Kaaterskill Falls Trail
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Kaaterskill Falls Trail

America's first wilderness icon

New York1 hr 30 min3.2 km
Your walk settings:SoloStandard depth
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About This Walk

Walk to the two-tiered Kaaterskill Falls, which at 260 feet is one of the highest waterfalls in New York. This cascade inspired the Hudson River School painters and remains an American wilderness icon.

Route Map

Route Preview

5 waypoints · New York

5 Waypoints

Audio prompts will be delivered at each waypoint based on your standard depth setting.

1

"The forest has always symbolized entering the unknown—the edge of maps where ancient cartographers wrote 'here be dragons.' You cross a threshold now...."

Response: Continue when ready

2

"In shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), we open all senses to receive the forest. For one full minute, close your eyes and simply receive. What reaches you?..."

Response: Continue when ready

3

"Look for something fallen—a leaf, a branch, a piece of bark. Hold it and consider: this was once part of a living whole, and now it's returning to the..."

Response: Photo opportunity

4

"The forest transforms everything that falls into it—death becomes soil becomes life. This is the lesson of decay: nothing is wasted. What 'fallen' par..."

Response: Continue when ready

+ 1 more waypoints

Safety Notes

  • Trail very slippery when wet
  • Do not climb to top tier of falls
  • Crowded on summer weekends
Safety: Check weather, tell someone your plans, carry water and a charged phone.

Distance

3.2 km

Duration

1 hr 30 min

Elevation

180 m

Waypoints

5

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessibleNo
Pushchair friendlyNo
SurfaceRocky
Stiles0

Terrain

Forest trailStone stepsCreek crossings

Best Seasons

springsummerautumn