Hike the Catskill Mountains' Kaaterskill Falls
Haines Falls, New York
Details
Distance
2.6 miles
Elevation Gain
527 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Lucas Gashi
Hike through Kaaterskill National Forest to New York's tallest waterfall at 260 feet.
Although this is a super short hike, it is definitely a tough one! The quick, steep climb is totally worth it once you reach the 260 foot cascade and pool at the end. Hike along the trail, hugging Spruce Creek all the way to the falls. If you hike in the spring, the creek and the falls will be raging but you can't go wrong all year. There's great ice climbing in the winter and the fall leaves are amazing! The area has some great spots for cliff jumping and to just kick back, relax, and enjoy nature.
To find the trailhead, park at the Kaaterskills Falls Parking area and walk downhill along Route 23A. This is definitely the worst part of the hike...nobody wants to hike on a highway. Soon enough though, you'll leave the road and walk across a bridge over Spruce Creek to reach the Kaaterskill Falls Trailhead at the base of Bastion Falls (second photo) - in incredible waterfall in it's own right! Follow the trailhead as it follow the creek all the way to the falls.
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Reviews
Get there early before the parking lot fills up.
4.0
If was one of our first dates. I told her to wear good hiking boots. She showed up wearing clogs! I thought she was going to fall and die. I saved her when she slipped and got married two months later. That was 46 years ago and we are still together.
5.0
Nice hike as long as you follow the prepared trail. Be careful hiking to the very top.. I have heard too much on the news recently of people dying here.
4.0
Relatively easy hike, can get crowded. Lots of rock scrambling, and you're hiking along the edge of a stream until you come to the most gorgeous falls. We went in early spring.
5.0
Obviously this is an absolutely amazing falls and I've been going my entire life. This being said it's often incredibly crowded with obnoxious city people so plan a good time to visit. Also be careful!
5.0
Great Review! I was on the Professional Trail Crew this summer and we actually worked on building a staircase to the upper part of the falls to inhibit the injuries that have been going on from people hiking up the pathless woods to the top of the falls! This will allow more access and safety to the top part of the falls when it's opened in the near-future! :)
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Summit North Mountain
Fawns Leap
Hike to Newman's Ledge
Hike to the Old Catskill Mountain House Site
Camp at North Lake Campground
Hike to Huckleberry Point
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