Ultimate Guide To Hiking Kaaterskill Falls

Kaaterskill Falls is the most iconic natural landmark in the Catskill Mountains, and has been immortalized in paintings, poetry, film, and literature. Hiking to this waterfall is a must for any Catskills trip and can easily be added to any weekend itinerary. Luckily, this hike is low in mileage and only moderately difficult, making it accessible to even the novice hiker.

In my guide below I’ve laid out everything you need to know before you go, including the best seasons to visit, parking tips, and trail safety. While hiking, please remember to stick to the trail (both for your own safety and preservation of the landscape) and pack out any trash you bring in. Let’s all do our part to keep the natural scenery beautiful for the next generations.

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When to go

While each season offers unique beauty, the best seasons to visit Kaaterskill Falls are late spring and fall. In late spring the foliage is green and lush, making for beautiful mountain views. Fall is my favorite time to visit because of the breathtaking reds, yellows, and oranges of the changing leaves.

Summertime offers beautiful green foliage as well, however it is also when the hike is most crowded. Additionally, water levels may be lower in the summer, meaning less water cascading over the drop and therefore a less formidable waterfall. 

I have never visited Kaaterskill Falls in winter, but the photos I’ve seen of the snow-covered landscape and frozen river have me considering a winter trip to the region! Visiting in winter has added safety concerns as portions of the trail (especially the staircase) may be iced over. If you’re interested in hiking this trail in winter, Katie over at Katie Wanders has an excellent guide to hiking Kaaterskill Falls in winter (along with gorgeous photos).

Parking

Parking by the trailhead can be hard to come by. There is a small parking lot on State Route 23A that serves this trailhead, however it gets extremely crowded over the course of the day and there can be lines of cars waiting for a spot. Your best bet is to get there early in the day when there are fewer people around.

If you are unable to find parking in the lot by the trail head, you can take the trail from the top of the falls (see map below). To get there, continue west along 23A and make a right onto County Route 18 (North Lake Road). Continue along Route 18, then make a right onto Laurel House Road. At the end of the road you will see a large parking lot near the trailhead. This trail is the same as the one from the trailhead on 23A, however instead of approaching the falls from below you will descend towards the falls.

Aside from being easier for finding parking, the upper trailhead has a nice viewing platform overlooking the falls. I recommend starting there to take in the views before descending towards the falls themselves.

If you end up parking in the lot on 23A, you will need to walk along the highway to reach the trailhead. After the crowded parking situation, this is easily the worst part of the hike. The roadside is extremely narrow, so exercise caution. Be aware of your surroundings, and if hiking with dogs keep them on a short leash (or carry them if possible). Similarly, if hiking with children make sure to hold their hand and keep yourself between them and the road.

One more warning regarding parking: You may see other cars parked along the road. DO NOT follow their lead. Parking along the road, even if there appears to be space, is not permitted. The police monitor this area frequently and will ticket you. Last time we visited we parked along the highway and narrowly avoided a ticket ourselves!

The Trail

The trail is a short, moderate level, out and back hike. From the trailhead on 23A to the top of the falls and back is 2.6 miles. The hike begins with a steep uphill, which then levels out until you reach the falls. The trail has also recently been renovated to include a staircase from the bottom to the top of the falls.

From you parking spot, carefully walk along 23A towards the trailhead. This brief walk along the highway is one of the more dangerous portions of this hike. Be wary of speeding cars and exercise caution when crossing. 

Once at the trailhead you will immediately be rewarded with the short but beautiful Bastion Falls, a short and wide waterfall compared to the tall and skinny Kaaterskill Falls. 

Continue past Bastion Falls, along the yellow trail, with Spruce Creek on your left hand side. The beginning of the trail is a steep semi-scramble, however in less than half a mile and about 20 minutes you will arrive at the base of Kaaterskill falls! Take it in, this is one of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the Eastern United States!

Once you’ve had enough craning your neck to look up at the falls, continue along the trail by climbing the wooden staircase. In a few short minutes you will reach a trail veering off to the left which leads to the middle of the falls. This is a great spot to take in the upper drop of Kaaterskill Falls, as well as Catskills vistas. 

If you’re not quite ready to head back to your car, return to the staircase and continue upwards. In just over ¾ of a mile you will reach a viewing platform overlooking the falls. This is another great vantage point for mountain views, although not the best observation point for the falls themselves.

Retrace your steps to return to your car, and congratulate yourself on a hike well done!

Safety at Kaaterskill Falls

I’m sure any article you read about hiking to Kaaterskill Falls contains warnings about the dangers of this hike, and we would be remiss not to add our own. The falls are dangerous, and every year people die or get seriously injured on this hike. 

In 2018, the New York Times reported that at least 4 people died while trying to get a picture. This has become such an issue over the past few years that the state has posted rangers along the cliff of the upper falls to prevent people from getting too close to the edge.

Rocks around the falls may be slippery and currents strong. If you fall into the water you may be washed over the top of the falls, which is how most deaths at Kaaterskill Falls occur. 

While the falls are beautiful and vary “instaworthy,” the perfect picture is not worth your life. Take care along the falls and exercise extreme caution.

If hiking with children, keep them in arms reach and away from the water at all times when on top of the falls. If hiking with your dog, follow trail guidelines and keep them on leash as dogs have fallen off the falls as well.

Best Photo Spots

Kaaterskill Falls is a top attraction in the Catskills, and for good reason. The falls have inspired painters and poets alike, and are incredibly beautiful. The top of the falls also offers stunning vistas of the Catskill Mountains. My favorite spots on this hike to grab a photo are the following:

Base of Kaaterskill Falls

As you approach the falls from the lower trailhead, right before the stairs begin, move off to the left towards the river. You will see a large square rock along the river, most likely with groups of people sitting on top. From this vantage point, you can see the entirety of the falls as they appear in Thomas Cole’s painting. This is the iconic view of the tiered waterfall, so be sure to snap a photo!

Pool of the Upper Falls

Head up the staircase until you see a trail leading off to the left. This will take you to the middle falls. From here you can look up the tons of water cascading into the pool beneath. Here you can really see the power of the water as it rushes over the edge. The waterfall, with the cavernous red cliff behind it, makes for a stunning photo.

Pool of the Upper Falls (again)

You snapped your photo of the upper falls, but don’t leave yet! Turn around, and take in the stunning views of the Catskill mountains. This is one of the best vistas on the hike, and worth a photo. 

Kaaterskill Falls Viewing Platform

Return to the staircase, and continue up to the top of the falls. At the end of the trail (or beginning if you parked here!) you will see a viewing platform that looks over the falls. This platform has it all: A great birds-eye view of the falls as well as views of the mountains. Your final must have photo from your trip to Kaaterskill Falls.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the Catskills is not complete until you’ve seen Kaaterskill Falls. We have done this hike on two separate occasions, and it’s always a great experience. Visiting the falls again recently and then researching them for this post has made me slightly obsessed with their cultural significance. Did you know that there is both a book and a movie named “Kaaterskill Falls,” and that they are in no way related to each other? The movie (from 2001) doesn’t really appeal to me, but the book, which is about an Orthodox Jewish community in nearby Tannersville, is going on my “To Read” list. One thing I love is when my love of travel inspires my love of reading, and vice versa.

Until Next Time,

Tamar