The main parking lot for upper Kaaterskill Falls is on Laurel House Road, reached by taking North Lake Road off Route 23A in the village of Haines Falls. From there, a wide, flat trail leads to the upper viewing platform less than half a mile away. The trail continues down to the foot of the upper falls and onwards to the base of the lower falls, although this section is more challenging and includes steps.
There is a second parking area further along North Lake Road at Scutt Road, near the entrance to North-South Campground, from where the Escarpment Trail leads to Kaaterskill Falls. Do not park on the road if the lots are full as you are likely to get ticketed or towed, but consider using the daily parking for $10 at the campground when open.
A third parking lot, known as Molly Smith’s, off Route 23A can be used for going directly to the trailhead for the lower Kaaterskill Falls via the Bastion Falls. However, reaching that trailhead requires walking along, and crossing, a busy stretch of Route 23A.
