Kaaterskill Falls
- Height
- 260 ft
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
Kaaterskill Falls drops about 260 ft on Kaaterskill Creek in Greene County, New York.
Closures and warnings
Multiple fatalities historically from climbing past railings and swimming near the brink. Stay on marked trails and observation platforms. DEC has studied visitor caps due to overcrowding. As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Height | 260 ft |
|---|---|
| Flow note | Two-tier falls totaling about 260 ft; among the tallest in New York |
| Swimming allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Jumping | Prohibited |
Access
| Road | Paved |
|---|---|
| Road note | Trailheads near Laurel House Road and Route 23A in Haines Falls / Palenville area. High-use site with limited parking; arrive early. |
| Parking | Designated DEC trailhead lots only; roadside parking restrictions are enforced |
| When it fills | Lots fill early on summer and fall-color weekends |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Managed by | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (Kaaterskill Wild Forest / Catskill Park) |
| Note | Stewards and rangers often present on peak days; follow Leave No Trace and posted closures |
|---|
Common questions
Common questions
Is Kaaterskill Falls open?
Multiple fatalities historically from climbing past railings and swimming near the brink. Stay on marked trails and observation platforms. DEC has studied visitor caps due to overcrowding. As of September 28, 2026.
How tall is Kaaterskill Falls?
Kaaterskill Falls drops about 260 ft.
Can you swim at Kaaterskill Falls?
No, swimming is not allowed at Kaaterskill Falls.
How do you get to Kaaterskill Falls?
The road in is paved. Trailheads near Laurel House Road and Route 23A in Haines Falls / Palenville area. High-use site with limited parking; arrive early. Parking: Designated DEC trailhead lots only; roadside parking restrictions are enforced. Lots fill early on summer and fall-color weekends.
Do you need a reservation for Kaaterskill Falls?
No reservation or permit is required.
When is Kaaterskill Falls flowing?
Two-tier falls totaling about 260 ft; among the tallest in New York.
Nearby
Sources
1
- https://dec.ny.gov/places-to-go/outdoor-activities/hiking/kaaterskill-falls (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / access.roadNote / access.parking / access.parkingPattern / access.amenities.note, waterfall.heightFt / waterfall.flowNote / waterbodyName, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / jumpingProhibited / hazardNote, access.permitRequired, waterfall.ephemeral, access.roadSurface)
More: New York waterfalls