Kaaterskill Falls
4.8(1.5K)google
4.6(166)yelp
Hiking TrailFamilyOutdoorPhoto SpotFreeMust-SeeWaterfallForestMountain
Overview
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. The two cascades total 260 feet (79 m) in height, making Kaaterskill Falls one of the highest waterfalls in New York, and one of the Eastern United States' tallest waterfalls. The waterfalls are one of America's oldest tourist attractions, being depicted or described by many books, essays, poems and paintings of the early 19th century.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-3.5 hours
Best TimeLate May during high spring runoff or early October during autumn peak are the finest seasons. Arriving between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM on a clear morning is paramount; the early sun plunges straight into the jagged amphitheater, gorgeously illuminating the two-tiered, 260-foot cascading drop while granting you peace before the parking lots become severely congested by noon.
Getting TherePerched within the Catskill Mountains near Haines Falls. Drive via the NY State Thruway (I-87) to Exit 20, follow NY-32 North, and turn onto NY-23A West—a steep, winding mountain gorge highway—driving 10 miles before turning onto Laurel House Road straight to the paved parking terminus. Do not attempt curbside highway parking along Route 23A as it is strictly illegal and heavily ticketed.
Travel Tips
- Parking shoulders along Route 23A are permanently barricaded under zero-tolerance towing rules; you must park exclusively at Laurel-House Road or Scutt Road lots.
- The wet sandstone ledges between tiers are lethal and lack safety railings; crossing the wooden barrier lines to photograph the crest constitutes an arrestable safety violation.
- The trail descending to the lower pools consists of slick mud and vertical loose shale steps; open-toe footwear or flip-flops are critical safety hazards, wear high-traction hiking boots.
Reviews
Positive
- The highest two-tiered waterfall in New York; the visual impact is unmatched! Looking down from the overlook, the rushing water and Catskill gorge are picturesque.
- Newly built overlook trails have vastly improved safety with sturdy handrails and non-slip steps, making it much easier for families with kids or casual walkers.
- As a completely free natural attraction, its core value is incredibly high. You experience pure pristine forest vibes, and autumn foliage turns it into a fairyland.
- The trail starting from the top Laurel House Road parking lot has very clear markers and level paths, equipped with basic eco-friendly trash receptacles.
Heads up
- Parking is the biggest pain point! The top free lots have very few spaces, getting completely full before 9 AM on summer/fall weekends; illegal street parking yields heavy fines.
- Descending to the base pool requires hiking an extremely steep, slick, and rocky historic trail; some sections lack markers, risky for seniors or improper footwear.
- Summer peak crowds are insanely dense; the overlook is packed with people, and narrow trails constantly bottleneck, making pristine photos without tourists impossible.
- The trail area is completely wild with zero public restrooms (only portable toilets at lots), and no concessions exist; you must bring all food and water.