My Favorite Escape

My favorite day/weekend getaway is something that is very local and very inexpensive, but it enables me to completely escape to a world that feels a million miles away. Situated in Catskill Mountain State Park, Kaaterskill Falls and North-South Lake are among the most beautiful places in the Capital Region, yet very accessible to everyone.

Kaaterskill Falls is the highest waterfall in New York State, and one of the highest in the Northeast. At 260 feet, it’s a two-tiered beauty that’ll make even the most jaded adventurers marvel. The falls have been a popular subject for many famous artists, such as Winslow Homer and Asher Durand (look the falls up on Wikipedia to see some examples). Go around now to see the falls at high volume. The hike to the base of the falls is not long, but it’s rocky and a little steep in some places. Wear decent shoes, as the rocks may be slippery. Access is free.

Not far from the falls, just a few miles down Rt. 23A to Co. Rt. 18, is North-South Lake campground and day-use recreation area. There is a small fee to park (about $6 if memory serves) and you can drive right up to the lake. There, you can lay on the beach, swim, rent a boat, fish, BBQ and even camp (camping is $22 a night). There are some amazing hiking trails that lend some of the most breathtaking views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. If you’re looking for an easy hike, take the blue and yellow trails, which will lead you to Artists and Sunset Rocks, respectively. If you go on a hot day, nothing beats jumping in the lake after a good hike.

It’s not hard to get there, but I recommend bringing a map or some other visual tool your first time.

From points north: Take I-87 South to ext 21, Catskill. Take a left onto exit 23B. About two miles later, bear right onto Maple Ave, and continue on when it becomes W. Bridge St about a mile later, and then becomes Rt. 23A about a half mile after that. Follow Rt. 23A for about 12 miles. The entrance to the falls will be on the right, and the parking area will be just beyond that on the left.

From Hudson: Head northwest on Warren St. Take a left onto Rt. 23B/3rd Street South. After almost 3 miles, bear right at NY 9G South/NY 23 West. After 2 miles, turn left at Bridge St. Half a mile later, turn right on W. Bridge St., which will become 23A. Follow Rt. 23A for about 12 miles. The entrance to the falls will be on the right, and the parking area will be just beyond that on the left.

To continue on to North-South Lake, continue on 23A West, and about a half mile later, turn right on Co. Rt. 18. Take a right just a few yards later to stay on Rt. 18/N Lake Rd. Continue for about 2 miles until you enter the park.