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    Kaaterskill Falls

    4.6 (165 reviews)

    Kaaterskill Falls Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Kaaterskill Falls

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    Lourdes M.

    Beautiful hiking trail. Beautiful falls at the end. Definitely worth returning here during fall season. The campground near is one of our favorites and coming here will always be wonderful side trip.

    Jessica P.

    Lovely waterfall but when we went it was more of a water-trickle. Easy hike--flat. Not too buggy and it was well marked.

    Samantha D.

    This sight is magical! It's very easy to get distracted and be tempted to wander off trail, which if you do, can elongate this hike. The trail is clearly marked though, and is not difficult. You take in gorgeous views the whole time and walking up to and behind the waterfall was out of this world amazing. I will never forget it. Highly recommend. Parking is a nightmare near the trailhead - I heard there are shuttles. They will tow your car if not parked in one of the limited spaces. Better on weekdays for sure.

    Waterfall from trail
    Chanel B.

    The perfect place for some intermediate/ beginner hiking and trail walking! Great for families, friends, partners or even solo. There's free yes FREE parking at the summit with a map of directions! Porter potty restroom avail ( bring toiletries and disinfectants to be safe ). Bring plenty of water and light snacks to enjoy along the trails. Once you figure out your desired trail and witness the waterfall levels, you'll never want to leave! It's gorgeous and perfect scenic views!! There's also Park Police stationed around the falls for protection and information. Best time to visit can be during the fall months to see the colorful leaves. Or even winter when the falls have frozen over. * research for hours of operation and route direction. Enjoy!

    Jessica Z.

    The Catskills, located 2.5 hours from NYC, is the prime destination for hiking and sightseeing. There are many places to stay when you're upstate which includes the Getaway cabins in Eastern and Western Catskills. I went to visit the beautiful Kaaterskill Falls, a two stage waterfall. This is a prime location for a short hike. Additionally, you can opt to go to Boulder rock for a scenic route. I recommend wearing comfortable sneakers as the trail can get rough at times.

    Chelsea P.

    This was a beautiful trail and what's not is it has different ones . You have the platform where you can see the falls and you have multiple different hikes . Most are less than 2 miles . However don't let that fool you lol the stairs are insane . And some of the rocks are huge to get over BUT the view at the end is really worth it . We went when the water was down so the rocks weren't slippery but you still use caution. And good sense . The potties sucked but I was grateful to even have something . We saw all kinds of people on this hike young ones to old . It was my first hike and although a bit challenging I did enjoy myself . Word of caution though go early because it gets really crowded

    View from the lower falls
    Joe H.

    Amazing winter hike to see the frozen falls. The viewing platform is good for all ages, though if you want to trek down to the lower falls, be prepared with the right gear and foot ware. We wore spikes and had treks g poles and I am glad we did.

    Dismal water flow
    Eric R.

    As an avid outdoors person I do not see the appeal and massive attraction to this location! Granted I visited probably at the worst time with limited rainfall the days leading up to my visit but even with the falls at full force, sure it might look decent but for the nightmarish parking situation I'd skip this if you are simply coming to see the falls. If you are staying at the camp nearby then I suggest parking on the camp property cause you won't be charged an arm and leg for parking to see one waterfall. Access from camp grounds is even cheaper if you only paid for the "day use" option that allows you to park on a short trail that leads to the waterfall. If you are in the area for camping or some type of vacation I'd visit the falls but if you are coming out solely for the waterfall I'd suggest not bothering but that's just my opinion.

    The view from the bottom of the waterfall.
    Pedro Q.

    I hit this spot for a morning hike and it was a solid, straightforward experience. First off, the logistics are easy. There's plenty of parking, and all the trails are clearly marked, so you won't get lost. Just note that while the lot has Porta-potties, there are no bathrooms once you're on the trails or at the viewpoints. Plan accordingly. The hike itself starts off pretty easy. The upper level hike is very mellow, offering great views of the landscape. At the top of the waterfall, there's a park employee there specifically to make sure no one gets too close to the edge. He's a friendly guy--his face genuinely lights up when you engage him with questions, so feel free to chat him up. The difficulty ramps up significantly once the trail splits between the upper and lower sections. The routes to the mid-level and lower levels of the falls are much more challenging. Be prepared for a lot of stairs heading down to the bottom. The positive tradeoff is that because of the tree canopy, the base of the waterfall is generally cooler, which is a nice break after the steep descent. Overall, it's a good spot with manageable trails up high and a decent workout if you commit to going down to the base.

    Jamie B.

