Kaaterskill Falls

Haines Falls, New York

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Details

Distance

2.57 miles

Elevation Gain

719 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Lucas Gashi

Hike through Kaaterskill National Forest and the Catskill Mountains to New York's tallest waterfall, Kaaterskill Falls, at 231 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.

Please remember to pack out what you brought in and bring a trashbag to help clean up things that others may have unfortunately left there.

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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Features

Photography

Hiking

Forest

Scenic

Waterfall

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Leave No Trace

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