A bit of a hike (beginner/intermediate) to get to the falls but totally doable with able-bodied kids and adults. The area is occupied by deciduous and boreal forest species as well as an abundance of other plants and wildlife. Take a left at mile 3.4 and connect to the Kaaterskill High Peak Trail. General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations. In order to avoid crowds and practice safe social … Trail was very crowded but worth the crowd to see the falls, however it was not worth the price of the ticket, we would’ve found another of many waterfall trails in the area. From the South Lake parking lot (North South Lake Campground): Walk south along South Lake Road for approximately 200 meters to the yellow-marked South-Lake access road on the right. Following the Escarpment Trail, Boulder Rock is at mile 4.0. However, in order to get to a parking lot on Rt 23a, we have to walk along the busy curved road (Rt 23a). The UMP was amended in 2013 (PDF) to propose new trail development, and again in 2015 (PDF) to propose improvements to the Kaaterskill Falls area. 23A. The main game species and furbearers found on the property include deer, bear, beaver, bobcat, coyote, and fisher. 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. Sleepy Hollow Horse Trail (4.9 miles) With both larger mammals (including deer, bear, and bobcat) as well as smaller mammals (including porcupine and fisher) the Catskills have several unique habitats. The hike from Bastion Falls to Kaaterskill Falls is ideal for beginners and should take approximately 30 minutes. The 8550 acre Kaaterskill Wild Forest includes all the state land on Kaaterskill High Peak, as well as the Kaaterskill Clove and South Mountain areas including Kaaterskill Falls.. Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Catskills as well as in all of New York State. At mile 5.75, your right is a yellow blazed side trail that leads to Lookout Rock and 0.2 mile to Sunset Rock. Follow the Long Path (blue markers) north. It gives a magnificent view of the Kaaterskill waterfalls from above. Hunting and trapping are allowed in Kaaterskill Wild Forest during appropriate seasons. The trail winds down through Rip Van Winkle Hollow, down the escarpment to Castle Road. While there are several places to park for the hike to Kaaterskill Falls, the best one is at the end of Laurel House Road. Biking is allowed on the trails in the Kaaterskill Wild Forest except where posted. The parking area for Kaaterskill Falls is large but can fill up on busy days. Parking lots and trails that access the top of Kaaterskill Falls (Laurel House Trailhead, Scutt Road Trailhead and the Kaaterskill … The trail traverses the Kaaterskill Wild Forest and connects to the adjacent Indian Head Wilderness to the south and Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness to the north. Trailhead parking: 103 Laurel House Rd, Palenville, NY 12463. At mile 1.2, the reaches Layman's Monument, a tribute to an early 20th century fallen firefighter, and turns sharply east. Kaaterskill Wild Forest features several horse trails with accessible horse-mounting platforms at various trailheads. However, no trails in this wild forest are maintained for biking. Kaaterskill Falls is a two-stage waterfall on Spruce Creek in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York, between the hamlets of Haines Falls and Palenville in Greene County.The two cascades total 260 feet (79 m) in height, making Kaaterskill Falls one of the highest waterfalls in New York, and one of the Eastern United States' tallest waterfalls.. First off, the Kaaterskill Falls Viewing Platform is located just a short distance from the Laurel House Rd parking lot. The Escarpment Trail turns east. Please recreate responsibly by following social distancing guidelines. Watch a video of safety improvements at Kaaterskill Falls. The Kaaterskill Falls trail 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). From the parking area head north following the blue markers up the Long Path. Luckily we found a spot at the Scutt Road parking area. Read the post on this trail In addition to the many mammals found in the Catskills, hundreds of species of birds can also be found in the Catskills. Hardenburgh Falls in Roxbury. It also connects with the southern portion of the Long Path. There is a small parking area at a look-over/Viewing site nearby (around the corner) from the entrance to the trail, but the parking is very limited (can maybe … Schutt Road is on the right before you reach the campground. Especially in poor weather conditions, this is not the safest way to access the falls! Poet's Ledge (3.6 miles, elevation gain 1,661 feet) You can also get directions by checking out the Kaaterskill Falls entry on the HiketheHudsonValley.com Google map. During the summer, this parking lot is packed full. Upper Trailhead: From the parking area, the upper trailhead is an easy 0.3 mile “walk” to the upper viewing platform. From the parking area follow NYS Route 23A west to Malden Ave, follow the trail past the barriers. Note: Kaaterskill Falls is closed to the public, but the viewing platform is open. Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. There are private parking lots away from the grounds, but while not terribly far from the forest, not an ideal or particularly safe walk with kids. To continue on the Escarpment Trail follow the blue markers. General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access. Recently, Kaaterskill Falls has been very busy on the weekends, and these lots have filled up. The trailhead is accessed from the Steenburg Road Parking Area off of Platte Clove Road. It is located in Haines Falls along Route 23A, and is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Catskill Mountains. Please recreate responsibly by following social distancing guidelines. 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