Kaaterskill Falls
North and South Lake

Kaaterskill Falls is a two-stage waterfall of Kaaterskill Creek, 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 upper falls is 175 feet and the lowers falls 85 feet into a rocky basin. They were often painted by artists of the 19th century Hudson River School of Landscape Painters. Kaaterskill Falls is the most famous waterfall in the Catskills and is also the tallest waterfall in New York. At 260 feet, it is 90 feet taller than Niagara Falls. It's also one of the most deadly as people fell to their deaths here.
A one-mile trail leads to the base of the falls. DO NOT attempt to hike past the end of the trail or to climb any part of the two-tiered waterfall.
Parking is uphill (to the west) of the junction of Rt 23A and Kaaterskill Creek. From the parking lot, walk down hill along the north side of the road across the Bastion Falls bridge and turn left onto the yellow trail. The trail climbs steeply from the road, with several good spots to view Bastion Falls, then following the stream through mixed hardwoods and hemlocks to the base of Kaaterskill Falls.
The trail is moderate, with some steep ups and downs. After crossing several rock slides, the trail passes large 200+ year old hemlock trees on its way to the often mist-shrouded base of the falls. For your safety, please stay on the trail and do not hike beyond the end of the trail.

North-South Lake is the biggest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, offering extraordinary scenic beauty, and historical sites, such as: Alligator Rock, Kaaterskill Falls, and the former site of the Catskill Mountain House. An abrupt change in elevation occurs from about 540 feet above sea level at the base of the escarpment to approximately 2,250 feet at the site of the former Catskill Mountain House. The provinces around the lakes provide visitors with exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. It is said that on a clear day, five states can be viewed from the escarpment.

North-South Lake is operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). It was a favorite subject of painters in the Hudson River school, particularly Thomas Cole. Today, the area provides hiking, swimming, boating (no motors), and fishing.

2 lakes; 2 beaches; Two picnic areas: one on North Lake with two picnic pavilion rentals a 20' X 32' and a 44" X 24' (the larger of the two with electricity) and one on South Lake with a 40' X 60' picnic pavilion rental.; 2 picnic areas with tables and fireplaces or charcoal grills; playground; flush toilets; hot showers; boat launch (no motorized vessels); rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals; firewood sales; volleyball; horseshoes; fishing; playing field; trailer dump station; recycling center.

Designated swimming areas are available. Swimming is only permitted when a lifeguard is on duty. Beach hours are posted at facilities with swimming. To inquire, please contact the campground directly (518) 589-5058

Spectacular views!
Source: Kaaterskill Falls and North and South Lake