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Kaaterskill Rail Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 109 Google reviews · Running trail in Haines Falls, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 3.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Kaaterskill Rail Trail'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.
Trail running from a former railway station to a waterfall, with a scenic overlook.
What runners say about Kaaterskill Rail Trail
“It ensures that everyone can enjoy the beautiful Catskills environment.”
“Not a super big fan of paved easy walking trails, but we went this route to try and get to the falls.”
Beautiful trail! It's an easy 3.5-mile walk (round trip) through a tunnel of trees, offering plenty of shade—perfect for bringing kids or dogs along. The views of the waterfall are stunning, undoubtedly one of the best in the Catskills. However, you only get to see it from the top.
Parking is hard to come by around the falls. The historical society will charge you $20 per car to park in their large lot at this trailhead. There’s also the original train station here that is open for visitors to explore. First 1.5 miles is the rail trail, which takes you to the trail for the falls.
The Kaaterskill Rail Trail is a fantastic experience and a true hidden gem for anyone seeking natural beauty without a strenuous climb. Its most remarkable feature is its incredible accessibility.
I received a recommendation to go to a place like this, I was there a couple of months ago and the recommendation definitely paid off. The walk is about an hour at an easy pace, a little tougher on the way back because it's uphill, but overall it was amazing. The view is crazy.
Trail conditions & character
“We enjoyed this waterfall from the Platform, from the top above the falls and we hiked down and stood behind the waterfall it was amazing!”
“Very well maintained and a short hike to Kaaterskill falls and avoid the parking congestion at the falls parking.”
“The Kaaterskill Rail Trail is a fantastic experience and a true hidden gem for anyone seeking natural beauty without a strenuous climb.”
“Trail is very nice but not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers or walkers.”
Plan your run at Kaaterskill Rail Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance3.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9:30 pm |
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 Wild Forest
4.8 ★★★★★ 984 reviews
Rustic natural area with year-round activities, including camping, boating, hiking & snowmobiling.
Windham-Blackhead Range Wilderness
4.7 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
Area known for hiking, including kid-friendly trails.