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Platte Clove Preserve - Catskill Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 184 Google reviews · Running trail in Elka Park, New York · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Platte Clove Preserve - Catskill Center'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.
Privately owned park featuring hiking trails, waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
What runners say about Platte Clove Preserve - Catskill Center
“The Overlook trail had deep snow and didn't offer any great views, considering the snow cover on the trails and surrounding areas.”
Platte Clove is A beautiful place. No marker for the waterfall.Crossed the bridge and followed the yellow markers. Slippery and muddy right now so A bit hard to navigate. Can't wait to go back mid spring or early summer when the trails are clear.
Went to the waterfall with my 3-year-old. It's pretty easy, took us less than 20 min. The parking is tricky. We had to wait for a car to leave and it took about 15 minutes. The park ranger drives up and down the street issuing $100 tickets. I even saw a car get towed.
There are some great (scenic but not too steep) hikes that start here, however parking is challenging to put it mildly. If you plan on coming here on a Saturday in summer or fall, either come early in the day or don't bother.
My husband and I had our boys (7 & 5 yo) there this morning. The drive up to the trail isn’t well marked and when you reach the entrance you see that parking along the narrow road is an issue. Some were ticketed while on their hikes!
Trail conditions & character
“The blue trail is a cool, gradual uphill with spots of pools and small waterfalls, so the big waterfalls are to the left at the entrance.”
“The drive up to the trail isn’t well marked and when you reach the entrance you see that parking along the narrow road is an issue.”
“The road getting there to or from West Saugerties is narrow & very steep, so it is only open from May until November, I believe.”
“Very rocky and a bit muddy but nothing strenuous or difficult.”
“The drive up to the trail isn’t well marked and when you reach the entrance you see that parking along the narrow road is an issue.”
Plan your run at Platte Clove Preserve - Catskill Center
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecatskillcenter.org
- Phone(845) 586-2611
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Elka Park
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Indian Head Wilderness
4.8 ★★★★★ 162 reviews
The 7-mile loop on this 3,573 ft. peak, with bouldering sections & waterfalls, draws expert hikers.
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.
