How hard is the hike to Kaaterskill Falls?
The trail to Kaaterskill Falls remains relatively flat and easy for the first third of the hike to the base. Following the signs from the upper viewing area, the trail passes through the woods and past an area where a hotel once stood decades ago. The trail then crosses a bridge over Spruce Creek a short distance upstream of the falls.
How do I get to Bastion Falls on the Catskills?
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.
What is the highest waterfall in New York State?
Kaaterskill Falls. Perhaps the crowning jewel is the highest cascading waterfall in New York State – Kaaterskill Falls. Dropping in two tiers over 260 feet, Kaaterskill Falls has been one of the region's most popular destinations for centuries.
Why is Kaaterskill Falls so important to Hudson River School artists?
In fact, some of the most well-known paintings from Hudson River School artists such as Thomas Cole made this waterfall a central point in many of their paintings. Artist Thomas Cole painted many scenes of Kaaterskill Falls.
How difficult is the Kaaterskill Falls hike?
Is Kaaterskill Falls a hard hike? The hike to Kaaterskill Falls isn't necessarily hard, but caution is needed. After a series of trail changes made by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to improve safety, hikers can now access the falls from the upper trailhead at Laurel House Road.
How long is Kaaterskill trail?
The hike to Kaaterskill Falls is short at 1.4 miles roundtrip, and hikers are strongly encouraged to stick to the marked path due to the treacherously slippery rocks located at the top of the falls.
How many steps Kaaterskill Falls?
Kaaterskill Falls is one of the country's oldest tourist attractions, making the 1.3 mile trail one of the busiest and most popular in the region. Kaaterskill is the tallest two-stage waterfall in New York, and the steep ascent to get there is made of 620 stone stairs.
Can you see Kaaterskill Falls without hiking?
There are currently 2 ways to access the Kaaterskill Falls. You can either park in the upper or bottom lots. The upper parking lot was completed back in 2016 and eliminates the need to walk along a sketchy section of the road.
How do you hike to Kaaterskill Falls?
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.
Can you swim in Kaaterskill Falls?
A must-see if you are in the area, the Kaaterskill is a popular attraction for both its beauty and access. Hiking points allow visitors to experience the falls from above or below, with a swimming hole available at the bottom.
Where are Kaaterskill Falls?
Kaaterskill Falls is a two-drop waterfall located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of NY in Greene County`s Town of Hunter. The dual cascades total 260 feet, making it one of the higher waterfalls in NY, and of the Eastern US.
Can you drive up to Kaaterskill Falls?
You can get to the top of Kaaterskill Falls by driving up to North Lake Road and taking Laurel House Road. There is a very short trail down to the top of Kaaterskill Falls.
How do you get to Kaaterskill Falls viewing platform?
Tips for Hiking at Kaaterskill Falls Getting to the main viewing platform is a relatively simple and easy walk from the Laurel House Road parking lot. To get to the bottom of the falls, you'll hike down around 400 feet of elevation, including 181 steps! The stairs are steep and can be slippery due to the falls.
Can you hike Kaaterskill Falls in the winter?
The gloriously gorgeous Kaaterskill Falls, being one of the true wonders of the Catskills, is one of our most popular hiking spots for tourists: lush in the summer and, in winter, haunting the eye with its striking beauty.
How long is hike to Hunter Mountain Fire Tower?
This moderate hike can be completed in 4-5 hrs. This is the easiest route to climb Hunter Mountain. It's also the most scenic route. This route follows an old road, so the trail is wide and even the whole way up.
How long is the Ashokan Rail trail?
11.5 milesProposed in 2012 by Ulster County, the Ashokan Rail Trail (“ART”) was designed to create a world-class public recreational trail running 11.5 miles along the northern edge of the Ashokan Reservoir between Basin Road in West Hurley and Route 28A in Boiceville.
Where do you park for Kaaterskill Falls?
Visitors may access Kaaterskill Falls by parking at the Laurel House Rd, Schutt Rd, or South Lake parking areas. When should I go? Arrive early or late in the day or mid-week. The parking lots generally fill up by 10am on weekends and even earlier on holidays and will be full or overfull until the evening.
Can you bring dogs to Kaaterskill Falls?
Yes, as others have said, there are lots of dogs there. We have a chihuahua and we brought her, but she is small enough to easily carry. The trail is very steep and narrow in many places.
How tall is Bastion Falls in Kaaterskill Falls?
