Kaaterskill Falls
See the famous double cascade safely from an overlook before deciding whether to descend.
Artwork inspired by Thomas Cole
Kaaterskill Falls drops in two stages through a Catskill escarpment. Its fame predates modern hiking tourism: the falls helped shape Hudson River School imagery. From Laurel House Road parking, a firm gravel path reaches the upper viewing platform in about 0.3 mile. That overlook makes a worthwhile visit without the steeper descent; reaching the lower pools requires about 0.7 mile of more demanding trail from parking.
Plan for a legal access route, not just the waterfall pin. New York's environmental agency recommends Laurel House Road, Scutt Road, or South Lake parking; Route 23A pull-offs are restricted. The forest is free and open year-round, but wet rock, cliffs, and sudden high water are serious hazards. Stay behind barriers and never shortcut down the escarpment.
- Falls
- Two-stage cascade
- Upper viewpoint
- About 0.3 mile from Laurel House
- Forest entry
- Free
Quick guide
- Navigate to parking
- Choose Laurel House Road for the short overlook route; the waterfall map pin is not a trailhead.
- Respect the escarpment
- Stay on marked trails and behind barriers; the dramatic cliff edges are dangerous.
Know before you go
- Begin at Laurel House
- Follow the signed gravel approach to the upper observation platform.
- Read the two stages
- Notice how the upper drop meets a ledge before the lower cascade.
- Decide before descending
- The lower pool trail is steeper and more exposed than the upper approach.
- Check parking rules
- Never treat Route 23A shoulders or informal pull-offs as trail parking.
Good to know
The Google Maps link identifies the waterfall. For safe arrival, navigate separately to the official Laurel House Road parking area linked by NYSDEC.
Notice these
- Two-tier cascade
- Catskill escarpment
- Hudson River School history