Please practice caution and wear proper hiking boots/traction devices while hiking here, as several people have died from slipping off ledges around the falls.

Kaaterskill Falls is actually two waterfalls, the upper falls and the lower falls. At a combined 260 ft tall, Kaaterskill is one of the tallest waterfalls in New York State.

Both the upper falls and the lower falls are easy to access via a short hike on well maintained paths. To get to the falls, park in the parking lot off Laurel House Road. From there, follow the signs to make your descent to the base of the falls.

This hike may be easy to moderate, depending on your fitness level. Prepare for steep stairs and wear proper hiking shoes! Expect ice on the trail between November and April. Bring microspikes to navigate icy parts of the trail.

• Distance from Laurel House Road parking to the lower falls: 1.6 miles out and back

• Trail rating: Easy-moderate

• Elevation gain: 396 feet

This place gets very busy during the summer and fall. Please remember to pack out all of your trash and even consider bringing a garbage bag to pick up any trash you find along the way.