Waterfalls are a symphony of the elements: frothing water, freed amid the air, cascading over the earth’s stony spine, caressed by the light of a fire 93 million miles away. It’s no wonder we seek them out to stop and gaze and let the ensemble delight our senses. Waterfall hikes can be the best hikes.
Given that we’re blessed with lots of creeks and lots of verticals around these parts, we are joyfully well supplied with falling waters. You could plan an entire season’s worth of adventures around them, and the itinerary would take you to many of our most enchanted forests.
A season of lush waterfalls awaits.
Photo by Spenser Sembrat.
tips for waterfall wandering
• WEAR GRIPPY FOOTWEARM—wet rocks and steep terrain can be slippery near waterfalls, so solid traction helps you explore safely.
• NOTICE THE SMALL FALLS—gentle cascades along streams are often just as beautiful and perfect for quiet, close-up moments.
• CAPTURE THE MOMENT—waterfalls offer incredible photo and video opportunities, from wide scenic shots to detailed textures of moving water.
• PAUSE AND LISTEN—take a moment to be still, or bring a journal or sketchbook and let the sound of water guide your thoughts.
• GO AFTER RAIN—waterfalls are at their most powerful after storms, while smaller ones may slow to a trickle in dry weather.
• LEAVE NO TRACE—pack out everything you bring and help preserve these natural spaces for others to experience.
kaaterskill falls
Photo by Kelly - Pexels.
ABOUT KAATERSKILL FALLS: We’ll start with the rockstar. Kaaterskill is a two-stage, 260-foot drop in Spruce Creek, one of the highest in the state. Immortalized by many a Hudson River School painter, mentioned in Washington Irving’s "Rip Van Winkle," Kaaterskill Falls is absolutely worth the trip.
HOW: Go early in the morning, or on a weekday if you can. The Kaaterskill Wild Forest is off Route 23A, which is reached by heading north from Saugerties on Route 32 for six miles to Route 32A; about 1.8 miles on, make a slight left onto 23A West. Park at the Mountain Top Historical Society on Route 23A or at the North/South Lake State Campground off County Route 18 (commonly known as North–South Lake Road) if the official Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) parking areas are full. You’ll find plenty of signage to help you get oriented. Do not park on narrow, winding Route 23A itself, and take care to obey all DEC signage and stay on approved trails. From the Laurel House Road parking area, a short wheelchair-accessible trail takes you to a viewing platform.
awosting falls
Photo by Soung Huh.
ABOUT AWOSTING FALLS: This is another real beauty that’s relatively easy to reach, a 65-foot drop in the Peter’s Kill Creek to a wide, shallow pool. Unlike Kaaterskill, the trail that runs alongside the creek is reasonably safe if you’re a bit careful, so you can enjoy the view from both above and below and find the nifty 2-foot waterfall that’s located just above the top.
HOW: To get here, take Route 299 east from New Paltz to Route 44 East; Minnewaska State Park Preserve will be on your left after four miles. On the south side of Route 44, drive past the tollbooth. There’s a $10 per car fee if the toll booth is occupied. Park in the Lower Awosting parking lot and follow a mostly level carriage road 1.1 miles. The gravel isn’t great for wheelchairs, but a sturdy stroller is fine, making this a great choice for families. You’re not supposed to swim at the falls, but there’s a swimming area in Lake Minnewaska, so consider driving up to the mountaintop visitors’ center area for a dip. Walking around the lake itself is another fun, low-stress hike with lots of lovely views.
stony kill falls
Photo by Jacob DeClement.
ABOUT STONY KILL FALLS: This nearly 90-foot beauty is a bit lesser-known and quieter, but also easy to reach. You’re within the Minnewaska Preserve lands, but further off the beaten path, and parking is free.
HOW: About 4.3 miles west of the main entrance to the state park, look for Minnewaska Trail on the south side of Route 44/55. Take an immediate left onto Rock Haven Road, follow it for two miles, and then take another left onto a road marked as Shaft 2A. Park beside the road at the gate and walk around it. The first part of the walk is a bit surreal; you’ll be cutting through an abandoned quarry, and past a helipad and a Catskill Aqueduct access point. Stay on the gravel road as it enters the forest, where the Stony Kill Creek will guide you to the falls about a mile in; you’ll find some nifty trail improvements made by volunteers. (Thank you, Jolly Rovers and Tahawus Trails LLC!) Half-decent scramblers can make it to the top without too much trouble for amazing views, and you can get away with a dip in these parts.
