Plattekill Falls is a very easy and short hike in the Catskill Mountains. Unfortunately, there are a lot of signs that swimming is not allowed in this place so having fun in the water seems to be forbidden. The hike is very short and people can get to the waterfall very easily. The waterfall itself is very beautiful since it is very tall and you can get near it unlike other waterfalls.
Plattekill Falls Hike Important Information
Trail Map: Trail Map 1, Trail Map 2
Suggested Phone GPS Apps: Alltrails.com, Avenza Maps, Google Maps
Difficulty: Very Easy
Distance: 0.41 Miles
Elevation Gained: 100 ft
Portable Toilet At Parking: None
Trail Breakdown
Trail To Waterfall – 0.2 miles
Trail Going Back – 0.2 miles
https://www.mapmyhike.com/workout/2237854043
Note: The information is just an approximation.
Parking: Not sure if people can still park here.
Start Of The Hike
I parked my car near the trail head and waited patiently for my group members. There were plenty of parking spaces and no one seemed to go to this place at all. Perhaps we were late as this hike was a hike we decided to go to after we did Indian Head and Twin Mountain. The afternoon sun was high above us, showering its heavy heat upon the land, making this waterfall hike a perfect hike to end the day.
Note: When I came back here, I saw “No Parking” signs all over the place. You may need to park somewhere else.
Trail To The Waterfall
There were two paths to choose from with one leading to the waterfall and another leading somewhere else. The second path was tempting to explore but we chose the direct path to the waterfall. We were already tired and we just wanted to see how cool the waterfall was.
Trail To The Waterfall
It was a gentle and easy footpath that was very short and sweet. The slight descent was easy on the legs and we had no problems whatsoever traversing the trail.
Trail To The Waterfall
The roar of the waterfall could be heard from a far as if a million droplets of water pounding a metallic rooftop. Before we knew it, a glimpse of the mighty waterfall could be seen behind the short trees and bushes that were hiding it. There was a big smile on my face the moment I saw it and rush of excitement poured all over my body as I tried to quicken my pace and get to the base of the waterfall.
Plattekill Falls
There were various signs of no swimming all around the place. They really didn’t want people to have fun. Perhaps people have injured themselves when they were playing here and as such they had to ruin it for everyone. I hate rules but I do understand why they are needed but as much as possible, I want people to have freedom to do whatever they want.
Plattekill Falls
I walked to a big rock near the base of the waterfall. Getting there was a little bit slippery but wasn’t that difficult for me. The waterfall was so tranquil yet so forceful at the same time. A powerful force of nature that should not be underestimated and yet it was very calming and peaceful to look at. I stared at the waterfall for what seemed like eternity. I was just there in stillness, sitting down, looking at it, without a care in the world.
Plattekill Falls
I realized that the waterfall would have been a lot fiercer in April or early May. It was already June and the hot summer sun have dried up most of the water that would have come here. It was still a beautiful sight but it made me wonder how much more beautiful it would be if we were here in April at its peak. It must have been glorious.
End Of The Hike
It was a quick and short hike. We all went back to the parking lot feeling satisfied and fulfilled. There were smiles and happy faces everywhere. We had a very good day as our bodies got a good workout, our spirits were high, and we all had a good time. We all decided to go to a Flaming Grill Restaurant which was a Chinese food buffet on our way back to NY and NJ. A decent restaurant with lots of food to eat which was a good way to end the day.
For more hikes similar to this one, you can go to my Best Hikes In Catskill, New York page.