leashed) pooches.
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Does anyone know how many miles it is from the base enterence up the overlook and back? Today a friend and I did the entire thing and would love to know ..
Hi, Amanda! 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.
I’m overdue to get back out there and update this trail guide with all the new construction. Hope you enjoyed your trip!
Seems a bit longer then that.. I very much enjoyed my trip and look forward to your update
Does anyone have still images or video clips of the Historical Carvings on the rocks? Specifically famous ones like one from Ulysses S Grant? If so, please contact me @ [email protected] . We are interested in using some shots of the Historical Carvings in a new TV series.
What area are these carvings supposed to be in? I know your post is from 2016, but I’m curious to see them myself.
Has anyone been here recently? I know it’s been dry lately so I wanted to know if the falls were worth going to right now
Hi Kylie — Here’s a link to a shot from the site’s Facebook page that shows the falls slowed to a trickle on August 30. 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. Hope that helps!
I went yesterday and they were awesome. The foliage was pretty nice still.
Yes I have back on November 14th. Water was flowing heavy, took some beautiful long exposure photos.
We visited on July 23 and the platform is completed at the top of the falls. The parking area leads to a short trail to the overlook. A very nice vantage point, especially for families with smaller children. It’s a very safe spot for panoramic photos of the mountains. The waterfall is running at a trickle right now since we haven’t had much rain.
So there’s no more construction going on?
There does not appear to be any construction going on at the overlook by the falls. The new overlook deck is open for viewing. If there is other construction somewhere else near the falls, I have no idea about that.
Wonderful writing! I am planning to visit the falls in July…hopefully! I was born not far from there but moved away as a child. Now I’m bringing two of my adult kids to see the sight I always wanted to, and I’ll see it myself, too. Finally!
my wife and I have visited the fall years ago and now we like to take our one year old baby girl and family to visit again. Is it safe to carry her with us to revisit? I can’t recall how the trail was like and not sure if bringing our one year old is possible. thank you.
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. That will depend on individual comfort level and preparedness — there are tough/steep stretches that can be tricky and slippery. For anyone attempting it while lugging a child, I’d strongly recommend trekking poles to help make sure you keep your balance. And if you give it a go, I hope you all have a great time!
Does anyone know if construction is finished and if trail is completely open?? Thanks
I’ve seen photos of the platform at the top of the falls, and it looks fantastic, but can’t find anything official on the completion of the other work. If anyone else has an inside scoop, please share!
Here’s an update from the DEC that I just stumbled upon — looks like there’s still a ton of work going on there now: https://www.facebook.com/NYSDEC/posts/10154171081585956
2.63 miles from the parking lot to the platform and back
The falls are amazing! Especially after the rainfall we had on the previous day.
A piece of advice for anyone traveling a distance and would like to do a little more hiking in the area. Going to the Falls was great but it’s a short up and back that left us wanting more. Also, I had just driven an hour and a half and wasn’t ready to go home yet! Luckily, the North-South Lake Preserve is 3 miles from the falls. There is a huge system of trails offering multiple payoffs.
There is a write up on this website for it. So keep it in mind for an added bonus to your day!
Great place to visit….I’ve been coming to these falls as a kid and still enjoy it 40 years later. Here is some aerial footage I shot this past October:
Hello Chad. I too have been going to this great waterfall since 1973. My last time there was in 1985 and this video is quite a joy and brings up many memories.! I thank you so much for this drone video.! What a thrill to see the falling water and the rock mountain as your drone slowly ascends and descends. I wish you could have flown behind the water along that midway ridge behind. That is a magnificent sight also. Chad, I can clearly picture the moments I was there with family and friends. The rocks we sat on. Spending hours relaxing at the first pool below, wine, cheese, sandwiches etc. Yes, what deep memories of this waterfall. I send out a hello to my old Levittown New York friends who joined me at this special place on earth.!
I dunno who wrote this (the Kaaterskill Falls review), but it’s a BRILLIANT piece of nature writing. I just couldn’t leave writing of this quality without a comment! Great lesson in: write what you feel.
Thanks so much, Joe! Really appreciate the kind words.
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. As a longtime hiker who has hiked all over the US, I can attest to the fact that people ignore warning signs all the time and set off into the wilderness woefully unprepared. 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. All the railings, stairways and WARNING! signs in the world are not going to make some people more cognizant of the dangers inherent in hiking. 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. The Kaaterskill Falls area is beautiful, but you have to respect the wilderness. Cliff ledges, steep rocky trails and rocks made slippery from a nearby waterfall’s spray are dangerous. This hike’s location and length makes it popular, and it may seem like an easy, “safe” hike. There is no “safe” mountain hike when you are wearing flip flops, flats, most sandals, and most tennis shoes. Always wear proper footwear, and use caution near ledges.
