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Kaaterskill Falls Trail Head
4.7 ★★★★★ 865 Google reviews · Running trail in Haines Falls, New York · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Kaaterskill Falls Trail Head's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Kaaterskill Falls Trail Head
“The hike to the viewing platform is invigorating but accessible, with well-maintained trails offering stunning vistas along the way.”
“The hike to the viewing platform is invigorating but accessible, with well-maintained trails offering stunning vistas along the way.”
Absolutely magnificent in winter. A real dreamland. Magical, with pine tree lined, pristine white snowy trails to the falls. It is a sensation to see when frozen. You really need ice cleats, or crampons (they make really affordable ones on Amazon) & walking sticks.
It's a beautiful hike down to the lower falls. They have a parking closer to the deck but We started our hike from the rail trail which is an additional 1.5 mile hike. It's a old rail road i assume. It's flat and an easy hike. The lower falls trail is a little steep at the end.
A beautiful place to visit. All the free nearby lots were filled so we ended up paying for parking at the camp grounds. Get there early for free parking. The trails were beautiful and worth the visit. We loved sitting by the waterfall and the views of the Hudson valley. Highly recommend exploring!
Great trail. We started at the Rail House and hiked back from there. You can go to the top of the falls then proceed down to several levels of lagoons at the bottom of each falls. Great hike.
Trail conditions & character
“The hike to the viewing platform is invigorating but accessible, with well-maintained trails offering stunning vistas along the way.”
“They have a parking closer to the deck but We started our hike from the rail trail which is an additional 1.”
“The waterfall consists of two stages, 231 feet high, made of stone stairs to safely climb to the very top.”
“Walking up to the falls is dead easy, very flat and well maintained trail.”
“Restrooms are at the parking lot only and many people did walk the dogs to the bottom.”
Plan your run at Kaaterskill Falls Trail Head
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitedec.ny.gov
- Phone+1 888-727-2757
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Haines Falls
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Kaaterskill Rail Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 109 reviews
Trail running from a former railway station to a waterfall, with a scenic overlook.
Kaaterskill Wild Forest
4.8 ★★★★★ 984 reviews
Rustic natural area with year-round activities, including camping, boating, hiking & snowmobiling.
Platte Clove Preserve - Catskill Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 184 reviews
Privately owned park featuring hiking trails, waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
