Catskills is a wonderful place for exploring dozens of incredible waterfalls. The Catskill Mountains are the jaw-dropping mountain region in New York state, and from popular to isolated, gigantic to small, visitors can experience all types of alluring waterfalls in Catskills. In the region, visitors enjoy different waterfalls with unique characteristics of each one.
Moreover, waterfalls in Catskills are not only popular for offering some stunning views, but many of these waterfalls are great for hiking, also. Plus, there are lots of other fun things to do, including scenic drives and ski resorts. During the hikes, you’ll feel the fresh air is enveloping your entire body and you are becoming more energetic!
Some of these waterfalls are family-friendly as they can be easily found right off the road, and few others require short and easy hikes. Many of these waterfall hikes invite the visitors to taste the wildlife sightings. The mellifluous sound of rushing water, chirping of the birds and the surrounding lush greenery- will make you feed that you have landed on a dream destination! So, here are some of these best Catskills waterfalls mentioned in this blog. Must try to visit as many as you can in your next vacation.
1. Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls is the highlight of the Catskills and is surrounded by a dense rainforest. There are many great waterfalls in the region, but no one could surpass this breathtaking waterfall for its alluring charm. And it is the tallest waterfall in the state of New York. Plus, another reason to visit this waterfall at least once in your life because this waterfall is one of the oldest waterfalls in the country.
The waterfall plunges from 260 feet height and is divided into two tiers, both the flows are gigantic. To reach the falls, visitors need to cover 1.4-miles trail. If you want to skip the hike, still, you will get amazing views from the top from the viewing point. The hike to this viewing platform is super easy.
Kaaterskill Falls hike has been rated as a moderate one, and visitors need to hike through the slippery rocks. But after covering this little strenuous hike, you’ll get your reward and that is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Catskills.
2. Plattekill Falls
Plattekill Falls is a beautiful and gigantic waterfall located in Plattekill Cove Preserve. It is a super easy to get falls. You just need 10 minutes from the parking lot to reach to this stunning waterfall. The nearby area is also very beautiful and offers you so many things to explore. But usually, many visitors overlook this natural wonder.
Plattekill Falls is not too far from Kaaterskill Falls. The majestic views, lush greenery, the high flow from 60-foot height, make this waterfall a-must-visiting spot. The only disheartening thing is that swimming is not allowed in the base pool of Plattekill Falls.
3. Old Mill Falls
Old Mill Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Catskill and it is popular as a great family-friendly waterfall destination. With the extraordinary natural views, this gorgeous waterfall plunges from only 16 feet high. But the high waterflows, especially during Autumn months, make Old Mill Falls a worth visiting waterfall.
Old Mill Falls is the first waterfall on Plattekill Creek. This falls offers a peaceful escape from the crowd and visitors could enjoy their leisure time in the forested serenity. It is an easy trip and the path is neither steep nor long. You just need to appreciate the nature. And after heavy rainfall, the entire surrounding along with the waterfall become more captivating!
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4. Stony Kill Falls
Stony Kill Falls is another beautiful waterfall located in the popular Minnewaska State Park. Like Old Mill Falls, this waterfall is also overlooked by most of the visitors. And this is the reason, this waterfall is always less-crowded. So, don’t miss the opportunity to have such a beautiful waterfall all to your self!
If we talk about the views around the waterfall, it is truly mesmerising! The waterfall hike is also easy and well worth it. The 1-mile roundtrip brings you to the 87-foot waterfall. If you want to hike one of the prettiest and easiest waterfalls in Catskills with your kids or with elderly people, Stony Kill Falls hike is one of the best for you. From the top, the views are the best.
If you are unwilling to reach to the top, just turn around after the waterfall and enjoy the surrounding area. The state park is also home to another beautiful waterfall the Awosting Falls.
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5. Vernooy Kill Falls
Vernooy Kill Falls is one of the scenic waterfalls in Catskills and is located in the town of Rochester. The gigantic flow cascades into four stages, and all the tiers of the waterflow are just incredible! The best part of Vernooy Kill Falls is you can get the stunning views of the nice surrounding from the existing footbridge.
To reach to the 49-foot waterfall, you need to cover a moderately challenging 3.5-mile hike along the Vernooy Falls Trail. It will take roughly 1.5 hours to complete, though you will face slippery rocks along this journey. So, wearing proper shoes are highly recommended. And be little careful about the timber rattlesnakes. Many past visitors have discovered this species around this area.
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6. Verkeerderkill Falls
Verkeerderkill Falls is located in Minnewaska State Park. Now, this one is the crowded one, and visitors who are planning to visit between May and October, must get a parking reservation.
The 6-mile round trip is long but not difficult at all. While covering the hike, must explore the stunning views at Sam’s Point, and after reaching to the waterfall, enjoy the serenity and peacefulness. Remember, hike to the bottom of the waterfall is very risky and most of the visitors avoid the hike to the bottom of Verkeerderkill Falls. So, you are also recommended not to get to the bottom.
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7. Diamond Notch Falls
Diamond Notch Falls, also known as West Kill Falls, is located at Diamond Notch Falls Trailhead. The area is mostly less-crowded as the 10-foot waterfall is overlooked by many waterfall lovers because of its short eight. Diamond Notch Falls is among the shortest waterfalls in Catskills.
Visitors can take dogs in this dog-friendly trail. The 4-mile loop trail is great for advance hikers. This hike has been rated as a moderate one. If you are willing to cover a short hike, follow the 1.7-mile easy hike from the parking lot on Spruceton Road. It takes the visitors to the bottom of the falls.
