Hiking The Catskill Mountains

I've always wanted to hike the Catskill Mountains.  Maybe 13 year old me saw Dirty Dancing one too many times, but for whatever reason exploring the trails in Upstate New York has been something I longed to do.  That's one of the many reasons it made my 101 in 1001 bucket list and I was happy to cross it off.  It was a challenging hike and both Chris, I, and the kids huffed and puffed our way up the Kaaterskill Waterfall trail on a hot summer day.  I am so thankful I got to do this and share it with my kids.

Here are 13 tips for hiking the Catskills Kaaterskill Waterfall Trail

People swimming at the base of the waterfall (about half way up the mountain so to speak)

1.  Be prepared to walk along a fairly busy roadway after you park your car to get to the trail head.  Keep your kids close and make sure that oncoming traffic sees you
2. Start early in the day to beat the heat.  Our trail was quite shady, but by the time we were headed to the car (at around noon) it was a scorcher.
   
   

   

   Small Streams Beside the Path

3. Wear proper shoes.  I saw a number of people wearing flip flops on the trail, which would be great for dipping your toes in at the bottom of the waterfall, but not practical for the number of rocks you'll be climbing up and the type of tread you'll need.
4. Bring a backpack to dispose of any snacks you eat on the trail. Although it's a very heavily trafficked trail there are no garbage cans.
   
   
   

   

   Stopping for a water break along the stair portion of the hike

   
   
5. Go to the washroom before you head out.  We learned from personal experience when one of the little ones had to go that it can be hard to find a private space near the trail to take a wee.
6. Sign the hikers registry.  Do it for safety so people know you were on the trail that day and to help let conservationists know that you've enjoyed the trail. No one will know just how may people have benefited from hiking a trail, or just how popular it is if you don't fill out the guest log.
   

   

   The bottom of the staircase part way to the top of the falls

7. Go on a dry day.  I can only imagine how slippery this trail would be after the rain.
8. Try and convince your kids to be quiet on the trail.  During quieter moments we spotted a snake, several chipmunks, and a mouse.
   
   
   

   

   Our Chipmunk Friend Who Molly named Cookie

9. Pay attention to the caution signs, many of these cliffs are without barriers and it's a far drop.  Don't risk your safety for that perfect photo.
10. Pack plenty of water and a snack.
    
    
    

    

    A good reminder to us and the kids to be safe with our steps

11. Bring a change of socks, shirt, and some deodorant if hiking on a hot day and heading somewhere other than a shower afterwards. 
12. Remember - take only pictures, leave only footprints.  Even the hiking stick Molly found was left beside the trail for someone else to enjoy.
13. Hiking is about the journey and the destination.  Take a deep breath and a moment to really experience both

Me  - Victorious at the top of the falls

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