Catskills: Kaaterskill Falls

Haines Falls, NY | Northern Catskills

Note: this trail is to the base of the waterfall and not the High Peak of the same name (which is also a 3500’er) -but you can read about that one here.

Parking: no fee, relatively larger-sized lot that will fill up very quickly on nice summer and autumn days.

If you are seeking peace and solitude on a gorgeous day: you will not find it here during “normal” daylight hours. While it’s wonderful that it is very accessible and many people can enjoy the scenery and Mother Nature, it does get crowded. This isn’t meant to deter you, but rather, allow you to plan your day accordingly and be prepared that the lot will fill-up fast.

The route: out-and-back, 1.6 miles, ~400 feet of elevation gain. Unlike the mountains I traditionally write about, for this one, you will be trekking to the base of the falls - so you’ll descend down numerous staircase steps, and then ascend the same route you went down. The trail is marked, and you should plan to wear proper footwear, bring water, and trekking poles if needed (+ traction and proper winter footwear and gear in the wintermonths.)

Before you cross the bridge to take the Escarpment trail to the base of the falls, you can take a slight detour to a viewing platform where you can view the falls from above. (You can also check it out on your way back.)

If you decide you don’t want to descend to the base, it’s also lovely to meander around the forest trail at the viewing platform. I have done this in certain instances or later in the day when I didn’t want to return in darkness from the waterfall base.

An ideal day and what you can pair this hike with: