This is the upper section of what could be done as one awesome hike to the lower trailhead now that the NYSDEC has updated the trail system (2016) in this area. It is some of the best trail work in New York if not the whole universe – haha.
However, for the purposes of this description, I will only review the trail from the upper parking area to the overlook platform. It may be the hike with the highest return on investment in NY. The trailhead is at the end of Laurel House Road.
Road sign for Kaaterskill Falls trailhead parking Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingFirst things first. It’s fairly simple, stay on the marked, well graded and gravel path.
Reason to stay on the trail Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingYou’ll see herd paths and cross paths, ignore them. Also, don’t be a victim and climb the over the rails or take a side path to “get a better” whatever from the top of the falls. It could be the LAST thing you do.
Kaaterskills Falls danger sign Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingRemember it’s a dangerous place (even if you follow the restrictions) you can read about the incidents here, here, and here. Oh and HERE.
In any case, the view from the observation deck is all you need, it’s wonderful. If you want more, walk the rest of the way down on the marked trail to the lower trail section on the steep stone steps pictured below.
Steep steps on the Kaaterskill Falls Trail Scott L. | copyright Challenged Hiking
To the upper falls from Laurel-House Road
The trail to the upper falls is well-graded and gravel. It is definitely accessible by hiking standards. In fact, not too many trailhead parking areas have handicapped spaces, this one does.
The NYSDEC website statement on accessibility for the trail states the following: “The 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). The trail is firm crushed stone 60 inches wide with a typical cross slope of 1.25% and 376 feet greater than 2%.”
Trailhead information and register Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingThe other thing you’ll notice about the parking area is that it is huge and has a handicap accessible and non-handicap porta potty.
Kaaterskill Falls upper trail parking area Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingBesides being nice, what this tells you is that this hike is an attention grabber and you’ll share this place with lots of people and their pets.
Hikers with Dog Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingThe trail leaves the parking area and enters a short but pretty section of white pine. It is only 0.3-miles from the trailhead to the overlook. The path is well drained and graded so is probably dry most of the time.
Departing the trailhead into the White Pines Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingYou’ll switch back down hill and at 0.2-miles reach a junction with a bridge that leads 0.1-miles to the Escarpment Trail to the North-South Lake Area or 0.5-miles to the lower falls.
Trial sign to the Escarpment and Lower Falls Scott L. | copyright Challenged Hiking
Bridge going to the Escarpment Trail and lower falls Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingNot long after that, you’ll reach a side path (L) that leads to Spruce Creek. There is no view here and the path near the fence heads back upstream to the bridge. Please don’t enter the stream to head to the falls here.
DANGER: Hikers along Spruce Creek above the falls Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingContinue on to the overlook.
Sign from junction to the overlook Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingFollow the trail for another downhill for another 0.1-miles to the overlook.
Viewing platform at upper Kaaterskill Falls with Kaaterskill High Peak Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingThe view from the overlook is outstanding.
Upper falls from the overlook Scott L. | copyright Challenged HikingThe upper falls crashing down to your left and the scene of higher peaks on the right. The depth into the gorge is awesome. If you’re lucky enough to be alone, spend as much time here as you can and simply “soak” in the experience as in the video below.
