Home › New York › Palenville › Kaaterskill Falls, Viewing Platform
Kaaterskill Falls, Viewing Platform
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,208 Google reviews · Running trail in Palenville, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Kaaterskill Falls, Viewing Platform'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, Viewing Platform
“The platform itself is safe, spacious, and perfectly positioned to capture stunning photos of both tiers of the falls and the colorful Catskills forest that surrounds it.”
“I would say it’s an easy trail, the only reason I marked moderate is just as you’re descending to the platform.”
This is the best point to start exploring Kaaterskill Falls. Once you are done taking pictures from the platform, you may continue walking towards the lower end of the falls. The hiking is moderate to difficult. I am in the upper seventies and I managed it. The views are spectacular. See my pictures.
🌿 The view was absolutely breathtaking! It was such a peaceful and refreshing hike surrounded by nature. Especially during sunset, the scenery was magical. However, a little warning — I found a tick attached to me during the walk.
I went first weekend of May it was great. But went again after 2 week was not a lot of water. If you want to go, after rain will be best. Parking at side of road and walked into trailhead for me. It has many stairs. It was a little hard for senior at steep mountain slope but if you healthy person, don't worry.
The viewing platform is an easy 5 minute walk from the car park, and provides great views from above the falls. Other trails are nearby that are clearly sign posted with various levels of difficulty, but the viewing platform is an easy trail less than a third of a mile from the Laurel house car park.
Trail conditions & character
“The platform itself is safe, spacious, and perfectly positioned to capture stunning photos of both tiers of the falls and the colorful Catskills forest that surrounds it.”
“After we arrived at the waterfall, we continued to walk down the mountain, walked to the road, and then returned to the parking lot from the road.”
“It gets slightly steep, easy to walk, but I didn’t have my snowshoes so I’m just snow boots I went slowly.”
“I think it would be more labor-saving than returning by the original route, because it is more convenient to take the road with the dog!”
Plan your run at Kaaterskill Falls, Viewing Platform
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitedec.ny.gov
- Phone+1 518-935-3735
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near Palenville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Kaaterskill Wild Forest
4.8 ★★★★★ 984 reviews
Rustic natural area with year-round activities, including camping, boating, hiking & snowmobiling.
Kaaterskill Rail Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 109 reviews
Trail running from a former railway station to a waterfall, with a scenic overlook.
Platte Clove Preserve - Catskill Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 184 reviews
Privately owned park featuring hiking trails, waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
