Kaaterskill Falls, N.Y. Photography Hot Spot

Kaaterskill Falls, New York

This is a top-ten USA photography spot. You must go to the top and shoot from behind the water, as we did in the picture above. Yes, it is a profoundly strenuous hike to get to the top. In the last two years in a row, people have died here. Be extremely careful. Go slow. Wear a backpack for your gear, and don’t go alone. The incline to get to the third level is exceptionally steep. You need hiking boots. I have seen people go about this half-hour trek to the top without using their brains. (See update; now parking is at the top of the falls).

The top tier, 328 feet in the air, is outstanding. I’ll stop typing. Just let the images speak for themselves. They do not even do the location justice. Look for the little guy walking on the rim to see how huge this waterfall is. Look below at the massive vertical shot. Kaaterskill Falls is one of our top 10 Photography Locations.

Kaaterskill falls from the top to the bottom, with a big rainbow with two people behind the falls.

Top 10 Photography Hot Spot

What an incredible place!! Add this to your bucket list only if you can hike. It’s a tough climb, but it is worth it to make it up to the “dome.” at the top. It’s hard to see the magnificence of this location, even in our images. If you cannot hike a challenging trail, you can always drive the road above and do a 5-10-minute hike through the wood to the top to look down. Whatever you do, be careful. Pay attention! People die here.

UPDATE: The parking lot at the bottom is now closed. They want you to park at the top. It is easier to start at the top, and you get to skip that hazardous section by climbing up from the bottom.

This is an incredibly magical location. We highly suggest that if you can do this hike, it needs to be on your list.

BEST TIME TO GO

We journey here during spring, summer, and fall because it’s conveniently close to home and ranks as one of the top 10 destinations we can drive to. The autumn season is our favorite time to visit. We’ve learned that it’s best to come during the week when it’s less crowded.

Arrive early; the lot fills by 10 a.m. Consider going midweek, early in the morning or late in the day.

HOW LONG TO PHOTOGRAPH

This full-day photography event requires effort to reach the top and shoot from behind the waterfall, overlooking the valley. It’s not easy, and it can be dangerous, too. When we were at this location last year, we remember hearing about someone who died there. The photographers were discussing it, and it was a recent occurrence.

However, this place is more than just about taking pictures. It holds magical and mystical energy, allowing deep connections with Mother Earth and spirituality. You can even spend some time here meditating and grounding yourself in nature.

WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TO BRING

If you plan on photographing this stunning waterfall location, it’s essential to come prepared with the right equipment. A tripod and neutral density filters are necessary for photographing beautiful long-exposure shots. To ensure the best results, we recommend bringing a 10-stop neutral density filter, which can help balance harsh lighting conditions during certain times of the day. With the right tools, you’ll be able to take great photos showing this waterfall’s true beauty.

WHAT ESLE TO BRING

When planning a hiking trip, it’s important to pack the essentials. Bring plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated, a sturdy pair of hiking boots to keep your feet comfortable and safe, and organic sunscreen and bug spray to protect your skin from the sun and insects. Additionally, having a friend to share the experience with can make the hike much more enjoyable, and having someone to complain to during the more challenging parts of the trail can be a huge help!

HOW TO GET THERE

**** UPDATE *** PARKING LOT NOW CLOSED

For your safety, do not park on NY Route 23A, also known as Molly Smith Lot. Currently, the Molly Smith parking lot is closed. Park at Laurel House Trailhead instead. The Laurel House Parking Area is off the road and only requires a short walk to reach the top of the falls.

HOW BUSY DOES IT GET

As we told you on the wind-to-go section, it gets jam-packed here. Be prepared.

Photography Information – Kaaterskill Falls, N.Y.

Bring your tripod to Kaaterskill Falls. There is a lot of running water, so it is best to go after a good storm when the rivers are flowing.

A motion parallax tripod head is ideal for this location. You must stitch these shots together because you cannot get far enough back to get the full view behind the waterfall. Be prepared for some HDR. There are shadows no matter what time of day we have been there. Plan at least half a day here to photo it right.

Lens: You want a wide-angle lens — the wider, the better at this location.

Gear: Bring your tripod and your circular polarizing filter. The circular polarizing filter will make your white puffy clouds burst and deepen the blue around them. It will also remove the glare from the water and replace it with reflection.

Gear List at a glance: Circular polarizing filter, neutral density filter, tripod, shutter release.

KAATERSKILL AREA INFORMATION

Hotels—Restaurants—Camping—Weather

AREA

INFORMATION

Kaaterskill Falls, N.Y.

Information:

Map from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference here
Contact the Catskills Visitor Center at (845) 688-3369 or info@catskillcenter.org.

