The 9 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Catskills

The Catskill Mountains are a stunning mountain region in New York, only a few hours away from New York City. The area offers many things to do, including scenic drives, beautiful waterfalls, fun hikes, and ski resorts.

If you are a waterfall lover like me, you are in luck because the Catskills are home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in New York and should be on every bucket list! We explored all of the beautiful waterfalls in the area when we visited, and they did not disappoint.

And the best part? Many of the waterfalls in the Catskills only require short and easy hikes, and the entire family can enjoy them! This guide has everything you need to know about the most beautiful waterfalls in the Catskills you need to visit!

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When to Visit Waterfalls in the Catskills

Spring

Spring is one of the best times to visit the waterfalls in the Catskills, especially after the snow melts. The waterfalls in late spring have a high volume of water, and you can enjoy the waterfalls in their prime! However, winter conditions can last through spring on the trails, so it is crucial to research road and trail conditions and pack the appropriate gear.

Summer

Summer is one of the most popular times to visit the Catskills, so you will not be alone when visiting its waterfalls. The summer brings perfect hiking weather, so all the trails will be open and snow-free! If it is a dry summer, the waterfalls may not have as much water flow, so that is something to keep in mind! If you visit in the summer, I highly recommend arriving at the trailheads early in the morning because the parking lots fill up quickly.

Fall

Fall is another one of the most popular times to visit the Catskills and its waterfalls because of the stunning foliage. Vibrant foliage takes over the mountains and valleys, leaving the area looking like a painting. Foliage surrounds the waterfalls, making a beautiful sight. Because this is one of the most popular times to visit the Catskills, I recommend arriving at the trailheads early in the morning to secure a parking spot.

Winter

Winter is an underrated time to visit the waterfalls in the Catskills! Some of the waterfalls freeze, making a beautiful and unique sight! Winter in the Catskills brings cold weather and snowy trails, so it is crucial to pack the appropriate hiking gear to stay warm and safe. Also, some of the roads leading to the waterfall trailheads close in the winter, so I recommend staying up-to-date with road closures if you are planning to visit.

What to Pack for Visiting Waterfalls in the Catskills

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.

The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Catskills

Kaaterskill Falls

Let's start this guide with one of the most beautiful waterfalls (and my favorite!) in the Catskills! Kaaterskill Falls is the most iconic waterfall in the Catskills because it is epic, standing 231 feet tall. The waterfall has two drops that you can hike to near the bottom, or you can view it from the top from a viewing platform.

If you want to enjoy both viewing areas of Kaaterskill Falls, which I highly recommend, the hike is about 2.3 miles round trip. The trail to the viewing platform above the falls is relatively easy and does not require a strenuous hike. The hike to the bottom of the falls has many steps leading you to both drops and can be steep at times. The trail is well maintained, but it does require many steps.

If you decide to hike to the bottom, you have two ways to view Kaaterskill Falls. The first is to hike to the bottom of the first and longest drop, allowing you to walk behind the waterfall. The hike behind the waterfall is steep and slippery, so please use caution if you decide to hike it.

The second way is to hike to the bottom drop, which gives you a stunning view of the entire falls. I highly recommend going to both if you have time! You will not regret the effort to experience the iconic Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills!

kaaterskill falls hiking guide

Plattekill Falls

Not too far from Kaaterskill Falls is another beautiful waterfall in the Catskills, Plattekill Falls. Unlike Kaaterskill Falls, Plattekill Falls is often overlooked by many visitors.

The 70-foot waterfall requires a short and easy 0.4-mile round trip trail to view the stunning falls from the bottom and is worth a visit! There is limited parking along the street near the trailhead because it is in a private neighborhood. I highly recommend adding Plattekill Falls to your Catskills itinerary!

Awosting Falls

Awosting Falls is the iconic 60-foot waterfall in Minnewaska State Park in the southern part of the Catskills and is my favorite waterfall in the area! Minnewaska State Park offers many things to do, including waterfalls, fun trails, and scenic views around Lake Minnewaska.

Awosting Falls is one of the first trailheads when you enter the state park and usually has a lot of visitors, so I recommend arriving as soon as the park opens (the hours vary throughout the year).

The 1.2-mile round trip trail to Awosting Falls is relatively easy and follows the park road until it enters the forest near the waterfall. The trail then descends via switchbacks to the bottom of Awosting Falls, where you can take in its beauty! You cannot get close to the waterfall and must stay on the trail, but the trail offers stunning views of it!

If you are up for a longer hike, you can continue the trail to a few more waterfalls.

awosting falls hiking guide

Verkeerderkill Falls

Verkeerderkill Falls is another beautiful waterfall in the Catskills in Minnewaska State Park. It is in the western section of the state park and is often hiked as a loop with Sam’s Point and the Ice Caves.

The 6-mile round trip trail is not as difficult as you would think and immediately brings you above the treeline, providing stunning views at Sam’s Point and along the trail to the 187-foot Verkeerderkill Falls. Although you cannot hike to the bottom of the waterfall, the viewpoint looking down on the falls is stunning!

If you visit on the weekends or holidays between May and October, you must get a parking reservation.

Stony Kill Falls

Stony Kill Falls is another waterfall in Minnewaska State Park but is often overlooked. It is very similar to Awosting Falls but does not receive the same foot traffic, making it a great alternative if Awosting Falls is crowded!

The easy 1-mile round trip trail brings you to the side of the 87-foot waterfall, offering a beautiful view, and then to the top of it. If you do not want to hike to the top of the falls, you can turn around after the waterfall overlook since that is the best view, in my opinion. The easy hike is well worth it to experience Stony Kill Falls!

Diamond Notch Falls

Although Diamond Notch Falls is among the shortest waterfalls in the Catskills in this guide, it does not lack beauty. The easy 1.7-mile round trip trail brings you to the bottom of the waterfall, offering beautiful views.

This area is especially beautiful in the fall with vibrant foliage. Diamond Notch Falls is also near Hunter Mountain, one of the best hikes in the Catskills, and you can easily add this to your day after you hike it.

Mine Kill Falls

Mine Kill Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in the Catskills because it is in a gorge, making it one of my favorites! The drive to it is a little out of the way, but in my opinion, it is worth it!

The 1-mile round trip trail begins at the Mine Kill Falls overlook and follows along a well-maintained path to observation decks overlooking the top of the falls. If you want to hike to the bottom of Mine Kill Falls, follow the Long Path down to the river. The views of Mine Kill Falls from the bottom are unmatched, so I highly recommend hiking to it! Mine Kill Falls will quickly become one of your favorite waterfalls in the Catskills!

Glen Falls

Glen Falls is a hidden gem waterfall in the Catskills because the trail does not exist on many trail maps! The trailhead to the waterfall is behind Glen Falls House, a cute little inn in the heart of the Catskills, and the trail is quick and easy down to Glen Falls.

There are a few waterfalls in the area, so the short hike is worth the stop! If you have any questions on how to find the waterfall, the people at Glen Falls House are super friendly and can help guide you!

Artist Falls

Artist Falls is another hidden gem waterfall in the Catskills. Although the waterfall is small, it is very picturesque under a beautiful covered bridge. The short and easy trail to Artist Falls begins at Winter Clove Inn and can bring you to the top over the covered bridge or to the bottom of the falls. I recommend hiking both!

If you are visiting the Catskills, I highly recommend adding these beautiful waterfalls to your itinerary! This guide has everything you need to know about the most beautiful waterfalls in the Catskills.