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To survey falls like these safely in winter, be sure to pack the 10 Essentials and bring traction for your feet. (Image: Diana Richards)

Regional Guide to a Winter Hiking Treat: Frozen Waterfalls

Ice falls make some of your favorite summer hiking sights look brand-new — but they take extra safety precautions to get to.

by Diana Richards
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One of my favorite winter activities is chasing the stunning and majestic frozen waterfalls around the Hudson Valley. The usually busy trails of summer become quiet and serene, and the icy views of your familiar waterfalls completely change your perspective.

When you chase frozen falls, though, you should be ready for unique challenges and have some specific gear to stay safe while exploring. Here are some essential tips to consider before heading onto a winter trail:

Know before you go: Check the weather, including windchill, and research the trail before you leave. Cell service may be spotty, and cold temperatures can drain your phone battery, so plan ahead. And it’s equally important to prepare for road conditions as for the trail, says Catskills Visitor Center manager David Hans. “Road conditions can change drastically from the Hudson River Valley up into the Catskill Mountains,” he says.

Preparing for snow and ice on both trails and roads is key to a safe outing to see ice falls. (Image: Diana Richards)

Gear up: Always pack the 10 Essentials and wear insulated, water-resistant layers. Bring insulated boots, extra gloves, and traction like microspikes or trail crampons, which Minnewaska State Park manager Jorge Gomes calls critical for navigating icy trails. If recent snowfall exceeds 6 inches, snowshoes may also be necessary to avoid post-holing, or sinking deep into the snow with every step. Because winter hiking can be more physically demanding, stay hydrated and bring extra snacks. “It’s important to give yourself extra time to complete a hike in winter as it may take longer than usual, and always pack a headlamp,” Gomes says.

Beware of possible winter trail obstacles: Some trails may be closed or roads unmaintained in winter. Depending on the trail, it may be safer to view waterfalls from the bottom, although some have viewing platforms with guardrails on the top.

Always stay on marked trails, and if conditions start to feel unsafe, turn back. “No matter the season, there’s no shame in turning around,” Hans says. “If the trail conditions look too difficult, folks don’t feel confident in the gear that they brought along, they’re starting to get too cold, or simply want to turn around, people should feel completely comfortable coming back another day when they’re a little more prepared or conditions are more favorable.”

I’ve had to make the tough call to turn around myself when my microspikes just weren’t enough to grip the thick, slippery ice. 

Once you’re prepared and ready to throw your microspikes on and hit the icy trails, here are some of my favorite scenic waterfalls to explore in the Hudson Valley during winter:

Bash Bish Falls
Bash Bish Falls State Park (Mt. Washington, Mass.)

Bash Bish Falls. (Image: Diana Richards)

Nestled on the border of New York and Massachusetts, this awe-inspiring waterfall is the highest single-drop cascade in Massachusetts, plunging about 60 feet into a crystal-clear pool. After a week of below freezing temps, the falls are particularly magical in winter when icy formations transform the landscape into a sparkling wonderland. The easiest access is from the New York parking lot, with a relatively short 1.5-mile round-trip hike along the Bash Bish Brook.

Plattekill Falls
Platte Clove Preserve (Hunter, N.Y.)

Plattekill Falls. (Image: Diana Richards)

Hiking to Plattekill Falls offers a serene escape into the heart of the Catskills. Located within a protected area managed by the Catskill Center, the falls are accessible via a short, easy trail (approximately 1/3 mile, one way), making them an excellent destination for hikers of all skill levels. Parking is limited along Platte Clove Road, so hikers should use the designated DEC parking lot located 0.2 miles east of the preserve. From November 15 to April 15, Platte Clove Mountain Road’s easterly 2.5 miles are closed to vehicles, so plan accordingly. Despite these challenges, the frozen cascades of Plattekill Falls, surrounded by snow-laden trees, create a truly unforgettable winter experience.

Awosting Falls
Minnewaska State Park (Kerhonkson, N.Y.)

Awosting Falls. (Image: Diana Richards)

Awosting Falls is a breathtaking 60-foot waterfall that plunges down Peters Kill Creek into a serene pool, surrounded by the beautiful Shawangunk Mountains. The falls are easily accessible from Minnewaska State Park’s main entrance, with ample parking available for a $10 fee. From the lower parking lot, it’s a short and relatively easy 1/2-mile hike along a gravel path. The trail offers scenic views, and in winter, the falls often freeze into an enchanting cascade of ice, making it a favorite destination for hikers of all ages and abilities.

The Falls at Shaupeneak Ridge
Esopus, (N.Y.)

The falls at Shaupeneak Ridge. (Image: Laura Memmelaar)

Shaunpeneak Ridge is a Scenic Hudson park known for vistas that stretch from the Hudson River to the Catskills — especially once the leaves fall. To begin your cold-weather adventure, park at the Old Post Road parking lot and take the White Trail. Just before you begin the steep part of the climb, to your right is the Purple Trail. This .10 mile spur will lead you directly to a waterfall. During the winter, it turns into a wide-angle freeze-frame shot of white ice against stony black steps, all with a dramatic ice cave forming behind.

Mine Kill Falls
Mine Kill State Park (North Blenheim, N.Y.)

Mine Kill Falls. (Image: Diana Richards)

Mine Kill Falls is an 80-foot cascade that flows through a narrow, picturesque gorge. Visitors can access the falls from a separate parking area located 1/4 mile south of the park’s main entrance. From here, an overlook viewing platform provides stunning views of the falls from above, perfect for those who prefer minimal hiking. A 10-minute walk along the Long Path hiking trail leads to the lower falls, offering an easy and rewarding journey to admire the frozen beauty of the falls up close.

Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Clove (Haines Falls, N.Y.)

Kaaterskill Falls. (Image: Diana Richards)

Kaaterskill Falls, one of the most iconic destinations in the Catskills, is a spectacular two-tiered waterfall dropping over 260 feet into a rocky gorge. To improve safety, the Molly Smith parking area on Route 23A in Hunter is closed. Visitors can park at the Laurel House Road, Schutt Road, or South Lake parking areas instead. From the Laurel House Road parking area, it’s a short and relatively easy walk to a viewing platform at the top of the falls, offering amazing views without the need for a strenuous hike. On single-digit days, the frozen cascades create a magical scene.

Diana Richards is a Hudson Valley-based landscape photographer, educator, and dog mama. She has volunteered with Gear Forward to help provide equitable outdoor access for underserved youth, as well as assisted the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference with trail-building. She is also education lead for the Fungi Foundation. 
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