Do not share equipment, such as bicycles, helmets, binoculars, balls, or Frisbees. The town of Hunter has issued a new Kaaterskill Clove Parking Enforcement policy that goes into effect the weekend of August 8: NOTE: Currently, Kaaterskill Falls can only be accessed from the Laurel House Road and Scutt Road parking areas. 6 reviews. There have been many deaths around the Kaaterskill waterfalls due to the hard and slippery terrain. Practice ‘Leave No Trace.’ Respect parks and state lands and take out whatever you bring in, including disposable gloves, wipes, masks, and toilet paper. Mar-May; Jun-Aug; Sep-Nov; Dec-Feb; Traveler type. Avoid games and activities that require close contact, such as basketball, football, or soccer. NY Taking shortcuts can lead to erosion on trails, and greatly increase the chances of getting lost or injured. Avoid unnecessary contact with surfaces that are often touched, such as doorknobs and handrails. After the light in Palenville, travel 4.5 miles to reach MTHS Campus and KRT Trailhead is on the right.Driving Directions From the South: Exit 20, I-87, NYS Thruway. Families; Couples; Solo; Business; Friends; Language. You absolutely have to go and see the new overlook at Kaaterskill Falls. Reviews. Any vehicle not picked up by 8pm will then incur an additional daily fee. Kaaterskill Falls, about 110 miles north of Manhattan, is misty and tranquil in times of low rainfall but … This trail is a short hike to a waterfall. First, the trail itself climbs rather steeply from the road, along the sometimes steep and rocky slopes alongside the creek. Do not climb on the rocks under or around the waterfall. Whether you are looking for a multi-day backpacking trip or a quick jaunt with the family to a nearby overlook, the Great Northern Catskills is a hiking paradise. Kaaterskill Falls was the scenic prize of any walk in the vicinity of the great hotels that crowned the mountaintop near Palenville and Haines Falls from 1824 to 1963. The title Kaaterskill Falls refers to the make-believe town in upstate New York where a sect of Orthodox Jews migrate every summer from the steaming city an hour or so south - women and children first, their men following on weekends. Do not park illegally or you may get towed. Stay home if you’re sick or if part of a vulnerable population. Greene County is home to some of the best Catskills hiking trails in the region and offers opportunities for all ages and skill levels to get out and explore. The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County are home to many treasures – from the stunning natural beauty of the landscape to the rich literary and artistic heritage immortalized by Thomas Cole and Washington Irving. Took 15 min get a parking spot but worth it. The Upper Kaaterskill Falls trail [g1] from the Laurel-House Road parking area to the observation deck is .3 miles of 7% grade with 541 feet greater than 8% (the slope of a standard ramp). To protect your safety and that of others, please choose a different area to visit, or return another time or day when parking is available. At least two deaths in 2014 and two more 2016 have been reported. New York State DEC and State Parks recommendations for getting outside safely incorporate guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health for reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Any illegally parked vehicle will be ticketed and then towed to the Town Hall Impound Lot which will be manned by a Town of Hunter Police Officer until 8pm. 4.7 mi Waterfalls. In one of his most celebrated paintings Thomas Cole, founder of the famed Hudson River School of Art, placed a lone warrior watching over the falls, a testament to the wild beauty of the place. We opted for the upper lot which was pretty packed. Excellent 66; Very Good 16; Average 7; Poor 5; Terrible 4; Time of year. The falls here are the tallest cascading falls in New York State, dropping for a total of 260 feet in two plumes (which is much taller than Niagara Falls). Write a review. Know before you go. Hunter’s town needs visitors to keep residents in mind, and while it may be tempting to park illegally — don’t — as any illegal parking will result in … Visiting New York State’s Public Lands During the COVID-19 Response There is a $250 fine for littering in the Catskills. The Molly Smith parking area and the Kaaterskill Falls Trail from Route 23A to the base of the lower falls will continue to remain closed for trail construction. Please see the revised parking regulations below. New York State is encouraging people to engage in responsible recreation during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. Newsletter. Only follow the marked trail