The trail is well-maintained and takes the visitors to the crest of the waterfall. Here you will get one of the best views of the falls and the surrounding area. Visitors usually love to explore the waterfall from the existing bridge.
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8. Sonoma Falls
Sonoma Falls is another beautiful waterfall destination located in Upstate New York. It is a unique waterfall in the Catskills region. The beauty of this 7-tiring waterfall can only be enjoyed through individual eyes, words are nothing in front of its magical look. Sonoma Falls is also known for its miles of scenic hiking trails.
Many families come here to enjoy a great outdoor fun and do picnic in the nearby area.
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9. Mine Kill Falls
Mine Kill Falls is a 80-foot cascading waterfall and can be easily seen from the viewing area on the road. Visitors who want to be personalized with Mine Kill Falls, they need to cover the 1/4 mile walk to the base of the falls. The easy and short hike starts from the parking area that takes the visitors above the falls. Though the bottom views are just unmatched. And visitors must explore the bottom of Mine Kill Falls.
The best thing is when you’ll explore Mine Kill Falls, you will also discover another beautiful waterfall behind this one.
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10. Awosting Falls
Awosting Falls is located in Minnewaske State Park Preserve. It is the biggest waterfall in this state park preserve. The best time to visit this waterfall is during autumn. The surrounding area is picture perfect and after reaching the waterfall, you could enjoy the small pool with its refreshing water.
Awosting Falls attracts visitors through its sheer beauty and size. It is a steep 65 feet waterfall. You will encounter many families, couples and other groups here. And the best thing is, there is a handicapped parking area.
The 1.2-mile round trip trail to the falls is easy but sometimes little steep. Visitors cannot get too close to the waterfall but throughout the trail, the views are just stunning.
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11. Artist Falls
Artist Falls is a 25 feet waterfall and is located near Winter Clove Inn. This is another lesser-known waterfall in the Catskills region. The surrounding scenery is very impressive and the amazing rock formation, make this waterfall a more alluring spot among many visitors.
The most notable characteristic the waterfall holds is that you just need to cover 3-minutes-walk from the parking lot. And you are welcome to this pristine waterfall.
There are many viewing points to explore, all of them are super easy to access. Artist Falls is indeed one of those waterfalls that best suit for all types of travelers. You will discover a nice outdoor pool. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a dip in the refreshing water. So, don’t deceive yourself from watching one of the most astonishing waterfalls in Catskills.
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12. Tompkins Falls
Tompkins Falls is an easily accessible gorgeous waterfall located in the Andes, within the Delaware Wild Forest. It is a small waterfall with a drop of 25 feet and features three drops. But its unique characteristics and the scenic stream along with the rock formation, make this waterfall worth to visit. Visitors can easily get the views of the falls along with the two main drop from Barkaboom Road.
It is one of the waterfalls that can be seen without much effort. Due to its location in the remote area, it is a less-crowded terrain. You will get several spots to view Tompkins Falls, but for getting the best views, the roadside is the perfect one as mentioned earlier.
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13. Glen Falls
Glen Falls is a must to hike waterfall in the Catskills region. Both locals and visitors love to explore this wonderful waterfall for its amazing swimming hole. And it is one of the few waterfalls in Catskills where safe swimming is praised in its base pool.
The scenic waterfall is located in Round Top, and parking is available at the Glen Falls House. Glen Falls House is also popular for offering great hiking trails and some nice restaurants. In the surrounding area, you’ll encounter three excellent waterfalls and two of them are best known for offering amazing swimming holes.
14. Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is located right by Peekamoose Blue Hole. It is one of the most attractive waterfalls in the Catskills region of New York. Buttermilk Falls offers a nice swimming hole. Like many of the waterfalls in Catskills, Buttermilk waterfall hike is also short and easy to access.
Visitors need to walk up to the base as it is on the top of the falls. With the drop of 165 feet, Buttermilk Falls is one of the region’s tallest waterfalls. And there is no need to say, the views from the top are just stunning!
At the base, there are some nice picnic spots, perfect for the family fun day out. This top spot is too popular for photography, and the photographic elements are the mountain peaks and the lush greenery. It is a great secluded spot and is relished by many solitary lovers.
15. Bastion Falls
Bastion Falls offers one of the most scenic drives in New York. Visitors can see this stunning waterfall right off of the road. In nearby area, you will get two parking spaces. Bastion Falls is popular among both locals and visitors. In weekends, you will get the land packed with excessive crowd.
The waterfall plunges from 260 feet. The scenic views, great hikes and alluring nature make you fall in love with this astonishing waterfall, and very soon it will be your one of the favourite waterfalls in Catskills region.
Visitors also enjoy the mountainous landscape. It is a great spot to spend a relaxed day in the natural world, escaping from the hustle and bustle of busy life.
FAQs
1. What is the tallest waterfall in the Catskills?
Located in Catskill Mountains, New York, Kaaterskill Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Mountain belt. The waterfall plunges from 260 feet height and the flow has been divided into two tiers.
2. Can kids hike Kaaterskill Falls?
Kaaterskill Falls offers one of the best kid-friendly trails to hike in Catskills. Other popular waterfall hikes for kids include Bastion Falls, and South Lake Loop. The Kaaterskill Falls hike takes an average of 53 minutes to complete, and is considered an easy route.
