Overview
Kaaterskill Falls is a two-tiered waterfall located in the Catskill Mountains of Greene County, New York. The falls drop a combined total of roughly 260 feet, making them among the tallest accessible waterfalls in the northeastern US. The upper tier alone drops approximately 175 feet into a broad amphitheater of rock.
The site sits within Kaaterskill Wild Forest, part of the larger Catskill Park — a patchwork of public and private land in the Hudson Valley region. The area is reached via a marked trailhead off Route 23A between the hamlets of Haines Falls and Palenville. There is no incorporated city at this location; it is a natural landmark within a sparsely populated rural area.
Kaaterskill Falls holds an important place in American art history. Painters of the Hudson River School, including Thomas Cole and Asher B. Durand, depicted the falls in the 19th century, helping establish the landscape as an icon of American Romanticism. That legacy adds a cultural dimension to what is primarily a natural attraction.
Before You Go
Permits and Fees
As of the time of writing, there is no fee to hike to Kaaterskill Falls, though this can change seasonally. A parking area on Route 23A serves as the main trailhead; during peak season this lot fills quickly, especially on weekends. Verify current parking regulations and any required passes with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) before your visit.
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring (May–June): Snowmelt and spring rains produce the strongest water flow. Trails can be muddy and slippery.
- Summer (July–August): Popular and busy; arrive early on weekends. Water levels may be lower.
- Autumn (September–October): Spectacular foliage; arguably the most scenic time. Trails are still crowded on weekends.
- Winter: The falls can partially freeze, creating striking ice formations, but trails become icy and hazardous. Extra caution and traction devices are strongly advised.
What to Bring
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes with good grip. The trail involves uneven rocky terrain and can be wet near the falls. Bring water, sun protection, and layers appropriate to the season. Cell service in the area is limited, so download offline maps before arriving.
Getting There
By Car
Kaaterskill Falls is most easily reached by car. From New York City, the drive is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours via the New York State Thruway (I-87) to the Catskill or Saugerties exits, then Route 23A west through Palenville into the mountains. The trailhead parking area is on Route 23A; GPS coordinates for the Kaaterskill Falls trailhead can be found through mapping apps, but confirm these are current before departing.
By Public Transit
Direct public transit to the trailhead is limited. Trailways of New York operates bus service between New York City's Port Authority Bus Terminal and several Catskills communities, including Tannersville and Hunter. From those stops, a local taxi or rideshare would be needed to reach the trailhead. Verify current schedules and stops directly with the carrier, as service can change seasonally.
Parking
The Route 23A trailhead parking lot is small and fills rapidly on summer and autumn weekends. Arriving before 9 a.m. significantly improves your chances of finding a spot. Do not park along Route 23A itself; this is prohibited and poses a serious safety risk on the narrow mountain road.
Getting Around
There are no public transportation options within the immediate falls area — a personal vehicle is the practical means of getting around. Once parked, visitors travel entirely on foot along maintained trails managed by NYSDEC.
The main trail to the base of the falls is roughly 0.4 miles from the lower trailhead and is rated moderate due to rocky, rooted terrain and some elevation gain. A separate, longer trail climbs to the top of the upper falls; this route is steeper and more strenuous. Signage at the trailhead indicates current conditions and trail options. Always stay on marked trails and behind any safety barriers — the ledges near the falls are dangerously slippery and several fatal accidents have occurred over the years.
Things to See & Do
Hiking to the Falls
The primary activity is hiking to and viewing the falls. Most visitors hike to the base of the lower tier, which offers the most dramatic perspective of the full drop. The trail to the top of the upper tier provides a different vantage point and a sense of the falls' scale, though it requires more fitness and care.
Photography
The falls are a celebrated photography subject in any season. Morning light works well for softer shadows inside the rock amphitheater. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water. In winter, ice formations on the rocks create unusual compositions, though safe access is more restricted.
Surrounding Catskills
The Kaaterskill region connects to a broader network of Catskill trails. North-South Lake State Campground, a short drive away, offers swimming, camping, and access to additional trails with panoramic Hudson Valley views. Nearby Haines Falls and Tannersville are small hamlets with local shops and dining.
Hudson River School Art Trail
The surrounding area is part of the Hudson River School Art Trail, a self-guided driving and walking route that connects sites painted by 19th-century American landscape artists. Several viewpoints near Kaaterskill Falls appear in historic paintings and are marked with interpretive signage. Details can be verified through the Greene County Tourism office.
Food & Drink
There are no food vendors or facilities at the falls themselves. Visitors should bring their own water and snacks.
The nearest dining options are in the hamlets of Haines Falls, Tannersville, and Hunter, all within a short drive on Route 23A. Tannersville in particular has a small but established dining scene with year-round restaurants serving American and regional cuisine. Hunter, home to Hunter Mountain ski resort, has additional dining and après-ski options in winter. Verify current hours and business status before visiting, as small mountain-town establishments can have variable schedules outside peak seasons.
Practical Information
Restrooms
There are no restroom facilities at the Route 23A trailhead. The nearest facilities are typically at North-South Lake State Campground (verify seasonal availability) or in nearby towns.
Connectivity
Mobile phone service is unreliable along Route 23A and on the trail. Download maps, trail information, and emergency contacts before leaving a connected area.
Emergency Contacts
In an emergency, call 911. Greene County Sheriff's Office handles emergencies in this area. NYSDEC Forest Rangers also respond to wilderness emergencies in the Catskills; their contact information is available on the NYSDEC website. Confirm current ranger contact numbers before your visit.
Leave No Trace
Kaaterskill Falls is a heavily visited site showing signs of visitor impact. Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and do not disturb vegetation or rock formations. Swimming in the pool at the base of the falls has historically been popular but is hazardous due to slippery rocks and cold water — check current regulations with NYSDEC, as rules have been subject to change.
Safety
Safety at Kaaterskill Falls deserves serious attention. The rocks surrounding and below the falls are extremely slippery when wet, and the ledges near the top of the upper falls have no guardrails in most sections. Multiple fatalities and serious injuries have occurred here over the years, most involving people who left marked trails or climbed onto wet rocks near the water's edge.
- Stay on marked trails at all times and respect any posted closure signs.
- Do not climb on rocks directly adjacent to the waterfall, especially near the upper tier.
- Children should be closely supervised throughout the hike.
- Water levels can rise rapidly after rain, making areas near the base dangerous without warning.
- In winter, ice on the trail requires traction devices (microspikes or crampons) and increased vigilance. Some sections may be formally closed by NYSDEC.
If someone in your group is injured or needs rescue on the trail, call 911 and provide your best estimate of location. Because cell service is poor, it may be necessary to send one member of the party back toward the trailhead to reach a signal.
