Plattekill Falls
New York · 60-foot drop · Indian Head Wilderness (Catskill Forest Preserve) · Last verified 2026-05-23
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Plattekill Falls is a 60-foot two-tier horsetail on Plattekill Creek at the top of Platte Clove, inside the Indian Head Wilderness of the Catskill Forest Preserve. The 0.4-mile descent is short but steep — and the falls themselves are the quiet cousin to nearby Kaaterskill (5 mi north). Platte Clove Rd closes for the winter; the back way in via Devil's Path stays open but adds significant distance.
The trail
0.4 miles each way, rated moderate with 200 feet of elevation gain. Platte Clove Preserve lot at the top of Platte Clove Rd. Free, but only ~6 spaces. Arrive early on weekends.
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plattekill Falls (this page) | — | 60 ft | moderate · 0.4 mi | Y | Free |
| Old Mill Falls | 0 mi | 13 ft | — | Y | Free |
| Bridal Veil Falls | 0 mi | 66 ft | — | Y | Free |
| Lower Bridal Veil Falls | 0 mi | 33 ft | — | Y | Free |
| Hells Hole Falls | 0 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Upper Ghost (Japanese) Falls | 0 mi | 43 ft | — | Y | Free |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~60 ft)
- Bridal Veil Falls60 ft
- Buttermilk Falls60 ft
- Ozone Falls60 ft
- Rainbow Falls60 ft
- Rufus Morgan Waterfall60 ft
Same best season in New York
- Rainbow Falls60 ft
Questions visitors ask about Plattekill Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Plattekill Falls?
Plattekill Falls is 60 feet (18.3 m) tall. Source heights disagree by source — see the discrepancy box on the page.
Is Plattekill Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — Plattekill Falls is inside Indian Head Wilderness (Catskill Forest Preserve). See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Plattekill Falls?
Yes — dogs are allowed (Indian Head Wilderness (Catskill Forest Preserve) permits leashed dogs in most areas). Always leash and pack out waste.
Can you swim at Plattekill Falls?
No — swimming is not safe or not allowed at Plattekill Falls. Small splash pools at the base but they are shallow and rocky — not swim-worthy.
When is the best time to visit Plattekill Falls?
Peak flow is typically May, June, July, August, September, October. Season-wise: spring, summer, fall. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Plattekill Falls?
No entrance fee. Indian Head Wilderness (Catskill Forest Preserve) is free to access. Some trailheads may charge a parking fee separately.
How far is Plattekill Falls from a major city?
Plattekill Falls is 5 miles from Haines Falls (about 6 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in New York
Where it is
42.1325, -74.0854
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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