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Kaaterskill Falls


Highlights:

highest two tiered waterfall in New York
Near:Haines Falls, NY
Scenery:
Distance:1 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:300 ft
Hike Time:1 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: Kaaterskill Falls is the highest two-tiered waterfall in New York state. It is a very popular spot - especially during the warmer Summer months.

From the parking area, walk down to the bridge. Be cautious walking along the shoulder of the road.

Near the bridge is Bastion Falls. Continue on the trail (yellow markers) for about 0.5 miles to the base of Katterskill Falls.

The water drops 260 feet in two stages. The first drop is 180 feet while the second is only 80 feet.

The official trail ends here. Turn around and head back.

Trailhead: Take NY Route 23A going west through the village of Pallenville. About 3 miles from the village you will get to a sharp hair-pin turn (Here you will cross a bridge and see some nice falls on the right). The parking area is on the left just up the road.

(Lat:42.19 Lon:-74.074)

Trail Guides for Kaaterskill Falls:
Catskill Trails A Rangers Guide to the High Peaks Northern
by Edward G. Henry (Black Dome Press)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: NYS DEC Region 4 Ranger (518) 589-0216
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by George Senft, who has posted  26 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 5   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Lisa on 5/6/2008
I believe the description above only takes you to the base of the falls. Not sure if we missed the trails or if there weren't any, but this hike allowed for some great "off roading" through brush, and up and along rocks and gravel. Definitely not easy. Going in to the day I wasn't thrilled that we had chosen this hike, thinking it would be a mere walk in the woods. By making our way to each level and finally the top, we tested our strength and free climbing ability. I was extremely pleased. You'll see imprints in the rock at the top dating back to the 1800s - awesome. Not to mention, for friends who didn't want to hike, there were great big flat rocks at the base of the falls perfect for playing cards and relaxing.

Reviewed by Matthew on 10/17/2007
Great hike! Even beginners can handle if they just take their time. Easy trail to follow and plenty of trail markers - not slippery at all when I went. After hiking in to the bottom of the falls take a ride to the top to view from above - it's really an amazing view! Turn left out of the Route 23A parking area and go 1.4 miles - turn right on North Lake Road. Take North Lake 1.8 miles and turn right onto Laurel House Road. Laurel House dead ends to a parking lot. Follow the center wide trail straight down about 1/4 mile to the top ledge of the falls. Be extremely careful there are no fences or barriers. Enjoy!

Reviewed by Stephanie on 10/10/2007
I am a novice hiker. This was my first hike. I went on it because from what I read it was implied that it was an easy hike, which I assumed should be good for a beginner. Apparently I was either wrong or confused about what's considered easy in the hiking world. It was lots of scrambling although the distance wasn't very long. The hike wasn't so easy, at least not for a beginner like myself. But overall, once I got to the waterfall it was beautiful and I was pleased that I made it. I would hike it again only next time i'll know what I'm in for.

Reviewed by KH on 9/17/2007
Beautiful. Also the setting for music video Simple Minds "alive and kicking"

Reviewed by KurtTeej on 8/3/2007
I headed to these falls during the springtime when there was water in the kill and it was just beautiful. I took a great shot if anyone is interested in seeing it http://outdoorsourcemag.com/wordpress/archives/20

Reviewed by HM on 7/20/2007
It was tough for me to climb being out of shape, but worth it once I got to the top! Like nothing I have ever experienced!

Reviewed by caitlin on 7/8/2007
I loved this hike. It was Beautiful!

Reviewed by Kevin on 5/29/2007
Awesome short hike. Bastion Falls is visible as you drive over the bridge. Serves as a nice appetizer as what is to come. Hike is a little steep and slippery in areas, be careful. I enjoyed the views of both falls. There is a trail to get to the base of the taller falls. I thought this was the best view. You can go behind the falls too. I hiked to the top. Just follow the footprints, or follow the ridge. The parking lot was over filled when I got back, cars along side the road. Do early on a weekend.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Greene County Hiking, Greene County Trails, Greene County Hikes

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