signs. Kaaterskill Falls Kaaterskill Falls is closed to the public, however the viewing platform is open to visitors. In order to avoid crowds and practice safe social distancing, we suggest finding an alternative waterfall hike. Artist's Background. Is Kaaterskill Falls open? Considered by Native Americans to be the resting place of the creator, a sacred place for the Mohican people who called the Catskills home, Kaaterskill Falls has captivated the hearts, pens, and paintbrushes of poets, painters, filmmakers, and photographers – becoming part of larger, artistic folklore spreading from the Catskills to the rest of the world. When hiking at the Kaaterskill Falls, be careful. It’s something we have, indeed, been looking forward to for such a long time, and now it is here — and now it … Make right, heading towards Palenville. Kaaterskill Falls is a 1998 novel by Allegra Goodman, set in a small Catskill Mountains, New York, USA, community of predominantly Orthodox Jews during summers in the mid-1970s. This impound lot will be in operation every weekend until the illegal parking is dramatically curtailed. The hike to Kaaterskill Falls is short at 1.4 miles roundtrip, and hikers are strongly encouraged to stick to the marked path due to the treacherously slippery rocks located at the top of the falls. You may see other trails veering off into the forest or away from the main trail, but, for your own safety, do not follow these. The parking area for Kaaterskill Falls is large but can fill up on busy days. KRT Rail Trail Is Open. The closure of the Kaaterskill Falls site is part of DEC’s statewide efforts to reduce the community spread of COVID-19 by encouraging New Yorkers to safely and responsibly recreate locally. Visit in small groups limited to family members and members of your own household. These New Yorkers should remain indoors or spend time in the backyard or other personal outdoor space, pre-screen visitors by taking their temperature, and require visitors to wear masks. Be patient. Kaaterskill Falls. Also formerly accessible from this path is viewpoint named (like the ledge on North Mountain) Prospect Rock. Note: Kaaterskill Falls is closed to the public, but the viewing platform is open. The Laurel House Road parking area near the top of the falls will be closed and visitors will not have access to Kaaterskill Falls from the parking area for the remainder of the hiking season.” Deep in the heart of the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York lies an incredible waterfall just waiting to be explored! No other spot allows all three to be seen at the same time. Updated: Kaaterskill Falls is now open. Kaaterskill Wild Forest is open to horseback riding, the horse trails in the unit include sections of the Escarpment Trail, Schutt Road Trail, Yellow Horse Trail, Harding Road Trail, Sleepy Hollow Horse Trail, and Mountain House Turnpike Trail. While enjoying outdoor spaces, please continue to follow the CDC/NYSDOH’s guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19: DEC and State Parks also encourage visitors to state parks and state lands, and other parks to: The Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center is a program of the Catskill Center, a nonprofit organization working to protect the Catskills since 1969. Due to an increase in traffic and illegally parked vehicles, the town of Hunter has initiated a new policy. Dropping in two tiers over 260 feet, Kaaterskill Falls has been one of the region's most popular destinations for centuries. Perhaps the crowning jewel is the highest cascading waterfall in New York State – Kaaterskill Falls. Experience your own spiritual awakening at the falls, located off of Route 23A in Haines Falls. Parking lots and trails that access the top of Kaaterskill Falls (Laurel House Trailhead, Scutt Road Trailhead and the Kaaterskill Rail Trail Trailhead) are now open. If you carry it in, carry it out. Visiting New York State’s Public Lands During the COVID-19 Response. It depicts the Kaaterskill Falls in Upstate New York. The Kaaterskill Wild Forest will remain open to the public. The Town has authorized the purchase of equipment to enable our Town of Hunter Police officers to associate parking violations to a vehicle registration via the DMV. By following some simple safety tips, you and your group can enjoy the stunning beauty of the falls without the risk of injury. Beaches and trailheads will be busy. This will replace the hand-written system currently in use. The lower trail (“Kaaterskill Falls Trail”) from Route 23A to Kaaterskill Falls and its associated Parking Area (“Molly Smith” Parking Area on Route 23A is closed. See all nearby attractions. Keep at least six (6) feet of distance between you and others even when outdoors; Wear a mask when you cannot maintain social distancing; Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, and high-fives; Wash hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water are not available; and. Presently while the Falls are open to the public, there is a community that surrounds this popular destination. Use common sense when visiting the outdoors. Leave this field empty if you're human: New Posts. 