Just came across an article ( http://www.watershedpost.com/2015/kaaterskill-falls-closed-summer-2015 ) that says the DEC is restricting public access to the falls from July 6th, 2015 through the summer as they will be upgrading the trails and improving safety around the falls. “Access to the falls will only be allowed from the Kaaterskill Falls trailhead located on NY Route 23A. DEC will prohibit public access past the wooden fences at the base of the falls. The Laurel House Road parking area near the top of the falls will be closed and visitors will not have access to Kaaterskill Falls from the parking area for the remainder of the hiking season.”
Thank you, Jean! I just updated the trail guide with links to that article. Much appreciated!
Quick Note: When you park, if you have to park along the road, stay to the right of the white line. If your tire goes a centimeter over that line you will be towed. I understand why they have to do it because it is a narrow road. However it did get under my skin when I had to get a ride up into town and found that the booming business in town is these tow truck places. Had to pay $200 plus the $50 ticket, BEWARE.
Retired art teacher, always loved the Hudson River painters. First visited the Falls in 2001,incredible experience. Took the trail to the base of the Falls, and decided to try and scale the slope on the right, to reach the middle ridge. This was a week day, no other hikers around. I got maybe halfway up, and the shale started to give way. Realizing I had made a stupid move, turned around and started to gently slide down on my butt while grabbing every sapling available. Very dangerous, coming down was more difficult than going up. From there, went back to my vehicle and drove around to the top of the Falls. WHAT A VIEW!! I have included that setting in one of my paintings-“The Land of the Mohican”. I did venture to the edge,very carefully, going sideways-outstanding view. 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!
The Catskill mountains are beautiful in all season’s and can keep you coming back year after year. I can tell you having grown up here, I am always amazed and in awe of this area. I come to fish, swim and most of all do nothing. But the danger is real, I have seem first hand how weather affects the area. I come back year after year and will never stop being amazed.
I”ve hiked the Catskills for the past 40 years and live about 30 minutes from the falls. Although the tragedies that occur each year at Kaaterskill seem to garner the headlines, there is no shortage every year of the mountains claiming the lives of the unwary or unprepared. I’ve seen people who seem to believe that the wilderness is a form of video game that can be safely enjoyed in comfort; but, it takes a lot of preparation and a healthy respect for the environment. Yes, there are joys to behold: I remember watching sunrise over Slide Mtn. from the Balsam Lake fire towe, or the winter scene of the Ashokan from Wittenberg. I urge anyione with a senser of awe and adevntulre to come here and have awesome memories iof their stay; but please, prepare yourself and gailn experience before you tackle the terrain that awailts you.
Great guide and suggestions! Just wanted to give you a heads up that the Trail Conference now has a free map and guide for the Falls and for the area around it – http://nynjtc.org/map/catskill-destinations-kaaterskill-falls-trail-map. Always looking to get the word out about safety and access, so thanks for having that information out there.
my dad has been coming to the falls since the 70s i first saw and experienced the falls when i was around 16 and we ignored the main trail head at the bottom of the falls and went strait to lorrel house rd and walked around the top of the falls i dont rema=ember iif we climbed down that day or not but we have done it on at least 2 occasions and i have led groups to every point between the top and bottom i love to float in the pond in the middle of the 2nd tier not all that deep but 8 foot in the middle also have seen the memorial carved in the rock on the way down on the left side of the falls if you are looking up its is NOT advisable to look for it it is very hard to find and VERY dangerous to get to but it is incredible to see it carved there by members of a mans union after he jumped to his death at the turn of the last century it is a butiful site and i love to camp at the top at the small camp sites provided and spend days during the summer here enjoying the site and unwinding
Hey Mike,
Thanks for the awesome guide. 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
Nice! I think the falls around here are a little low at the moment (they could probably tell you at the guard shack to North-South Lake), but it’s a gorgeous spot even when they’re not roaring. Hope you guys have a great trip!
Great photos and info!
Thank you, Peter!
A friend of mine just posted this and I was happy to come across it. Beautiful pictures and great info. I’ve done this hike myself many times. Thanks so much for sharing! Will check out the other hikes listed.
Happy Trails.
Thanks so much, Donna — hope you find some other adventures worth trying out here!