Visit Kaaterskill Falls: A Poetic Waterfall in Upstate New York
Photo by depositphotos.com
The jagged tiers and thundering waters of Kaaterskill Falls have inspired poets and painters since European settlers first began taking notice of the waterfall in the 1800s. Writer Washington Irving created one of the first tourist booms in the United States after he vividly described Kaaterskill Falls in his story Rip Van Winkle. Rip Van Winkle tells the story of a drunkard who sleeps for two decades near Kaaterskill Falls and snoozes through the American Revolutionary War.
After Rip Van Winkle was published, visitors began to flock to the Catskill Mountains to admire the beautiful scenery that had attracted the attention of painters such as Thomas Cole. Kaaterskill Falls became so popular that a makeshift dam was created to start and stop the flow of the waterfall to put on a “show” for visitors.
Today, Kaaterskill Falls flows freely. One historical curiosity that still exists is a plaque dedicated to a loyal dog named Vite, who plummeted to his death in an attempt to race toward his owner. Local lore states that Vite—who is lovingly memorialized as “the Bayard of Dogs”—can be heard howling from beyond the veil every June near the anniversary of his passing.
If exploring some of the most rustic and beautiful scenery in upstate New York leaves you yearning for a bite to eat, consider stopping by Circle W Market in nearby Palenville. Founded in 1908, Circle W Market serves delectable sandwiches and a rotating menu of savory dishes such as quiche and chicken Marbella. Patrons can also order gourmet coffee and shop for locally crafted items such as ceramic mugs.
The Old Game Farm—which is located a short distance from Kaaterskill Falls—is a unique place to explore and spend the night in the Catskills. Once a popular private zoo, the Catskill Game Farm flourished from 1933 until attendance began to slump in the early 2000s. In 2012, the Old Giraffe Barn was converted into a boutique hotel. Visitors can stay at an upscale campsite or book a comfortable room in a former giraffe enclosure that smells like roses instead of zoo funk. The giraffes, lions, and tigers of yesteryear may have migrated to greener pastures, but guests can still spend hours exploring over 100 abandoned buildings alongside a jolly group of chickens, cows, and goats.
Photo by depositphotos.com
Kaaterskill Falls and the surrounding area is an enchanted slice of upstate New York that will leave you feeling revived, inspired, and captivated by all that is mysterious.
Location on Google Maps.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Kaaterskill Falls waterfall, Kaaterskill Wild Forest, New York, USA (OSM node 2529994212)
- Coordinates
- 42.1932922, -74.0633653
- Access
- Use the designated Laurel House Road, Scutt Road, or South Lake parking areas; roadside pull-offs on Route 23A are prohibited May–October and illegally parked cars may be ticketed or towed. From Laurel House Road, the upper overlook is 0.3 miles one way on a firm crushed-stone trail. NYSDEC identifies this overlook trail and platform as wheelchair-accessible: 5-foot minimum tread width and maximum 10% slope. The lower pools require an additional 0.7-mile descent on steeper, natural trail and are not covered by that accessibility designation. Stay on marked paths, keep back from cliffs, and watch for flash floods; lots fill early in summer.
- Admission
- New York DEC lists no entrance charge for the Kaaterskill Wild Forest. A separate day-use fee may apply at North–South Lake campground; that is not a waterfall admission fee.
- Time needed
- DEC’s 2026 visitor-use report models an average stay of about 3 hours, including walks from parking areas; this is a planning estimate, not a required visit length. The Laurel House overlook is 0.3 miles from its lot; the lower pools require additional hiking.
- Best season
- DEC does not name a preferred season, and the wild forest is open year-round. Summer lots can fill early; choose a weekday or arrive early. Conditions may be icy in winter and flash flooding is possible.
- Opening hours
- DEC lists the wild forest as open year-round. In Kaaterskill Clove, public access is restricted from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, with limited exceptions. These are land-access rules, not staffed waterfall hours; obey current closures and posted signs.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-27
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-27
Location
Use the zoom buttons or pinch to zoom. Use arrow keys to pan when the map is focused.
Interactive map loads when in view.
Suggest an edit
No account needed. Your update goes to the editor for review.
Explorer Passport
Next badge: Trail Scout
Unlocked after exploring 5 different unusual places.
0 of 5 places explored
