The Empire State is famous for a few things in particular: our impressive architecture, the Big Apple, and Niagara Falls. However, many visitors do not realize that the best things about this lovely state are often local secrets. Locals know just which parks have the best hiking, and which landscapes hide incredible natural features like waterfalls and gorges. In the Kaaterskill Wild Forest, the tallest waterfall in New York is hiding amidst a splendid emerald landscape. Its beauty has attracted and captivated visitors for centuries, and it continues to do so to this day. You could easily spend all day at Kaaterskill Wild Forest, so pack up some trail mix and drinks and let’s head into the depths of the untamed landscape.

The tallest waterfall in New York isn’t Niagara Falls, but a gorgeous 231-foot double-tiered waterfall.

Eugene Beletskiy/Google Images Trickling down from Spruce Creek, this majestic landmark is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the nation.

Known as Kaaterskill Falls, this lovely cascade is tucked away in the wondrous Catskill Mountains of New York.

Kyle Bailey/Google Images

While the trek to the waterfall is breathtaking in and of itself, the entirety of Kaaterskill Wild Forest is worth exploring.

Steve Maggio/Google Images Indigenous cultures once hunted this wild landscape, and early European settlers captured it in artwork, poems, and more.

With 7,620 acres of landscape tucked away, Kaaterskill Wild Forest has a varied terrain that ranges from steep cliffsides to plunging valleys.

Lenny Raghunanan/Google Images

And its trails range in length from 2.4 miles on the Huckleberry Point Trail to 23.9 miles on the Escarpment Trail, if you choose to take it through the surrounding Catskill Forest Preserve.

Shlomo Levi/Google Images Lower Falls trail will get you up close and personal with the park’s most famous waterfall, although you can also spot Buttermilk Falls on the Long Path.

There are all sorts of activities offered by this pretty landscape, including horseback riding, snowmobiling, hunting, and trapping during designated seasons.

Leala Hailey/Google Images

Speaking of seasons, it’s worth mentioning that this massive public space is open year-round and is truly breathtaking throughout the four seasons.

Jeanne Marie Hoffman/Google Images New York is known for its diverse seasons, and this park captures them all swimmingly. You’ll love visiting in the spring and fall in particular, both when the landscape is coming back to life and when it’s falling dormant and erupting in hues of gold and red.

You could easily spend hours here, and you just might observe local wildlife like porcupine, deer, and bobcats along the way.

Ayush Rai/Google Images

During your visit, remember to leave nothing behind but footsteps.

Alek V/Google Images It’s important to keep this natural oasis as undisturbed as possible for future visitors, just as visitors have tried to do for centuries.

There is so much to love about the untamed majesty that is Kaaterskill Wild Forest!

Anthony Dixon/Google Images

The tallest waterfall in New York is enchanting and beautiful, and it is a landmark that both locals and tourists alike deserve to admire. Have you ever visited this pretty spot? Tell us about your adventure in the comments!

Eugene Beletskiy/Google Images

Trickling down from Spruce Creek, this majestic landmark is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the nation.

Kyle Bailey/Google Images

Steve Maggio/Google Images

Indigenous cultures once hunted this wild landscape, and early European settlers captured it in artwork, poems, and more.

Lenny Raghunanan/Google Images

Shlomo Levi/Google Images

Lower Falls trail will get you up close and personal with the park’s most famous waterfall, although you can also spot Buttermilk Falls on the Long Path.

Leala Hailey/Google Images

Jeanne Marie Hoffman/Google Images

New York is known for its diverse seasons, and this park captures them all swimmingly. You’ll love visiting in the spring and fall in particular, both when the landscape is coming back to life and when it’s falling dormant and erupting in hues of gold and red.

Ayush Rai/Google Images

Alek V/Google Images

It’s important to keep this natural oasis as undisturbed as possible for future visitors, just as visitors have tried to do for centuries.

Anthony Dixon/Google Images

Craving more fun? Check out our waterfall road trip through New York for the ultimate day trip.

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Address: 70 Catskill View Cir, Saugerties, NY 12477, USA