Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most famous (and deadliest!) waterfalls in New York.
Located in Catskill Mountains, Kaaterskill Falls consists of two majestic drops, the upper one higher than the lower one.
Kaaterskill Falls teds to be very crowded, especially in late spring and summer. We went there in late November, and there were still quite a few people there.
How Far is Kaaterskill Falls?
If you are traveling from NYC, it will take you about two and a half hours to get to the waterfall.
Kaaterskill Falls is about one hour-drive-away from Albany.
From the parking lot it’s an easy 0.3 mile hike to the top observation point.
The trail from the parking lot to the bottom of the falls is about one mile (roundtrip).
How High is Kaaterskill Falls?
Kaaterskill Falls is 260 feet (~80 meters) high. It is one of the highest (and most picturesque) waterfalls in New York.
Kaaterskill Falls Trail Head
There are two trail heads allowing access to Kaaterskill Falls, and if you are new-ish to hiking and/or have kids with you, I highly recommend starting with the newer one.
The top parking area is located near Haines Falls, New York, at the end of Laurel House Road. It was launched in 2016 and it provides an easy, accessible access to the upper observation point of the waterfall.
It also offers you an access to the trail to the bottom of the falls (which is more challenging especially when it’s wet or slippery) but overall it is easy enough. We were able to take kids there and saw a lot of little kids there as well.
Kaaterskill Falls Trail Map
From the upper trailhead, the trail to the bottom of the waterfall is only 1.08 miles long (round trip). Here I have highlighted it in yellow on the map:
Is Kaaterskill Falls Trail Accessible?
Yes, the trail from the upper parking lot to the top of Kaaterskill Falls observation point is accessible.
The trail to the bottom is not accessible.
Can You Swim in Kaaterskill Falls?
We didn’t see any signs prohibiting swimming, so go ahead but be careful. The Kaaterskill Creek is pretty rocky, so be careful to avoid injuries.
Overall, hiking to Kaaterskill Falls was definitely a great experience. We loved it!
