Kaaterskill Falls

Kaaterskill Falls Postcard An icon of 19th century America that was said to be the tallest waterfall in New York State, Kaaterskill Falls is at once inspiring and sublime.  It has continued to be the subject of paintings, poetry, literature and legend.
The Laurel House resort stood at the top of the falls until the 1960's.  Guests would descend the stairways and position themselves below the falls.  Refreshment could be lowered from the platform above the falls and the guests could watch in awe, as a large cascade of water was released from a dam built upstream.
A favorite spot for viewing was from the cavern under the falls.  The view is depicted below in a painting by William Guy Wall now housed in the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
Seeing the Falls:
The path to the bottom of the falls starts at Bastion Falls below the parking area on Route 23A.  Recent improvements have made the hike in easier.  The top of the falls can be accessed from Laurel House Road.  Be careful in both areas - the spot is as dangerous as it is beautiful.
 		 Wm. Guy Wall Cauterskill Falls Honolulu Academy of Arts.
Kaaterskill Falls September 2004
Sunset from the top of the falls is captured in this September 2004 photo by Historical Society Hiker Larry Gambon.