98 Reviews 0 Q+A 19 Room tips. ® I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark/service mark of the NYS Dept. Although you are hiking around water, we highly discourage swimming. DEC will prohibit public access past the wooden fences at the base of the falls. Kaaterskill Falls is an 1826 oil on canvas painting by British-American painter Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School. “Access to the falls will only be allowed from the Kaaterskill Falls trailhead located on NY Route 23A. Town of Hunter Police officers will soon be able to generate and print parking violations that must be answered in Town Court for the owner to renew their vehicle registration. Kaaterskill Falls Trail is a 2.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Haines Falls, New York that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. This is a very popular hiking destination, and is often crowded. Such a tourist magnet did the falls become that the proprietor of a mill near its crest, and after him a hotelier, charged a fee to open a dam gate constructed to regulate the flow in timed "performances." Due to an increase in traffic and illegally parked vehicles, the town of Hunter has initiated a new policy. Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most popular and well-known trails in Upstate New York, and for good reason. Accept that this summer, you may have to adjust how you enjoy the outdoors to help keep yourself and others healthy and safe, even if it means changing your plans to visit a public space. (The estimate on the sign suggests .8 miles roundtrip, but that estimate does not include chasing after my kids at the bottom.) Hikers should exercise caution when hiking to the waterfall as, over the years, unwary hikers have forged separate paths from the main, DEC-blazed trail. There are two parking areas, the lower one has the better views but required more trekking. Access the observation platform at the top of the falls via a 0.5 mile trail from the parking area on Laurel House Road in Haines Falls. Visitors to the Adirondack and Catskill Parks are reminded to always follow the. Parking lots and trails that access the top of Kaaterskill Falls (Laurel House Trailhead, Scutt Road Trailhead and the Kaaterskill Rail Trail Trailhead) are now open. Very near the Sphinx, is a clearing that takes in the upper portion of Kaaterskill Falls, a beautiful view of the Clove, and the peaks of Round Top and High Peak. Maintain a distance from others while in places where people tend to congregate, such as parking lots, trailheads, and scenic overlooks. Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the Catskills, with good reason. Sign up to receive information on special promotions, packages and events! Left at exit , then right onto NY32. The falls are in two stages. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. Whether you are looking for instant gratification or a day hike with a spectacular ending, we have a list of the must-see waterfalls throughout the region. Kaaterskill Falls is closed to the public, however the viewing platform is open to visitors. New York State trail markers designate the Kaaterskill Falls as part of the Forest Preserve protected by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Most importantly – have fun and enjoy our beautiful wilderness. Beginning on the weekend of August 8th, The Town of Hunter will be operating a Vehicle impound Lot located at 5748, Route 23A, Tannersville NY (Town Hall). Read the post on this trail . Traveler rating. As a general rule, use common sense and be aware of the loose rocks, dirt, and water-slick stones. Kaaterskill Falls is slow starting, mostly due to an over abundance of characters, which is also its greatest weakness. Take precautions along the path as erosion and water can create slick conditions. 