Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the Catskill Region, and with good reason – it is spectacular. Over 200,000 people visit this waterfall each year. Even when the falls aren’t at their fullest, which was the case when we visited, this 260-foot double-drop waterfall is still one of the most incredible waterfalls in New York State. This is why Kaaterskill Falls is the most visited destination in the Catskills.
Know Before You Go
Best Time To Visit: This one is probably the most important thing to know before you go. This is an extremely popular place to visit in New York, so it gets crowded. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon during the week. The weekends are always packed, and parking is hard to come by. We visited late on a Tuesday afternoon in July, and we were shocked by the number of people visiting. But it was nothing compared to the crowd we saw the following weekend.
Wear Proper Footwear: Hiking boots or sneakers only! Even if your plan is to wade in the water at the base of the Falls, this is not a place to wear flip flops.
USE CAUTION AND COMMON SENSE: Caution: Kaaterskill Falls is a hazardous area. Many people have been seriously injured or killed at this waterfall. Please stay on the designated trails and avoid the temptation to venture off the path or stand on the edge of the cliffs. According to DEC Regulations, visitors must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from the edge of any cliff as people have tragically fallen to their deaths when the cliffs gave way. Do not attempt to climb on the rocks under or around the waterfall, as injuries are common in areas with slick rocks or ground.
Come Prepared: Prepare for a long hike and make sure that you bring water with you; you’ll need it. Snacks are also recommended if you plan on staying awhile.
Carry-in/Carry-Out: There is a $250 fine for littering in the Catskills. Make sure you pick up your trash (and dog poop) and carry it out with you.
- No fires
- No stoves
- No alcohol
- No generators
- No music
- No glass
Scenic Platform
Trail – 0.3 Miles from Lauren House Rd Parking Area
Trail – 1.15 Miles from North/South Lake Campground
The walk to the scenic platform is relatively easy. It is on a wide gravel path that is handicap accessible. From the platform, you get a clear view of the waterfall in its entirety.
This is the easiest trail at Kaaterskill Falls, and definitely worth the visit!
Hiking to Lower Falls
This trail is short, less than a mile, but it is challenging. It is rocky and uneven, and then you begin to descend over hundreds of stone steps to the bottom. Going down isn’t too difficult, but coming back up is another thing altogether. Before you proceed, make sure that you are fit enough to get back up. Also, these steps can be slippery when they are wet, so take your time and watch your step.
Halfway down the steps, there is a trail that turns off to the right, leading to the middle section between the two parts of the waterfall. There is a large pool at this spot. When we visited on a hot Tuesday morning, there were already many people sunbathing around the pool. We found out that this area, as well as the pool at the bottom, are popular places for people to cool off. We noticed more and more people heading down the trail with Bluetooth speakers, beach towels, and coolers.
As you reach the end of the stairs, you’ll find yourself a short distance from the bottom of the stunning Kaaterskill Falls. If you intend to approach the Falls, exercise extreme caution. There is no safe path to reach the Falls without navigating across large, treacherous rocks, and doing so is highly dangerous. However, this is the best spot to get a fantastic photo of the Falls in their entirety.
Out and About with Nova
While this destination is generally dog-friendly, it may not be suitable for all dogs. It is a popular spot and the trail can become narrow, especially when crowded with people. If your dog does not do well around a lot of people, this may not be the best place to take them.
All dogs must be leashed. This is not a place for an off-leash dog. If you do bring your four-legged friends, please remember to clean up after them.
Getting to Kaaterskill Falls
Parking: Parking for this waterfall can be difficult, especially on the weekends or holidays when hundreds, if not thousands, of other people are also trying to visit.
Laurel House Rd Parking Lot: This is the preferred parking lot if you can manage to park here. Your best bet for getting a spot is to arrive early. If the lot is full, the road will be blocked at the entrance, and you will be directed to park elsewhere.
Scutt Road lot: This is the second-best lot, and it is much bigger than the Laurel House Rd Lot.
North/South Lake: The Picnic Area at South Lake in the North/South Lake Campground is another parking area with access to Kaaterskill Falls. The hike from here is a little longer (especially if the lower lot fills up.) We were told by a park ranger that by noon on a Sunday, the parking lots at all these areas are completely packed. So come early!
Kaatersill Trolley: You can avoid driving altogether by taking the Kaaterskill Trolley. This trolley has several stops along Route 23 (where you can swim and cool off in Kaaterskill Creek) as well as, the Trailheads at Laurel House Rd and North/South Lake. There is a fee to use the trolley. You can purchase single day or multiple day passes right from their website.
Address: 103 Laurel House Rd, Palenville, NY