Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskill Mountains: One of the Largest Waterfalls in the East

The Catskills region of New York is a gorgeous place to visit any time of the year. The 4 main counties found within this part of the state (Ulster, Greene, Sullivan, and Delaware) all offer breathtakingly beautiful scenery and plenty of activities & attractions, including: hiking trails, waterfalls, top notch resorts, scenic train rides, vineyards, art galleries, and so much more.

Spring is an ideal time to explore the beauty of the area through the region’s many picturesque hiking trails. On my recent vacation to the area, I had the opportunity to hike to the state’s most stunning waterfall. I’ve always wanted to visit this region, and I have to say that I was impressed with everything. We stayed in a cabin at a beautiful rustic resort called the Emerson. It was convenient to all area attractions including this beautiful hike.

Hiking to Kaaterskill Falls is my number 1 bucket list activity when planning a vacation here. We visited in early fall and I imagine the experience would be even better during peak fall foliage season. As an avid fan of leaf peeping, I can’t wait to plan another hike next fall.

A short trek to the state’s most gorgeous waterfall

This stunning 2 tiered waterfall comes in at a height of 260 feet, making it one of the tallest falls in the Eastern US states. I like that this waterfall can only be accessed via a hiking trail, which forces you to stop and take a break by exploring the beautiful natural scenery of the area as opposed to jumping in and out of your car to take a quick photo.

Thanks to hiking during the slower early fall season, we lucked out and pretty much enjoyed the hike to ourselves – I think I saw 3 other hikers the entire time. While the absence of foot traffic was nice, it also make me feel a little uneasy about the possibility of seeing a bear. The chance of a bear encounter is higher when the traffic is low. Here are some bear safety tips to read over before your hike. I found myself looking over my shoulder every few minutes, but fortunately, we didn’t see any wildlife.

Although the trail is only a half mile (1 mile round trip), there are picturesque views of the forest throughout. At the start of the trail you will come across a small waterfall called Bastion Falls. As you can see in the photo below, it is well worth stopping for a picture.

One of the great aspects about this trail is that you get to see so many small waterfalls and streams along the way. The entire trek is beautiful – it’s not like you are just waiting to get to the ending viewpoint.

Of course, the most jaw dropping site is the ending view of the tallest 2 tier in the state. This is a great bang-for-your-buck hike considering the minimal time required. It is a steep hike so you need to be in good shape.

On a side note, be sure to stay on the trail at all times and pay attention to any signs. Eight hikers have died in recent years according to a recent Hudson Valley article. Sadly, the deaths keep occurring despite enhanced safety features including: more fencing, more warning signs, staircases, and a new viewing platform. Be careful out there and enjoy your day out in nature! If you follow all regulations, this is a wonderful place to soak in nature and escape modern technology for a bit!

Update: You now have to park at the Laurel House Rd. parking lot due to safety concerns. We parked at the now closed Rt 23A lot. New stone steps (~180) added recently now take you down to the base of the falls. For those looking for an easier hike, park in the lot and enjoy an easy 0.3 mile stroll to a new observing area.

Parking & Additional Info

Area wildlife: Bears, deer, and coyotes frequent the area. Wildlife sightings are uncommon due to the heavy traffic, especially during the summer months. We did not see any signs of wildlife which is a good thing as I am quite terrified of seeing a bear (I have seen Backcountry too many times!).

Pet friendly: Leashed dogs allowed.

Wheelchair accessibility: There is a short paved 0.3 mile wheelchair accessible path from the Laurel House Road parking area to a viewing platform.

Directions: This waterfall is located in Palenville, New York, just 36 miles from Albany and 92 miles from the Bronx. Parking can be a bit confusing. There is a small lot along Route 23A. After parking, you will have to walk along the road for approximately 2/10 of a mile until you reach the trailhead (you will see the Bastion Falls waterfall from the road – this is where the trail starts). Watch out for traffic – someone at our resort told us there have been multiple deaths here.

Update: Due to safety concerns, this lot is now closed. The visitor center recommends parking at the Laurel House road lot. You can browse the visitor center website for more details on other parking areas.

Parking is free.

Be on the lookout for the following sign to start the trail

Tips for a great hike

Wear shoes with good traction. There is a bit of uphill climbing, nothing too strenuous, but as a precaution wear hiking or gym shoes. A hiking stick also comes in handy for extra traction.

Bring with a water bottle and a few snacks.

Where to stay

I recommend booking a stay at Emerson Resort and Spa in Mt. Tremper, located about 40 minutes away from the falls. The drive to the falls from the resort winds through beautiful country roads, and is especially scenic during fall foliage season.

The resort is located on Esopus Creek, thus many of the resort’s room and cabins feature balconies with scenic river views. I really loved the setting – I did yoga every morning and enjoyed coffee or tea on the deck in the afternoons. Amenities include an on site spa, 2 restaurants, small local shops, and the world’s largest kaleidoscope. we rented a beautiful cabin which faced the creek. We loved the woodsy scenery and fireplace. This resort was convenient to a lot of great attractions in the Upstate. I also recommend the Walkway Over the Hudson – the views are so gorgeous, it’s worth the drive.