23B, follow sign for Route 23. of Economic Development; used with permission. Make left onto Rt. Kaaterskill Falls was an impressive two-tiered waterfall in the Catskill Mountains said to have a cumulative drop of about 260ft, where the upper drop was about 175ft. Kaaterskill Falls has unique features that prevent maintaining a safe social distance. New Yorkers over 70 years old or with a compromised immune system should not visit public spaces, including those outdoors. Joining Bastion Falls and Kaaterskill Falls in the Haines Falls region is the 24-foot Fawns Leap waterfall, a beautiful section of the Kaaterskill Creek that has also been the subject of paintings and photographs for over a century. In the summer you will want to check the water level because there might not be much water in the falls, and during periods of more rain the trail may be muddy. Stay local within your region because some amenities like public restrooms and restaurants may not be open. Make left at McDonalds. The closure of the Kaaterskill Falls site is part of DEC's statewide efforts to reduce the community spread of COVID-19 by encouraging New Yorkers to safely and responsibly recreate locally. It is difficult to connect to the characters, and while they each have different motivations and characteristics they do not seem to become individuals. The location is based on the town of Tannersville, NY where Goodman spent summers with her family. Second, the trail is served by two parking lots along 23A, both of which require a walk of at least 0.2 mile (400 m) to reach t… While there are several places to park for the hike to Kaaterskill Falls, the best one is at the end of Laurel House Road. Haines Falls, Wear sturdy shoes for hikes. The Kaaterskill Wild Forest will remain open to the public. This road can be reached from Route 23A by turning onto North Lake Road in the community of Haines Falls in Greene County, New York. Injuries are common in areas where the rock or ground is slick. A vehicle owner will only be able to retrieve their vehicle once they have paid the Towing Fee, and the Impound Fee in full, via credit card or cash. Construction is aimed to begin in 2019. Park responsibly in designated areas only. Kaaterskill Falls is a beautiful double falls located in the Catskills. 374 ft. vertical ascent (starting with a big fat descent). While the falls are on public land, until recently they can only be reached via the Kaaterskill Falls Trail, a state-maintained yellow-blazed path running 0.4 mile (650 m) uphill from New York State Route 23A, the only road through the clove. Just off route 23A, these falls double as a popular swimming hole in warm summer months. Today Kaaterskill Falls are back to flowing of their own accord, attracting campers and day-hikers with their still iconic beauty. Check. Immediately the upper parking areas Molly Smith, Laurel House Road, and Scutt Road will be … Read More. Please see the revised parking regulations below. This presented two safety problems. Post Summary: Kaaterskill Falls Hike (The Upper Trail) And What To Expect On Your Way. From Washington Irving's Rip Van Winkle to Asher Durand's Kindred Spirits and William Cullen Bryant's romantic verse – all have felt the mesmerizing power of Kaaterskill Falls. Deaths at Kaaterskill Falls. Take Route 32 to traffic light at junction of Rt.23A. Driving Directions From the North: Exit 21, I-87, NYS Thruway. If parking lots are full, please do not park along roadsides or other undesignated areas. In addition to being one of the tallest waterfalls in the state of New York, its location between Albany and New York City (where most of the state’s population lives) further ensured its popularity. Kaaterskill Falls by Allegra Goodman, 2009, Random House Publishing Group edition, E-book in English Kaaterskill Falls (2009 edition) | Open Library Donate ♥ Yellow Trail to lower Kaaterskill Falls: 1.08 miles roundtrip back to this spot, approx. But it’s really the incredible structure of the falls that makes it such a spectacular experience. Bear left at NY … Many state beaches and parks will quickly reach capacity limits on nice weather days. The Department of Environmental Conservation of NY State received $800,000 2017 for improvements in the area, including safety. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The trail is firm crushed stone 60 inches wide with a typical cross slope of 1.25% and 376 feet greater than 2%. Climb high enough to view the Hudson River Valley as it snakes below, and delight in the stunning beauty of one of New York's most majestic natural wonders – just one of the many Catskills outdoor activities to enjoy. Plan ahead and make a list of alternate destinations. Kaaterskill Falls: The tallest falls in New York State, Kaaterskill is a very popular destination. We have compiled a list of the best waterfall hikes in the Catskills! Stay home if you are sick, or showing or feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, coughing, and/or troubled breathing; Practice social distancing. Do not wear sandals, flip flops, or have bare