About Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls is a named waterfall in Greene County, New York, located about 2.6 miles northwest of Palenville. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Kaaterskill Clove 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 42°11′36″ N, 74°03′47″ W (42.19342, -74.06319). Historical sources also record the name Caterskill Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include South Lake (reservoir, 0.7 mi), South Mountain (summit, 0.8 mi), and Santa Cruz Ravine (valley, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Buttermilk Falls, 1.3 miles to the south.
This iconic 260-ft-tall tiered waterfall on Spruce Creek features a lookout & a foot trail.
USGS gazetteer description: 79 meters high
More Photos
6,947 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Kaaterskill Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Kaaterskill Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Kaaterskill Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Kaaterskill Falls holds a 4.8 average from 1,560 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Kaaterskill Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- South Lake — reservoir, 0.7 mi
- South Mountain — summit, 0.8 mi
- Santa Cruz Ravine — valley, 0.8 mi
- Spruce Creek — stream, 0.8 mi
- Wildcat Ravine — valley, 1.1 mi
- Hillyer Ravine — valley, 1.2 mi
- North Lake — reservoir, 1.2 mi
- Marys Glen — valley, 1.3 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 42.19342, -74.06319. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Kaaterskill Falls
- Buttermilk Falls, NY18 mi east
- Rossman Falls, NY19 mi northeast
- Meadow Falls, NY20 mi northeast
- Dickinson Falls, NY21 mi north
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kaaterskill Falls located?
Kaaterskill Falls is in Greene County, New York, about 2.6 miles northwest of Palenville. Its coordinates are 42.19342, -74.06319 (42°11′36″ N, 74°03′47″ W).
What town is closest to Kaaterskill Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Palenville, NY, about 2.6 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Kaaterskill Falls?
The closest is Buttermilk Falls (1.3 mi south). Others within reach include Plattekill Falls (4.4 mi), Old Mill Falls (4.4 mi), and Glen Falls (4.6 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Kaaterskill Falls?
Kaaterskill Falls appears on the USGS Kaaterskill Clove 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.