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Tompkin Falls

Tompkin Falls at Catskill Park near Andes, New York is a moderate 0.1-mile out-and-back hike that leads to the ~22-foot tall multi-tiered waterfall known as Tompkin Falls.

Hike Description
This hike begins along the southern side Barkaboom Road at the coordinates provided and heads down over the guardrail to find a steep dirt trail on the other side. The trail is very worn with minimal large rocks for footing as you descend this steep grade, so watch your balance and where you step. At the bottom of the trail, hikers will find Tompkin Falls which can be explored in two sections - upper and lower falls. The Upper Falls cascade is about 7-feet tall, which can be easily viewed without danger or risk. The Lower Falls portion of Tompkin Falls, however, can only be viewed from a very skinny and sketchy trail that skirts around the ledge adjacent to the waterfall. Hikers can follow this short path for as long as they wish - I followed it to get a photo of the side of Lower Falls and then turned back.

The hike back up to the road is not easy due to the steep grade, hence the moderate difficulty. Last, hikers can get a view of the waterfall from the road, located downstream, but watch the local traffic as this road is not very wide and has no turnouts.

Parking
Hikers will find parking along Barkaboom Road near the coordinates provided.

Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and should be cleaned up after.

Warning
Steep ledges: This hike includes steep ledges, so hikers should be mindful of where they walk.
Explore 6 trails near Andes, NY

Know Before You Go

  • Tompkin Falls is a short, moderate 0.1-mile out-and-back hike in Catskill Park near Andes, NY, leading to a ~22-foot multi-tiered waterfall.
  • The trail involves a steep, worn dirt path down to the falls, requiring careful footing, and a potentially risky narrow ledge for viewing the Lower Falls.
  • Hikers should be cautious of steep ledges and road traffic when viewing the falls, and dogs are allowed on a leash with cleanup required.
Interactive topographic map for Tompkin Falls located in Andes, NY. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
N / A
Difficulty
Moderate
Type
Out-and-Back
Est. Time
5 min
Elev. Gain
25'
Rating
3.0
Added
September 11, 2023
Updated
April 05, 2025

Weather Forecast

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Features

Dogs
Waterfalls
Water Source

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    42.075546, -74.764498
  2. Main Trailhead

    42.075579, -74.764546
  3. Upper Tompkin Falls

    42.075549, -74.764671
    Upper Tompkin Falls
  4. Tompkin Falls

    42.075639, -74.764693
    Tompkin Falls

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Hazards

Poison Ivy or Poison Oak
Rockfalls, Ledges, or Scrambles

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

Trip Reports (Reviews)

Rated 3.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating.

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