Plattekill Falls in the Catskill Center's Platte Clove Preserve - One of the Catskills best waterfall hikes!
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 trail, for a 1 mile round trip hike.
The waterfall 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.
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 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.
For more information
You can find this hike 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:
Advice and Gear Recommendations
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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.