Trip Planner: USA / New York State / Haines Falls / Kaaterskill Falls

Kaaterskill Falls, Haines Falls

4.6

#38 of 149 in Nature in New York State

Kaaterskill Falls is a two-stage waterfall of Kaaterskill Creek, located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York, on the north side of Kaaterskill Clove, between the hamlets of Haines Falls and Palenville in Greene County's Town of Hunter. The two cascades total 260 feet (79 m) in height, making it one of the highest waterfalls in New York, and one of the Eastern United States' tallest waterfalls.The waterfalls are one of America's oldest tourist attractions, being depicted or described by many books, essays, poems and paintings of the early 19th century. Long before Alexis de Tocqueville's famous essay on America, Kaaterskill Falls was lauded as a place where a traveler could see a wilder image, a sort of primeval Eden. Beginning with Thomas Cole's first visit during 1825, they became a subject for painters of the Hudson River School, setting the wilderness ideal for American landscape painting. The Falls also inspired "Catterskill Falls", a poem by William Cullen Bryant.

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Kaaterskill Falls Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

217 reviews

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4.7

By danacN301ZK On January 14, 2018

Mother Nature at her finest. I've done the overlook, hiked up from the bottom, walked down from the top. love the view & seeing what the Falls are doing! more »
By Mike C On November 13, 2017

Not a bad hike. Going to the bottom is a bit trying, depending on your experience. Great views in a nice area. Can be a quick hike if you want. more »
By dabav On November 9, 2017

Kaaterskill Falls has been a family favorite for many years. You can view it form the bottom - parking is located passed the falls across the road at an overlook point or you can view it from the top.... more »

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By Chef Carter On January 7, 2018

Went mid-Jan and it was stunning, the falls where frozen and the paths where covered in snow. Still open and used a lot, just bring your snow shoes. There was some people ice climbing there as well but that's not my cup of tea.

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By Maninder Parhar On July 23, 2017

A short but awesome trek to see these beautiful falls. It is a bit rocky and slippery at certain points if the water levels are high but def recommended. Be safe!

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By Matthew M On May 24, 2017

This waterfall is a moderate to hard uphill climb from the lower trail access. You will traverse a good amount of uneven terrain, small boulders, several rock staircases, and wet patches. Where boots or close toed shoes with a solid sole for comfort over the rocks. The waterfall also has an access from the top that is a very easy hike. The path is well cleared and paved with hard packed gravel; suitable for anyone. This will take you to an overlook of the very top section of the waterfall and give you a beautiful view of the valley.

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By Jenelle Pope On May 8, 2017

lower falls to upper falls is 3 miles round trip. took a group of 8 of us 2 hours with plenty of stops for photos and a little goofing off (where it was safe). definitely worth the hike to the upper falls and viewing platform. Beware of the sharp drops! You can get away with sneakers but i HIGHLY recommend boots or something with good grip for wet rocks and multiple stream crossings. Bring water and snacks.

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By Karl Hayes On December 5, 2017

Great hike with breathtaking views of two waterfalls. Feels like you are in the amazon.

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