|
DISTANCE: 1 mile TYPE: Out and back DIFFICULTY: Easy HIKING TIME: 0.5 hours |
While not as grand as Kaaterskill Falls (Guide #12) to the northeast, the Upper Platte Clove Waterfall offers a very similar hike to a more obscure reward. The beautiful waterfall scene at the end of both hikes is accessible after only half a mile of easy trail. But similar to Kaaterskill Falls, these falls can still pose some dangers. Here, at the upper end of the dramatic Platte Clove, potentially fatal risks await hikers who wander off-trail or attempt this hike during times when there are unsafe conditions. This hike should never be attempted on days when the trail may be wet or icy, as much of the hike cuts across a steep bank with only a narrow strip of sure footing, and a fall from the wrong spot on the trail might easily prove deadly. It’s best to turn to another destination if there has just been a heavy rainfall to wash out the trail, but in normal conditions, you’ll find an underappreciated gem at the end of this short, pleasant stroll.
GETTING THERE
Take Exit 20 (Saugerties) off the New York State Thruway for NY-32, then turn left to head west on NY-212. Continue on NY-212 West for 2.3 miles, then make a slight right onto Blue Mountain Road. In another 1.4 miles, turn left onto West Saugerties Road/NY-33. Drive for 3 miles before continuing straight onto Platte Clove Road. The road ascends steeply, with winding turns and incredible views of the clove to your left. This road is closed seasonally. Even when it is open, travelers should be wary of driving conditions in periods of inclement weather. Parking can be found on either side of the road by the trailhead.
GPS SHORTCUT
Type “Devils Kitchen, Hunter, NY” into Google Maps and your GPS will navigate you to the appropriate trailhead.
THE TRAIL
To begin the hike, exit the parking lot on Platte Clove Road following the aqua blazes of the Long Path. (If you parked in the larger lot by the Huckleberry Point trailhead, you will have to walk to the Platte Clove Road lot before starting the hike.) Just ahead, you will see a red cabin on the left in the Platte Clove Preserve. This is the home of the Artist-in-Residence program run by the Catskill Center, and between the house and the road above you will find a trail leading down into the clove.
After a few hundred feet of trails sloping slowly downhill, you will come to a plaque covering the history of the clove, with views of Platte Clove glimpsed through the trees. Here, the trail cuts to the right and begins to descend more steeply.
PLATTE CLOVE WATERFALL
Continue as the narrow, occasionally precarious trail follows a ledge cut into the canyon wall. The narrow trail will begin to descend more quickly as it cuts through the clove toward the falls, sometimes dropping steeply down earth thick with tree roots.
Soon, the trail will end at the base of the 70-foot Plattekill Falls. Be especially careful around the base of the falls, as the flat ground and shallow stream look benign enough, but footing on the rocks can be more precarious than it would seem to be.
When you are ready, retrace your steps to return to your car.