Kaaterskill Falls is a two-drop waterfall located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York, on the north side of Kaaterskill Clove, between the hamlets of Haines Falls and Palenville in Greene County’s Town of Hunter. The dual cascades total 260 feet (79 m) in height, making it one of the highest waterfalls in New York and one of the tallest waterfalls in the Eastern United States.

Dangers: Falling off the Kaaterskill Falls. There have been many deaths over the years.

It would be best if you used great caution when hiking the upper portion of the trail to the top. The rest is just a plain old difficult trail since it’s a steep incline. It’s the upper portion that is so dangerous.

Dangers: Bushwacking above the 64′ drop is dangerous. Most bushwack up the right side of the trail.

Common Animals include: Coyotes, bears, birds, Hawks, frogs, butterflies (whites and swallowtails), and deer.

Risky Animals: Rattlesnakes, Copperheads (low), and Bears can be found here—more on the top section than the bottom.

HOTELS

Kaaterskill Falls, N.Y. Add your hotel here!

Do you want us to send our photography and ghost-hunting friends to your hotel for their photography or ghost-hunting trip? Put your hotel information here. We will put pictures of your hotel, the website link, the phone number, and hotel information.

Would you like to be a featured hotel like this article in the link or this one? Please send us an email. You will be surprised at how affordable our prices can be.

Contact us to add your hotel here!

Kaaterskill Falls Hotel Information:

This is one of Photography Magazine Extra’s first articles, dating back to 2010 – Check for hotel pricing updates!

This is the top hotel pick we recommend for you today. It is right on Kaaterskill Creek, which is very close to Kaaterskill Falls, where you will do your photography for the day. It has a great, comfortable, rustic environment.

Catskill Mountain Lodge

Several cozy cabins and 42 spacious hotel rooms, some with fireplaces, set on the banks of Kaaterskill Creek. Complimentary wireless Internet and a rustic feel. Within 20 minutes of the ski slopes in the heart of Palenville, America’s first art colony.

M $69 – $225 W $109 – $450

518-678-3101 | www.catskillmtlodge.com

Cave Mountain Motel

Clean, comfortable, non-smoking rooms. Roms have two double beds, a private bath, cable T.V., free wifi and a beautiful mountain view. Light complimentary continental breakfast. Ski and golf packages. Ten miles north of Hutner Mountain. 1.5 miles to Windham Mountain.

518-734-3161 | cavemountainmotel.com

Cuomo’s Cove

Luxurious 1-3 bedroom suites and one 3-bedroom Log Cabin. Amenities include outrageous mountain views, outdoor hot tubs, indoor Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, full kitchens, kitchenettes and sauna access. Ski and Stay Golf packages are available. Wi-fi is available on-premises. It is eight miles from Hunter Mountain.

M$130 – $300 Winter; $100 – $225 Summer

W$150 – $350 Winter; $120 – $300 Summer

800-734-5903

Hunter Inn

Beautiful accommodations ranging from hotel style to luxurious suites. Complimentary full buffet breakfast, occasional cocktail hour, and open WiFi. Two children 16 and under stay free with their parents.

M$105+ W$170+ H$200+

518-263-3777 | hunterinn.com

Scribner Hollow Lodge – This would have been my pick for a hotel. I was excited, but when I called with a few questions one night, an obnoxious, arrogant, unprofessional, sarcastic man answered the phone and belittled me, making fun of my questions. Therefore, DO NOT STAY HERE. – UPDATE – No longer in business. We wonder why?

A deluxe, full-service boutique hotel directly across from the mountain. Newly renovated rooms, some with custom-decorated suites, fireplaces, balconies and Jacuzzis. A unique feature: The Grotto, a warm, underground cave-like indoor pool with waterfalls, jacuzzi/Roman spa and saunas. Eat at The Prospect’s multiple award-winning in-house restaurants, and enjoy live jazz on the weekends. Free wireless internet. ExcInternetedding and conference facilities.

M $159-319 W $224-459

518-263-4211 or 1-800-395-4683 |

CAMPING

Camping:

North-South Lake Campground
Haines Falls Raod, County Route 18
HAINES FALLS, NY 12436

518-589-5058

Where to Camp

Do you want us to send our photography and ghost-hunting friends to your campground to stay during their ghost-hunting trip? Put your campground information here. We will put a picture of your establishment, the website link, the phone number, and the information on your campground to make it easy for our photographers and ghost hunters to find you. They are good at getting there in the dark.

Would you like to be featured in an article as a place to stay while doing photography or ghost hunting? If so, please send us an email. You will be surprised at how affordable our prices can be.

FOOD & DINING

Restaurants:

Put your restaurant here! Call us or see below for advertising.

Do you want us to send our photography and ghost-hunting friends to your restaurant after their ghost-hunting trip? Put your restaurant information here. We will put a picture of your establishment, the website link, the phone number, and the information on your restaurant to make it easy for our photographers and ghost hunters to find you.