Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls is a two-stage waterfall on Spruce Creek in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York, between the hamlets of Haines Falls and Palenville in Greene County.
Kaaterskill Falls is a must-see, featuring a dramatic two-stage waterfall with a total height of approximately 260 feet.
Head out on this 1.7-mile out-and-back trail near Haines Falls, NY. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 hour to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
This landmark has been the epicenter of Catskills tourism since the early 1800s, thus Kaaterskill Falls is the most popular and highly visited destination in the Catskill Park Forest Preserve.
When visiting Kaaterskill please stick to the trails. Walking off trail, or into closed areas may result in serious injury or death. The entire area consists of very loose and exposed rocks. Getting closer than 6 feet to a cliff edge is not only illegal, but you may just step out onto an unsupported ledge which may crumble and fall with your added weight. Many people have fallen to their death at Kaaterskill Falls doing exactly this.
Parking – The parking area on Laurel House Road can accommodate over 20 cars and typically has a set of port-a-potties. At the south end of the lot is the trailhead that leads down to Kaaterskill Falls and the viewing platform. Parking is not allowed on NY-23A. The Molly Smith parking area along that road is also closed, probably permanently. The town will tow you if you park along NY-23A. Alternative parking can be had at the Escarpment Trailhead to the east. Or the Scutt Rd Trailhead to the north.
There are no trash cans at Kaaterskill Falls! In fact, all public areas of the Catskills are carry-in, carry-out.