    Went in winter time. Wonderful trail down to the falls if you want to go to the base from the top parking lot close to the falls viewing platform. If you don't want to walk to end of falls, there is a viewing platform about half a mile from the parking. Challenging walk to the base with lots of stairs. Can be very slippery in winter time. Best to wear shoes with good grip. Would rate the trail as moderate.

    In November, we drove up to the entrance from Hudson. High enough up that we got the first showers of snow we had seen. Lovely short walk through the woods. to the viewing platform. Incredible views of the falls. Highly recommend. Short lovely adventure.

    About to enter the falls
    Brenda V.

    This hike was enjoyable, especially if you're looking for a short walk with some beautiful scenery. The trail has a few ups and downs, but nothing too intense. Wear comfortable sneakers or boots for those rainy days. The waterfall at the end is pleasant--nothing enormous, but it's a pretty view, especially if you're into a quieter, nature-filled spot. You can feel the mist as you get closer, which is a nice touch after walking for a bit. Just know that it's a popular spot, so you'll probably run into a few other people. We celebrated our anniversary with a hike and we enjoyed it very much! We will be back to do the longer more difficult trail

    Micah M.

    Great hiking area. You can see many falls within a short distance. When the weather is temperate, it is VERY crowded. It can also get very slippery & muddy when wet. There are rocks at the base of the main falls where you can sit and enjoy your lunch.

    Upper falls

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Kaaterskill Falls

    Review Highlights - Kaaterskill Falls

    It can be a bit steep and slippery at times, especially on the way back down but use caution and it will be cake!

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    The Edge Halfmoon - Huge gym with many routes

    The Edge Halfmoon

    4.5(20 reviews)
    77.8 km

    Wow, this was a great adventure! We had a lot of fun and climbing was really challenging but so…read moreenjoyable. Booking online through their website was easy but it requires a lot of information. If you're booking for a group with a minor, they prefer to have the waiver printed and signed before arrival. However we were able to fill out another copy of the waiver on their tablets to start our group appointment. The two hour block was the perfect amount of time. By the end we were so exhausted we couldn't keep going. It has been over 10 years since we last climbed at a different gym so it was really great to get back into top roping. The staff gave us a quick tutorial to show us how the equipment works and discussed safety. It was a great refresher and extremely helpful. They offer equipment rentals, including harnesses, chalk, and shoes, also snacks and drinks are available. This was a lot of fun and we'll be back soon.

    We have never been to this facility and are completely new to rock climbing in general. My girl…read morescout troop booked a two hour "party" with our earned cookie money and we were extremely satisfied. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and prioritizes everyone's safety. The facility is spacious, had nice clean bathrooms/changing rooms, a hand washing station, and cubbies. The climbing walls start off "beginner" and get progressively harder. There are various options for booking parties, monthly memberships, or attending open climb. You can rent equipment (shoes, harnesses), and buy chalk. There were kids climbing from five/six years of age all the way to grandparents. We will definitely be back in the future!

    Photos
    The Edge Halfmoon - Bouldering area

    Bouldering area

    The Edge Halfmoon - Top roping

    Top roping

    The Edge Halfmoon

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    The Gravity Vault Poughkeepsie - Self pulley belay

    The Gravity Vault Poughkeepsie

    4.2(27 reviews)
    59.5 km

    It's great to have a gym on this side of the river, not only boulder/scramble but also belay. There…read moreare even some pulley systems to self belay if you don't have a buddy. Safety is #1 here, the paperwork as a first timer and the orientation was *extensive*, so carve out 10 minutes for that. They do test you on belay abilities before they let you belay someone, which includes tying knots to the harness and carabiners. If you don't pass, you can't belay someone else but you can still use the self pulley belays. There are spots to chill and regain grip strength, and the gym is pretty clean. Staff were helpful. One star less because they do not have half sizes for shoes. It motivates you to get your own but for those just getting into this sport and wanting to keep the investment to a minimum until you decide, it's not comfortable. It's a gym in the area so I'll take it. I went for a holiday deal for the day pass was $16 and shoes were $4, and they do charge for rental chalk. I honestly wouldn't go for any other pricing, so I'll be looking out for the deals to return again.

