Kaaterskill Falls
Overview
A short, steep hike takes you to the base of one of New York State's tallest waterfalls.
Though Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the Catskills, it's also one of the most dangerous, due to visitors ignoring posted warnings to hike only on marked trails.
Driving directions:
Heading northbound, take the New York State Thruway to Exit 20 (Saugerties). After paying the toll, turn left onto Routes 212/32 and cross over the Thruway. At the first traffic light, turn right onto Route 32 North (if you are heading southbound on the Thruway and take exit 20, you will exit directly on to Route 32 and take a right to follow Route 32 North). . .
- In 6.0 miles, continue straight ahead onto Route 32A, as Route 32 turns right.
- In 1.9 miles, turn left onto Route 23A, which climbs through Kaaterskill Clove.
- Just past a bridge over a stream at Bastion Falls, you'll notice the start of the Kaaterskill Falls Trail on the right. Continue ahead to the parking area for the falls, on the left side of the road.
- Please note that the parking area is rather small and that parking is not allowed on Route 23A. Walk back along the road to the start of the Kaaterskill Falls Trail.
Destination Description
Tucked away in one of the many cloves that cut through the eastern escarpment of the Catskill Mountains, Kaaterskill Falls is one of New York State's tallest waterfalls, and one of the most spectacular sites in the Catskills. Kaaterskill Falls is protected as a "forever wild" Forest Preserve area under the New York State constitution.
Kaaterskill Falls is an extremely popular destination, and parking can prove difficult. The Kaaterskill Falls Trail begins on Route 23A from the bridge in front of Bastion Falls, a small waterfall adjacent to the road. There is no dedicated pedestrian walkway from the parking areas to the trailhead, so be careful as you walk along the narrow, winding mountain road to this path. For this reason, this trail isn’t recommended for dogs.
While it's just a short hike to the falls, the climb is steep and involves slippery rocks, roots, and other obstacles. Visitors should be well-prepared:
- Wear sturdy footwear
- Bring plenty of drinking water
- Keep safety precautions in mind
The trail takes you to the base of the two-tiered falls and ends there. From this vantage point, you may look up and be tempted to climb higher. Don't. The section above this point is extremely dangerous and is where most accidents happen. In recent years, deaths have occurred when hikers have gone around the fence at the end of the trail. Enjoy the view and descend down the hill to your car safely, ready to choose your next beautiful hike in the area or grab some lunch down the road.
Know Before You Go
- A short but steep hike to the base of a beautiful waterfall.
- Wear athletic shoes or hiking boots. No sandals.
- Be careful of slippery rocks.
- Do not attempt to hike farther than the marked trail.
- Bring your own water. The water in the stream is not safe to drink without purification.
- Dogs are not recommended on this trail.
- Save this hike for the warmer months. From November to April, Kaaterskill Clove can fill with snow and ice, making a simple hike too dangerous to attempt without the proper gear. Crampons, ice axes, and other winter climbing equipment—plus the knowledge required to use them safely—are all essential during winter months.
New Regulations in Effect Aug. 15, 2018
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced on Aug. 15, 2018, the adoption of new regulations designed to improve public safety and enhance the user experience at Kaaterskill Falls and three nearby areas that have experienced a substantial increase in public use in recent years.
The new regulations complement previously announced safety and accessibility improvements at Kaaterskill Falls. The newly adopted regulations impact all or parts of four areas; the Kaaterskill Falls Riparian Area (in the town of Hunter, Greene County), the Kaaterskill Clove Riparian Corridor (in the towns of Hunter and Catskill, Greene County), the Platte Clove Riparian Corridor (in the town of Hunter, Greene County, and the town of Saugerties, Ulster County), and the Colgate Lake Wild Forest Area (in the town of Jewett, Greene County).
At all four areas, the new regulations:
- ban all camp fires and portable stoves (except when camping at designated campsites or otherwise camping in accordance with DEC regulations);
- prohibit glass containers except for the storage of medicines;
- ban the use of audio devices without the use of headphones/ear buds (except at designated camp sites or otherwise camping in accordance with DEC regulations, and not audible outside the immediate area of the campsite);
- ban the possession of alcohol (except when transporting to, or camped at, designated camp sites or where otherwise camping in compliance with DEC regulations);
- prohibit the public from entering restricted areas, as designated by signage.
At Kaaterskill Falls, they:
- prohibit the public from going within six feet of cliff edges, except on marked trails, and prohibit the public from entering the water within 150 feet upstream of the falls.
- prohibit the public from going within six feet of cliff edges, except on marked trails, and prohibit the public from entering the water within 150 feet upstream of the falls.
The regulations also prohibit the possession of portable generators within the Kaaterskill Clove Riparian Corridor, the Kaaterskill Falls Riparian Area, and the Colgate Lake Wild Forest Area, except at designated campsites or where otherwise camped in compliance with DEC regulations.
Read the full press release in our News Center.