Plattekill Falls: A Top Waterfall Hike in the Catskills
Discover Plattekill Falls in the Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve
Plattekill Falls in the Catskills is a magnificent natural wonder nestled in the heart of the Catskill Center's Platte Clove Preserve. Located at the top of the rugged and beautiful Platte Clove, Plattekill Falls is a 60-foot tall waterfall reached by a roughly 1/2 mile long, easy to follow hiking trail, for a 1 mile round trip hike.
Plattekill Falls is surrounded by a vibrant landscape, and is a captivating sight that is a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and artists alike. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Plattekill Falls as you explore its surroundings, as the waterfall promises an unforgettable experience for any visitor.
First highlighted by the artists of the Hudson River School of American landscape artists, Platte Clove is one of the birthplaces of American Landscape Art. Artists such as Thomas Cole and Frederick Church hiked these rugged mountains and painted iconic scenes from some of the same views you'll go by on this hike.
Parking for Plattekill Falls and the Platte Clove Preserve is located east of the Preserve at a hiker parking area maintained by New York State. This parking area fills up quickly and parking on Platte Clove is severely limited and you may be towed if you park in the wrong area.
Plattekill Falls and the Platte Clove Preserve are owned by the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the environmental, cultural, and economic health of the Catskills since 1969. As private property, there are several rules specific to the Catskill Center's Platte Clove Preserve:
FOOT TRAVEL ONLY
TRAVEL ON MARKED TRAILS ONLY
LEAVE NO TRACE
NO LOUD MUSIC OR OTHER NOISE DISTURBANCES
KEEP PETS LEASHED AT ALL TIMES AND CLEAN UP AFTER THEM
NO SWIMMING, CAMPING, FIRES, ICE/ROCK CLIMBING, HUNTING, OR COLLECTING OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND/OR HISTORICAL MATERIALS
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS IS A NATURAL, UNSUPERVISED AREA
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, DAWN TO DUSK ONLY
More about Plattekill Falls and the Platte Clove Preserve at Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve page.
For this hike, follow the yellow Catskill Center "Waterfall Trail" trail markers from the trailhead at Platte Clove Road, first to the Hudson River School Art Trail stop, and then down to the base of Plattekill Falls.
This is an in and out hike, so to get back to the car, head back the way you came after reaching the waterfall. The hike is about 1 miles in length and is a easy to moderate hike. There are a few steeper sections, but the trail is well constructed, including stone steps in places and very easy to follow.
Plattekill Falls FAQ
How do you get to Plattekill Falls?
Plattekill Falls is within the Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve, which is located on Platte Clove Road (google map link).
Is Plattekill Falls accessible year-round?
Plattekill Falls is accessible year-round, but in the winter months, it becomes a very icy, difficult, and dangerous hike. The best time to visit is the summer and fall months.
Is there parking near Plattekill Falls?
Parking for Plattekill Falls and the Platte Clove Preserve is located at hiker parking lot maintained by New York State at 2425 Platte Clove Rd, Elka Park, NY 12427.
Is it free to access Plattekill Falls?
Plattekill Falls is open to the public. The Catskill Center suggests a $5 day use donation per visitor, which can be made at a self-pay kiosk at the trailhead.
Is there a trail map for Plattekill Falls?
There’s a trail map avaialable on the Catskill Center’s website. In addition, the Waterfall Trail to Plattekill Falls is on AllTrails.
For More Information on Visiting Plattekill Falls
You can find the hike to Plattekill Falls on:
Additional Catskill Park information is available at the Catskills Visitor Center (5096 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper)
Hike On Guides: Need help on a hike like this? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Gear we used and/or carried on this hike:
Our Hiking Advice and Hiking Gear Recommendations
Some product links are affiliate links and we earn from qualifying purchases. Others are links through the Amazon Influencer program and as an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Still others, we just want you to know about some good gear we enjoy!
Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