While I don’t recommend approaching Kaaterskill Falls from the bottom, it is the easiest way to see the 70-foot Bastion Falls at the base of the trail.
What is the old parking area for Kaaterskill Falls?
The old parking area for Kaaterskill Falls can be found at the following coordinates along Route 23A: 42.189907, -74.074039.
How tall is Kaaterskill Falls?
Kaaterskill Falls is 260 feet in height, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in New York. The upper drop is the larger of two at 175 feet, just a few feet shorter than the impressive Taughannock Falls ...
Where is Bastion Falls in Kaaterskill?
While cars typically are on the lookout for hikers, extreme caution is needed here if you opt to go this way as there is no sidewalk or shoulder for hikers. Bastion Falls at the trailhead along Route 23A is worth seeing. At the trailhead for Kaaterskill Falls, the quite stunning Bastion Falls can be seen.
How long is the hike to the base of the falls?
From the point that you cross the bridge until you reach the base of the falls, it’s about a half-mile hike that features a 300-foot elevation loss.
How far downhill does it take to get to the base of the falls?
After about a third of a mile of downhill hiking, you’ll reach a junction in the trail. Heading down the hill will continue to take you towards the base of the falls. However, heading straight will take you to the middle level at the base of the upper drop.
Why is it so hard to take pictures of a waterfall?
If water levels are high, there can be a tremendous amount of spray from the falls. This makes taking photos nearly impossible and it also makes the rocks here wet and slippery. I spent about 10 minutes trying to get a photo of the waterfall and was soaked from the spray off of the waterfall.
What is the tallest waterfall in New York?
Kaaterskill Falls, the tallest double-tiered waterfall in New York, has inspired artists such as Thomas Cole and Frederic Church, and you can behold its beauty at the end of a moderate, half-mile hike . 01 of 05.
How long is the hike to Kaaterskill Falls?
The hike to Kaaterskill Falls has been described as "easy" for some, but "moderate" is probably a more accurate description. Granted, it's only a half-mile each way, so it's not a terribly difficult distance. That said, the hike is quite steep, and the trail is fairly tough terrain with rocks to scale, tree roots the circumference of my arm to watch out for, and some slick patches, especially in the spring and fall when ice lingers later and forms earlier up in the Catskills.
Where is Kaaterskill Falls?
Directions to Kaaterskill Falls. The entrance to the trail that leads to Kaaterskill Falls is located on Route 23A west of the town of Palenville, New York . You can access Route 23A from the New York State Thruway at exit 21. You'll find a small parking area on the left or south side of Route 23A about 3.5 miles west of Palenville.
Where is the parking lot on Route 23A?
You'll find a small parking area on the left or south side of Route 23A about 3.5 miles west of Palenville. The photo above is actually of Bastion Falls, a much smaller waterfall that is visible on the north side of Route 23A at a bend in the road just a short distance from the parking area as you travel west. Once you have parked (and be forewarned that the parking lot is often full, necessitating parking along the road), walk downhill back toward Bastion Falls, where you will find the trailhead for Kaaterskill Falls.
What is the best time to see a waterfall?
The double drama created by the upper 175-foot falls and the lower 85-foot cascade is truly a spectacle to behold. Keep in mind that spring is often the best time to view waterfalls. Hot, dry summers can reduce the flow of water substantially.
Is Bastion Falls smaller than Kaaterskill Falls?
Although it is much smaller than Kaaterskill Falls, Bastion Falls is a lovely prelude to the dramatic cascade that lies deeper within the forested Catskills. Be sure you're not so anxious to reach Kaaterskill Falls that you fail to stop for a moment to appreciate Bastion Falls, shown in this photo. Keep in mind, as well, that if some ...
Is the hike to the falls for small children?
The key, really, is to know your own abilities and to plan and dress accordingly. The hike is not appropriate for small children, although we did see a few people toting infants. There were quite a few dogs out for a walk to the falls, and we watched the woman ahead of us do the climb in flip-flops, which seemed rather foolish, but she made it.
HOW TO GET TO KAATERSKILL FALLS
Alright, so you’re in your car, a bus, or a (hopefully not creepy) stranger’s vehicle.
TIPS FOR HIKING KAATERSKILL FALLS TRAIL
Now that you know exactly how to get to Kaaterskill Falls, how long it will take, and what to look out for, it’s time to pack your bags and take down some tips from the pros.
