Not-super-early Intermediate Hike - Kaaterskill Falls, North Lake/South Lake!

While we love the ADKs, sometimes we like to swing down south to the Catskills too!

This will be a great hike with a beautiful waterfall and a bunch of overlooks, including former sites of several grand hotels! Conditions permitting, we will view the waterfall at the middle, top and bottom. Following that we will get in some distance and cardio by looping around North/South lake. (There is a return juncture at the 3.0-mile mark after the falls, for those who do not feel like doing the 4.0 mile loop second part)

This hike is considered moderate but we will be strive to go at a healthy pace. It will be about 7 miles in length with some elevation gain (more if you want do the six stories of steps down to the bottom of the falls and back up).

If you chose to attend this hike you MUST be physically fit enough to complete it at an intermediate pace!! Ninety-percent of the trail is not very technical. But there are a few moderate rock scrambles on the second part, and the stairs to the bottom of the falls do not have railings.

There are multiple trailheads. But we will meet at the South Lake Parking Lot, which is in the park itself. [Note, you will go PAST the Scutt Road Trailhead, and PAST the booth for the campgrounds, (closed) so just keep driving.]. Follow the signs to South Lake.

We will meet at the South Lake Swimming Area’s parking lot at 10:45 am and leave for the hike at 11:00 am sharp.

PLEASE BRING: Water (or Coca-Cola) and snacks. Wear multiple non-cotton layers. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are a must. Although not forecast at this point… be prepared for rain, with a rain poncho or waterproof jacket outer layer. The ground will be wet and muddy in spots as run off flows down the trail in many spots ... so an extra pair of socks is recommended. Not sure if the lakes will still be ‘open’, but I plan to bring a towel and take the plunge at the end.

We'll likely find a spot for a bite afterwards in Catskill for those interested.