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 Reporter |
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 7 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by kathy on 6/26/2009 Yesterday, Tom, Emma and I hiked the Katterskill falls trail. My 5 year old granddaughter has not stopped talking about it. She loved the rock trails, the water and the falls. We sat on rocks and dipped our feet in water. The only problem was it was packed with people. A jewel is always discovered. What FUN!!!
Reviewed by Julie on 6/15/2009 I tried to post this review yesterday but had a semicolon in it. I did the lower falls hike last weekend (6/7) with five kids from ages 5 to 10, and it was great. The large slabs of rock on the way were a highlight. We started going up to the upper falls on the left side, but I turned everyone around about halfway because the loose shale seemed unsafe. Just last Saturday (6/13), someone slipped and fell to his death on this trail on his way down from the falls. Granted that it was damp and he was wearing dress shoes, but still, I think that trail is simply not safe to hike. I haven't checked out the trail on the other side, but I definitely recommend against trying to reach the upper falls from the left hand trail.
Reviewed by Julie on 6/14/2009 Error: Reserved Word Found: ;
Reviewed by Andrew on 6/8/2009 I don't mean to vent, but this hike would have been excellent if people hadn't littered all over the place. One person can only pick up so much litter! The short hike to the falls was a good workout, and could have been longer and still well worth it. But seriously, don't try to hike up the falls. It is dangerous. What possessed the hordes of parents and group leaders to lead their kids up there yesterday? Classic Herd behavior. Well, of course, some parent on his way down released rocks and scree, scaring the crap out of a kid as rocks hit him in the back and back of legs, and thus the kid screamed and jabbed his leg onto a sharp piece of slate most likely needing first aid. I was appalled to see the groups and groups of kids led up the
Reviewed by jwm on 11/11/2008 A few friends and I hiked to the falls last year. It was not that hard at all. I am not sure what everybody is talking about. The climb to get above the lower falls was somewhat challenging do to the loose dirt/gravel, but certainly not risky at all. Pretty cool little trail.
Reviewed by Jeff on 10/18/2008 Short but rough trail. Not for the very young or elderly. If the ground is wet the rocks and roots on the trail are slippery especially with all the down leaves. Not a physically draining hike, just tough walking, go slow and be sure of your footing. Excellent views of the falls, worth the short trek.
Reviewed by Doug on 10/7/2008 I found the hike some what difficult. Probably because the ground was dry. I am going back this weekend and if the weather is good my son and I will go to the top of the falls. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL VIEW!! I can't wait. 
Reviewed by Geoff on 8/23/2008 Absolutely stunning. The hike is short but strenuous, especially if you climb up to the higher waterfall. The trail up to the higher waterfall is VERY DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS! Not for little kids or the elderly! I found myself clinging to roots to keep myself from sliding down the trail. When you get up there, you will be rewarded. There is an awesome swimming hole! It is safe because before the lower falls, the stream becomes shallow and narrow, and usually does not flow very fast. The pool is at most about 6-7 feet deep. The rocks around it are SLIPPERY! You can get very close to the top of the lower waterfall, be careful. Huge ampitheatre behind the upper falls, very cool to walk behind falls, be careful, loose rocks!!! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||