Kaaterskill Falls is one of the most storied waterfalls in the eastern United States — a spectacular two-tiered cascade in New York's Catskill Mountains near Hunter that plunges roughly 260 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. Immortalized by the painters of the Hudson River School and by writers like Washington Irving, it has drawn awestruck visitors for two centuries, and it remains a breathtaking sight in every season — thundering in spring, lush in summer, golden in fall, and hung with ice in winter.

Thanks to recent improvements in the Kaaterskill Wild Forest, the falls are easier and safer to enjoy than ever. From the Laurel House Road parking area, a short, gentle gravel path of about a third of a mile leads to a sturdy observation platform with a stunning head-on view of the falls and the valley below — an easy, family-friendly outing. A network of trails and stone steps also connects the top and base of the falls for those who want a longer hike.

Take the safety here seriously — this is a beautiful but genuinely deadly spot. At least nine people have died at Kaaterskill Falls in recent decades, almost all from falls off the wet, slick rock at the top and along the ledges. Stay on the marked trails, steps, and viewing platform; do not climb above the falls, venture behind them, or approach the unfenced edges; and keep a very close eye on children. The rock is slippery even when it looks dry.

For parking, use the Laurel House Road, Schutt Road, or South Lake lots (the old roadside Molly Smith lot on Route 23A is closed for safety). Spring brings the most powerful flow, while summer and fall offer the most pleasant hiking. Respect the cliffs, enjoy the view, and Kaaterskill Falls will reward you with one of the Northeast's great natural spectacles.