Starter Series: Platte Clove Falls

Stunning waterfalls and forests in the Catskills

What We Love

Discover the Catskills on a moderate hike

Mild terrain with lovely views

Finish the day at a beautiful waterfall

Fascinating local history

Your Day

Head to the Catskills to explore the scenic Platte Clove Preserve. As you hike along this mild trail, you'll learn about the industries that long ago thrived in this region of precipitous mountains and dark ravines. Take lunch at a lookout with magnificent views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Tall Peaks, and relax at the end of your day at a 70 foot waterfall. Today is a great introduction to Catskill hiking.

Perfect For: Fit, first-time hikers who are up for a challenge, experienced hikers looking for a relaxing day.

Planning

Bring

Essential Gear

Lunch
Ample snacks
At least two liters of water
Backpack. Need a recommendation? Check out Deuter!
Weather-appropriate clothing. For a great selection and discounts, visit our partners
Sunscreen

Recommended Gear

Hiking poles
Gaiters

Wear

Essential Clothing

Comfortable athletic clothing
Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with non-cotton socks
Hat
Jacket
Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures

What's Included

Included

Expert guides
Transportation
Park permits

Not Included

Meals
Gratuity for your guide

Drive to Meet

Have your own transportation? Select the "drive to meet" option at check out. You'll meet your guide at the Plattekill Travel Plaza at 8:45 AM. From there, you'll follow the van about an hour to the trailhead.

Intensity

Level 3

Easy Active - Perfect for active first timers

Level 3 trips will give you a broad sense of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

Activity

Three to five hours is standard. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles or exercising two or three days a week.

Distances

Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be hiking three to six miles on this trip, the average distance run in an hour-long basketball game.

Surfaces

You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain with bare rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.

Elevation Change

There could be up to 1,000 feet per day.

Altitude

Up to 4,500 feet.

Weather

Weather conditions can be quite different from the city in the mountainous regions we visit. Temperatures can be quite cooler as we head north or to higher elevations. Keep your eyes out for an email from our team a few days in advance of your trip. That email will provide updated weather conditions and will alert you to anything additional you should put in your pack to prepare. We head outside in any weather, as long as we know it's safe, and we don't let a little rain or wind ruin a chance for an adventure. You can contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions about preparing for trail conditions.