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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 2 of 8 Submit your own review 
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!!!
Reviewed by Rick on 8/6/2008 I hiked the falls this Tuesday and there was plenty of water. Sometimes this falls almost dries up. To reach the upper falls you have to leave the official trail and this could be dangerous if it has been raining due to the slippery soil and loose rocks. This day was dry so the climb up was fairly easy. Coming back down to the trail is twice as hard as going up. I had to come down on my seat and couldn't stand up most of the way. DON'T try this in wet weather. All in all, a great hike.
Reviewed by James and Devon on 8/2/2008 We went to the falls after hiking to Huckleberry point earlier in the day. Beautiful falls! We didn't hike up to the higher fall but enjoyed the view of both from the lower fall. Nice little swim area for younger kids and a fairly easy hike to view one of the area treasures. A great stop if you're just driving by. 
Reviewed by Sue on 7/23/2008 Beautiful hike, my favorite every year but this year we attempted to climb to the first tier of the waterfall where the swimming hole is and the hike was pretty hairy hiking the left trail that has the rope to reach the second tier Many had no trouble but I found rocks that many used for footholds were loose this year due to recent errosion. It was extremely dry and I slipped several times on the small gravel on the trails near a cliff and I consider myself a good hiker. We usually hike to the right where there are many roots to hold onto and places to put your feet. I would do it again but just to warn others, unless you have great foot wear with good treads use extreme caution when hiking to the left with the rope.
Reviewed by Mason F. on 7/13/2008 Despite what some of the other reviews say, this hike was quite easy, and I am an amateur hiker. The official marked trail has no rapids, no thornbushes, etc. If you find yourself in any danger, you've gone off the trail. The toughest parts are some steep climbs, but these are on man made steps. So unless you are afflicted with joint trouble they should present no issue. The falls are beautiful, worth every second of the .5 miles, and then some.
Reviewed by jt on 7/10/2008 Oh my GOD this hike was BRUTAL! The part where you have to hack through the thicket left my wife covered with scratches. Then she fell in the rapids, losing her balance on the part where you have to tight-rope on the log across the river. Luckily she's a strong swimmer! A week later, incidentally, all of her scratches got infected from the bacteria in the water. And despite the unbelievable claims that some people have made saying this hike is "easy," I found the vertical parts to be quite technical. Luckily we are both fairly advanced climbers, having summited Mt. Washington and Mt. Ranier earlier this year. I'd recommend Kaaterskill Falls only to experienced climbers in excellent physical condition.
Reviewed by Marilyn on 7/6/2008 I enjoyed the hike, good exercise. The waterfalls are amazing. I have now been to the top and bottom of the waterfalls. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||