Mine Kill Falls Hike

Nestled within the western side of New York's Catskills near Gilboa, New York sits the 80-foot tall, multi-tier waterfall known as Mine Kill Falls within Mine Kill State Park.

This short, but moderate 0.9-mile out-and-back hike leads visitors to a viewing platform where you'll find Upper and Middle Mine Kill Falls as they swoop through the gorge before following a trail to the base of the 80-foot tall Mine Kill Falls. A great hike for the whole family!

Exploring Mine Kill Falls

This hike begins at the main parking lot located just off of NY-30 where visitors will find a trailhead with an information kiosk on the far side of the parking lot. The hike starts here. Follow the gravel pathway as it heads toward Mine Kill Gorge where you'll come across a fork in the trail just a stone's throw from the parking lot. Keep left here to head toward a viewing platform for Upper and Middle Mine Kill Falls.

Upper & Middle Falls - Mile 0.12

As you follow the trail out to reach an overlook above the gorge, hikers will find an enclosed series of stairs that reaches the edge of the gorge near mile 0.12. Here, you'll find an upstream view of Mine Kill Creek with Upper Mine Kill Falls cascading down the bedrock, located under the NY-30 bridge.

Just below your feet, however, sits Middle Mine Kill Falls, another waterfall that plummets its way through the Mine Kill Gorge. Both waterfalls here are difficult to view and photograph, but are still worth a few extra minutes of your time to explore. While you appreciate the tumbling waters, you might even notice nearby shale ledges with carpet-like moss clinging to its slopes.

Hike to Mine Kill Falls - Mile 0.18 to 0.5

After exploring the Upper and Middle Mine Kill Falls, the next stop is the base of the namesake 80-foot tall waterfall, Mine Kill Falls. Head back to the trail junction and take another left-hand turn to follow the turquoise blazes of the Long Path as it leads downhill through an open eastern hemlock forest. Along the hike down, you'll find large old-growth eastern hemlock trees, a wide open forest, and the sound of Mine Kill Falls plummeting through the gorge. Keep left at each turn to reach the very base of Mine Kill Falls where you'll find its multi-tiered cascades roaring through Mine Kill Gorge. The best views of the 80-foot waterfall are from just downstream along the creek banks. If you show up after a heavy rainfall, you might even find a secondary waterfall trickling down the shale bedrock of the cliffs overhead.

Hiking Out - Mile 0.5 to 0.9

Once you're done exploring the base of Mine Kill Falls, the hike back to parking is straight forward but virtually all uphill. Follow the turquoise blazes of the Long Path as it ascends through the eastern hemlock forest to return back at parking near mile 0.9.

Parking

Hikers will find a small parking lot at the coordinates provided, located on the east side of NY-30: 42.426743, -74.472655. The lot is large enough to fit about 1 dozen vehicles as of June 2026.

Pets

Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.

Warning

Steep cliffs: This hike leads to steep cliffs with sheer drop-offs. While the park features fences that run along Mine Kill Gorge, please stay on the safe side of the fence at all times for your own safety.