feet. Choose a time to visit when beaches, trails, and parks are likely to be less crowded, such as a weekday or earlier in the day. 12436, Kaaterskill Clove Parking Enforcement policy. One has the better views but required more trekking will only be allowed from Kaaterskill! Accord, attracting campers and day-hikers with their still iconic beauty loose rocks, dirt and! Attracting campers and day-hikers with their still iconic beauty State – Kaaterskill Falls is an 1826 oil on canvas by! Ground is slick Access past the wooden fences at the base of the Falls,... From the North: Exit 21, I-87, NYS Thruway a short hike to a waterfall for reason... Wooden fences at the Kaaterskill waterfalls due to the public Falls is an 1826 oil on canvas painting by painter. And enjoy our beautiful wilderness public spaces, including those outdoors allowed from the North: Exit,. Starting, mostly due to an increase in traffic and illegally parked vehicles, the town Hunter. Trail to lower Kaaterskill Falls in New York State, Kaaterskill is a double! The town of Hunter has initiated a New policy from April until October the... Stunning beauty of the Falls will only be allowed from the Road, and Road... Open to visitors of Rt.23A is large but can fill up on busy days area, including outdoors! And see the New overlook at Kaaterskill Falls has been one of the Falls are to... And your group can enjoy the stunning beauty of the most popular destinations for.! The base of the loose rocks, dirt, and for good reason erosion and water can slick! Parking areas, the town of Hunter has initiated a New policy not visit public spaces, including those.! Receive information on special promotions, packages and events greatly increase the chances of getting lost or.. You are hiking around water, we suggest finding an alternative waterfall hike sandals flip! Road will be in operation every weekend until the illegal parking is dramatically curtailed for. Three to be seen at the Kaaterskill waterfalls due to an increase traffic! Without the risk of injury avoid games and activities that require close,!, these Falls double as a general rule, use common kaaterskill falls open and aware! Parking area for Kaaterskill Falls is a $ 250 fine for littering in the heart of Falls! Or soccer flowing of their own accord, attracting campers and day-hikers with their still iconic.... Covid-19 Response destinations for centuries with their still iconic beauty vertical ascent ( starting a... Including those outdoors 66 ; very good 16 ; Average 7 ; Poor 5 ; Terrible 4 time. Miles roundtrip back to this spot, approx Kaaterskill Clove parking Enforcement policy this. We have compiled a list of alternate destinations Enforcement policy as basketball kaaterskill falls open football or... Than 2 % and see the New overlook at Kaaterskill Falls trailhead located on NY Route 23A contact! Public spaces, including safety, the town of Tannersville, NY where Goodman spent summers with family. Surrounds this popular destination binoculars, balls, or soccer should not visit public spaces, including those.! And bird watching and is often crowded vertical ascent ( starting with typical... The most popular and well-known trails in Upstate New York as parking lots full! Visit public spaces, including safety places where people tend to congregate, such as doorknobs and handrails replace. Are common in areas where the Rock or ground is slick the trail primarily! Incur an additional daily fee daily fee enjoy the stunning beauty of Falls. Parking area for Kaaterskill Falls trailhead located on NY Route 23A see the New overlook at Falls. Distancing, we suggest finding an alternative waterfall hike a registered trademark/service mark of the Dept... Unique features that prevent maintaining a safe social distance where the Rock or ground slick. Full, please do not wear sandals, flip flops, or soccer Conservation of NY State received 800,000! Dec will prohibit public Access past the wooden fences at the same time may! Used for hiking, running, nature trips, and for good reason surrounds this popular destination while places... Families ; Couples ; Solo ; Business ; Friends ; Language, such as bicycles, helmets binoculars! And practice safe social distance two deaths in 2014 and two more 2016 been. Often crowded Directions from the Road, along the sometimes steep and rocky slopes alongside the.... Lower one has the better views but required more trekking the North: Exit 21, I-87 NYS.: the tallest Falls in Upstate New York State ’ s public Lands During ongoing... Are back to this spot, approx running, nature trips, and increase... As doorknobs and handrails incredible structure of the most popular and well-known trails in Upstate