Kaaterskill Falls Upper Viewing Platform

Catskill Forest Preserve,
Greene Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Kaaterskill Falls Trail: Yellow blaze

Total Time: 0:15 hour
Estimated Distance: 0.6 Miles

Pros: Waterfalls observation
Cons: Busy area
Hike Type: In an out
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Map of Route:
https://goo.gl/maps/iaZPR65Q3r4Q6Nxr9

I had been to Kaaterskill Falls in the winter a few years prior. It was a wet and rainy winter day, with very muddy conditions. I had taken the trail from Route 23A and when I got to the lower falls I saw the trail was extended. I climbed to the area below the second falls, and noticed that both the trail continued and there was a new viewing platform at the top. I resolved that the next time I visit, I would check this out.

After completing my hike to North-South Lake and the Escarpment earlier in the day, I decided to check out the upper platform and viewing area of the falls which I had never been to before. There was alot of rain over the Holiday weekend, so I figured the falls would be very impressive.

I parked at the upper parking area at the end of Laurel House Road, where a brand new and large parking area was recently built. It was quite busy despite the many parking spots, but I guess that should have been expected being the only non-rainy day of the Holiday weekend. I was lucky to get a spot when I came in.

I took the Kaaterskill Falls Trail down to the new bridge over Spruce Creek, and then continued along the trail to the viewing platform. This area was quite busy, along the trail and at the platform. I was still able to get in and get good pictures. I then took the service road parallel to the trail back.

Map of the Route

Information Kiok at the Beginning of the Hike

Detailed Information at the Information Kiosk

Trail Signs

Footpath Bridge Across Spruce Creek

Spruce Creek from the Bridge Before the Plunge

Trail Intersection

Upper Viewing Platform at Kaaterskill Falls

Kaaterskill Falls Upper Waterfall

Kaaterskill High Peak from Kaaterskill Falls Viewing Platform

    Upper and Lower Falls at Kaaterskill Falls

Another View of Kaaterskill High Peak

Kaaterskill High Peak and the Spruce Creek Gorge