    Great first experience at this spot: friendly and helpful staff, good facility…read more We went as a group of 3 with the $90 staff belay option. This is a good option for beginners and if you just want to start climbing and not worry about learning belaying. Anna was so supportive and helpful. The staff member helping you really does make or break the experience. We were given the harness to step into as well as shoes that should fit snugly. Then we started at the beginner wall to get our feet wet. We moved on to a few other walls, one with an automatic belay. The climbs are marked by difficulty level so a 5.8 is harder than a 5.5, for example, based on ease, size of the holds. You follow the color of your climb basically. We all got a good workout. An hour is good because you need to rest in between climbs usually. Perhaps the instruction option for 5 people would give you more techniques but this was fine for us. The space isn't that big but we didn't feel cramped. However if it was crowded you probably would have to wait. But no problems today on a Sunday at 11:30 am. If you have workout gloves they'd probably help with callouses on the hands. We didn't try the regular free climbs. There's cubbies to put your shoes and bags and lockers in the bathroom if you have a lock. I wouldn't want to bring anything valuable in there because there's a lot going on and someone intent on mischief could have a field day... hopefully not though! They seem to offer membership options and events. No issues parking. I would come back!

    Photos
    The Gravity Vault Poughkeepsie
    The Gravity Vault Poughkeepsie - Every Friday after 5pm, discounted day passes and belay class for our lady crushers of all ages!!

    Every Friday after 5pm, discounted day passes and belay class for our lady crushers of all ages!!

    The Gravity Vault Poughkeepsie - Lots of cubbies

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    Lots of cubbies

    BC's New Paltz Climbing Gym

    BC's New Paltz Climbing Gym

    4.3(11 reviews)
    48.2 km

    BC's Climbing Gym has come a long way from its days as The Inner Wall under previous ownership…read more It's honestly a completely different place, and it's a shame the older reviews are still dragging down the rating because they don't reflect what the gym is now. The walls have been rebuilt, the flooring has been redone, and the overall feel of the space is clean, modern, and well thought out. It's become a really solid bouldering gym. What stands out most is the setting--easily some of the best in the region. The problems are creative, fun, and consistently well set, whether you're there to train or just climb for a good session. Definitely worth checking out!!

    Came here with some friends for my first time ever climbing at a bouldering gym. If you're a newbie…read morelike myself you'll wanna keep reading. Rock climbing isn't for everyone but I do think everyone should at least give it a try and decide later. This rock climbing gym is tucked behind in a plaza so can be easy to miss. Once you arrive, it's a 13+ gym minus the intimidating part of being in a gym with everyone staring at you. At BC's, it's a community, the friends I met and made here all come on a regular basis. If you're not from the same crew they're still there to support you and help you. Whether it's your first time, 10th time or you just come here all the time, it's a family. It's a place that inspires movement, thinking and a very technical and different way to make your climb flow. I'm by no means a climber, but as a very, very, VERY beginner I will say anyone can do it. Come prepared for calluses, bring some chalk, as active as you think you are, you're not ready for this haha. Either way, try it, challenge yourself and do it! It's all mental but also challenging. If you keep coming back like everyone else does you will become better at it. Did I love it? Yes. Do I wish I lived closer to be able to do it more often? Absolutely. Will I be a climber? Nooooope. But I'm here to support all and also tell you to check this place out because it's absolutely worth it. Also, their pricing is very flexible, if you bring or borrow some shoes it's only $18 for the whole day, or couple of hours that you come for. No shoes? No problem. Only $5 to rent and $3 for chalk bags. They have a 30 day pass that's only $79 or 10 class passes too. Just remember, no harnesses here, only bouldering. It's fun to learn how to fall and fail and learn from it. If this isn't your thing like me but you still want to try something new, I say do it!

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    BC's New Paltz Climbing Gym
    BC's New Paltz Climbing Gym
    BC's New Paltz Climbing Gym

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    Rock Spot Climbing

    Rock Spot Climbing

    4.7(20 reviews)
    126.7 km

    Today was such a fun day! A room full of energy, great vibes, challenges and a great workout! Phew!…read more Prime Climb is located in Wallingford right off the highway . Very easy to get to, follow the signs all the way to the back and you will find it! When you go in , you get checked in, there are cubbies and hangers. You can bring in your water if you wish . The rental will include harness and shoes. Make sure you wear gym Gear and dress comfortably! The employees will go Through an orientation step by step making sure you know how to take off the buckle from the Harness and how to fasten it. Safety tips, how to come down from the top when You have climbed up. Also the importance of the number and colors. I didn't know that the smaller the numbers it was somewhat easier than the others. They were all challenging but some more than others. There was bouldering, top rope and lead climbing, and auto belay system. This is a great place if you want to conquer fear of heights in any way or to work On upper body strength. I did great going up . It was like a puzzle, hands would get tired, shake but the most scary part for me was going down. Why?! We are tied and secured!? Matt was such a wonderful teacher for the time we spent there . Showing us step by step and cheering us on. Then we met Tracy whose a member there . Tracy was soo kind and nice also to give us tips and work with us! Tracy didn't let me give up when I felt tired. She reminded me it was ok to rest. She pushed me through and I made it to the top!! Wonderful people and a fun environment ! Can't wait to go back!