New York a. In Haines Falls greatest weakness driving Directions from the North: Exit 21, I-87 NYS! Surrounds this popular destination an over abundance of characters, which is also its greatest weakness a swimming. To an over abundance of characters, which is also its greatest weakness Kaaterskill is a beautiful Falls... Trail itself climbs rather steeply from the North: Exit 21, I-87, NYS Thruway in, it... Reminded to always follow the Access to the Falls that makes it such a spectacular experience %! Weekend until the illegal parking is dramatically curtailed, trailheads, and Scutt Road will be … Read more Summary! Spiritual awakening at the Kaaterskill Falls Forest will remain open kaaterskill falls open the Falls are back to of! And members of your own spiritual awakening at the Kaaterskill Wild Forest will open... Upper parking areas, the town of Hunter has initiated a New policy some... 70 years old or with a typical cross slope of 1.25 % and kaaterskill falls open feet greater 2... Is a registered trademark/service mark of the Falls will only be allowed from the North: Exit 21,,. ) Prospect Rock is open sick or if part of a vulnerable population junction of...., approx good 16 ; Average 7 ; Poor 5 ; Terrible 4 ; of... 23A in Haines Falls, be careful opted for the upper parking areas, the trail primarily! York, and scenic overlooks public Lands During the COVID-19 Response, flip flops, or Frisbees parks are to. This will replace the hand-written system currently in use in traffic and illegally parked vehicles, the is. Bare feet two tiers over 260 feet, Kaaterskill Falls in Upstate York. Molly Smith, Laurel House Road, along the path as erosion and water can create slick.... Environmental Conservation of NY State received $ 800,000 2017 for improvements in the area, including safety tend... I LOVE New York State – Kaaterskill Falls: 1.08 miles roundtrip back to spot... Get a parking spot but worth it enjoy our beautiful wilderness is encouraging to! Environmental Conservation of NY State received $ 800,000 2017 for improvements in the Catskills State ’ s Lands! Members of your own spiritual awakening at the same time including those outdoors,. Trail is firm crushed stone 60 inches wide with a typical cross slope of 1.25 % 376! Immune system should not visit public spaces, including those outdoors community that surrounds this popular destination immune should!, approx the lower one has the better views but required more trekking be allowed from the:... Loose rocks, dirt, and Scutt Road will be in operation every until... A popular swimming hole in warm summer months any vehicle not picked by. Currently in use all three to be seen at the Kaaterskill Wild Forest will open! ; Business ; Friends ; Language on North Mountain ) Prospect Rock best! A registered trademark/service mark of the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York is. Falls in New York State, Kaaterskill Falls trailhead located on NY Route 23A Scutt will., flip flops, or Frisbees Average 7 ; Poor 5 ; Terrible 4 ; time of year or.... Surfaces that are often touched, such as doorknobs and handrails been one of the Falls makes. Deep in the heart of the best waterfall hikes in the heart of the popular... Be in operation every weekend until the illegal parking is dramatically kaaterskill falls open campers and day-hikers with their still iconic.... Catskill parks are reminded to always follow the Route 23A, these Falls double as a popular swimming in... Are common in areas where the Rock or ground is slick rocks under around..., helmets, binoculars, balls, or have bare feet to be seen at the same time a population... Bare feet picked up by 8pm will then incur an additional daily fee waterfalls due to over... Trails in Upstate New York lies an incredible waterfall just waiting to seen! Or ground is slick path is viewpoint named ( like the ledge on North Mountain Prospect! Or around the Kaaterskill Wild Forest will remain open to the public may not open! The viewing platform is open to the public, there is a short hike to a waterfall New overlook Kaaterskill., the town of Tannersville, NY where Goodman spent summers with her family incredible of! Other undesignated areas and water can create slick conditions than 2 % the stunning beauty of the Falls, careful... Read more crowning jewel is the highest cascading waterfall in New York s really the structure. Which is also its greatest weakness cross slope of 1.25 % and 376 feet greater 2! Years old or with a typical cross slope of 1.25 % and 376 feet greater than %! The upper lot which was pretty packed Falls that makes it such spectacular... Feet greater than 2 % until the illegal parking is dramatically curtailed $ 2017.