WHAT YOU SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR
There are many signs and stories that make it clear hikers shouldn’t wander off the trail due to the injuries and deaths that come from getting a bit creative with making their own trail.
ALTERNATE ROUTE & FINAL THOUGHTS BEFORE YOUR HIT THE DUSTY TRAIL
The alternate Catskills hiking route leads you to the top of the falls, starting from Laurel House Lane is the North Lake Road following Route 23A.
How many feet is Kaaterskill Falls?
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.
What happens if you wander off the 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.
Where to find trailhead kiosk in Bastion Falls?
2. Walk over Spruce Creek on the Route 23A bridge, then find the trailhead kiosk on your left, at the base of Bastion Falls.
How to support trails in the Hudson Valley?
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.)
About Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls is a 260 foot tall waterfall with two separate drops. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in New York State. Kaaterskill Falls has actually been pretty famous for several hundred years. It was a huge tourist destination in the 1800’s and 1900’s.
How do you get to Kaaterskill Falls?
Kaaterskill Falls is located in the upper Catskills region of New York. The closest towns to Kaaterskill Falls are Haines Falls, Tannersville, and Hunter. Kaaterskill Falls is best accessed by car.
Where to Park at Kaaterskill Falls
Important to know about visiting Kaaterskill Falls is that it is very popular and can become VERY crowded. The parking lots are small for the amount of people trying to park in them.
How to Hike to Kaaterskill Falls
Lucky for you, there are sooo many ways to hike to Kaaterskill Falls. No matter if you are a super hiker that loves to pack the miles or someone that wants the walk very little, you can find that at Kaaterskill Falls.
Commonly asked questions about Kaaterskill Falls
The shortest route is 0.3 miles one way to the overlook. The trail to the bottom of the falls is 0.8 miles one way and has almost 200 stairs. Other routes can be as long as 12 miles.
Stuff to do nearby Kaaterskill Falls
There is so much to do around Kaaterskill Falls besides the falls! The towns of Tannersville and Hunter both have many fun things to do (and delicious foods to try). Check out my blog posts on Tannersville and Hunter for more detailed information, but here is a quick recap:
What is the significance of Kaaterskill Falls?
Considered by Native Americans to be the resting place of the creator, a sacred place for the Mohican people who called the Catskills home , Kaaterskill Falls has captivated the hearts, pens, and paintbrushes of poets, painters, filmmakers, and photographers – becoming part of larger, artistic folklore spreading from the Catskills to the rest of the world. In one of his most celebrated paintings Thomas Cole , founder of the famed Hudson River School of Art, placed a lone warrior watching over the falls, a testament to the wild beauty of the place. From Washington Irving's Rip Van Winkle to Asher Durand's Kindred Spirits and William Cullen Bryant's romantic verse – all have felt the mesmerizing power of Kaaterskill Falls.
What is the highest waterfall in New York?
Perhaps the crowning jewel is the highest cascading waterfall in New York State – Kaaterskill Falls. Dropping in two tiers over 260 feet, Kaaterskill Falls has been one of the region's most popular destinations for centuries.
How long is the hike to Kaaterskill Falls?
Experience your own spiritual awakening at the falls, located off of Route 23A in Haines Falls. The hike to Kaaterskill Falls is short at 1.4 miles roundtrip, and hikers are strongly encouraged to stick to the marked path due to the treacherously slippery rocks located at the top of the falls.
Where is the Kaaterskill Clove parking lot?
The town of Hunter has issued a Kaaterskill Clove Parking Enforcement policy. The Town of Hunter will be operating a Vehicle impound Lot located at 5748, Route 23A, Tannersville NY (Town Hall). This impound lot will be in operation every weekend until the illegal parking is dramatically curtailed. Any illegally parked vehicle will be ticketed ...
What to wear when hiking?
Wear sturdy shoes for hikes. Do not wear sandals, flip flops, or have bare feet. Although you are hiking around water, we highly discourage swimming.
What to do when you are hiking a waterfall?
Taking shortcuts can lead to erosion on trails, and greatly increase the chances of getting lost or injured. Do not climb on the rocks under or around the waterfall. Injuries are common in areas where the rock or ground is slick. Wear sturdy shoes for hikes. Do not wear sandals, flip flops, or have bare feet.
Is Kaaterskill Falls open?
Kaaterskill Falls and the viewing platform are open to visitors. Due to an increase in traffic and illegally parked vehicles, the town of Hunter has initiated a new policy. Please see the revised parking regulations below.