    Great climbing gym, lots of top rope options for both belay and autobelay, there's one long boulder…read morewall downstairs and then a super cool secluded cave area on the second floor. Good selection of gear and some merch for purchase, and the staff was super nice and helpful as always. I do feel that compared to the other Rock Spot locations, the bouldering is more difficult at this location for the grading it is at

    Photos
    Rock Spot Climbing
    Rock Spot Climbing
    Rock Spot Climbing

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    Mohonk Preserve - Mohonk Mountain House Tulip Festival 2025

    Mohonk Preserve

    4.4(82 reviews)
    50.8 km

    New Paltz / Gardiner, NY - I have hiked and biked through the Mohonk Preserve many a times over the…read moreyears, in all seasons, and it is one of my favorite wild places! Some of the trails I love the most are the Bonticrou Crag & Table Rocks (breathtaking views; the rock scramble is fun and challenging but there is an easier way up via the Bonticou ascent path), Labyrinth & Lemon Squeeze, and Sky Top Trail by the Mohonk Mountain House. On weekends and in the warmer seasons/good weather especially, the parking lots fill up early (like by 8:30-9am). There are 5 main trailheads, and the day use fee is at current writing $15 for hikers or $20 for cyclists/climbers/horseback riders (children 15 & under are free). At the heart of the preserve lies the Mohonk Mountain House, which is actually a private property. The area around the mountain house is amazing but unfortunately it is rather arduous to visit for many due to the parking lot distance, as it's a bit of a hike in from the preserve's trailheads (pleasant & easy, but about 4.5 miles in so that's ~9 miles roundtrip), unless you're a paying guest at this all-inclusive resort property and are allowed to park in the on-site lot. I've done it both the hard & easy ways, so to avoid sweat if not tears, I'll let my Yelp community in on some hacks of less strenuous ways to see the mountain house and its surroundings (short of paying $1Kpp as an overnight guest)... 1. $ - You can buy a $35 hiking day pass, to park at the "closer" parking lot at the Gatehouse, which is still 2.1 miles out from the mountain house (4.2 miles roundtrip, but better than 9 miles). 2. $$$ - Be a day guest and book a dining or spa experience at the property, and you can park on site. 3. $ - Visit during their special annual events like the gingerbread house competition in December or the tulip festival in April-May, passes for which are a much more affordable $15-$35 (2025 rates). This allows you to park at the mountain house and not have to hike in. So there! Mohonk Preserve is one of the most beautiful places in the Hudson Valley, with so much incredible scenery (including fall foliage!) and things to do - hiking, biking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, row boating, and even a via ferrata though that's only for hotel guests - and is a dream for outdoor lovers!

    A well-maintained and scenic area for hiking, walking and biking and just being in nature…read more There are multiple hikes and biking opportunities in the preserve and is a cheaper option to access trails than staying at the mountain house. We had a pass from the local library which covered one car but typically its $35 per car. If you park at the mountain house it's that much per hiker. Since they get this money they can ensure the trails are well marked, there are friendly faces to greet you and they had a bike repair station too. Parking at the preserve and hiking in will add a few miles but you can still see the lemon squeeze, eagle cliff and Skytop. Portopotties are at the trailhead. We got to the trailhead around 8:30 am and there were still spots available. Since it had rained a lot the day before, the trail was a bit muddy and slippery (surprisingly made it through without falling!). Parts of the hike were easy (on carriage roads) and other parts like the labrynth and lemon squeeze were challenging with lots of rock scrambling and tight crevices. You can climb to Skytop tower and snap iconic photos below. By the mountain house, they had a pretty garden, spa, tennis, archery, rowing activities and lots of little viewpoints. Everyone recommends getting there early as when the weather is nice, it will get crowded. After hiking, you can go into New Paltz and try some of the local restaurants in town.

    Photos
    Mohonk Preserve - Tulip Festival 2025

    Tulip Festival 2025

    Mohonk Preserve - Mohonk Mountain House Tulip Festival 2025

    Mohonk Mountain House Tulip Festival 2025

    Mohonk Preserve - Mohonk Lake boat dock in winter

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    Mohonk Lake boat dock in winter

    Kaaterskill Falls - hiking - Updated May 2026

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