Peter's Kill Falls

Ulster County, New York

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Ulster County, New York
Access status: Partial guide: no designated trail; off-trail stream walk and the park advises staying on trails
The walk: Scenes From The Trail gives about 3.5 miles for a loop that includes this falls; much of it is off trail
Ground & access: Off-trail walking on slanted rock slabs and faint paths, several stream crossings, and a steep hillside. Difficulty depends on water level.

Scenes From The Trail: Lower Peter's Kill Loop

Peter's Kill Falls is a chute and cascade of about 53 feet beside the ruins of a hydroelectric power house on the Peter's Kill in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. There is no designated trail to it. Scenes From The Trail describes taking the red-blazed Red Loop Footpath from the Peter's Kill Area lot to the stream, then walking upstream on rock slabs and faint paths with several stream crossings. A MidAtlantic Daytrips account says a park employee advised that Peterskill Falls is not on the park's hiking trails and recommended staying on the trails. Some sources apply the name Peter's Kill Falls to nearby Sheldon Falls.

Plan your visit

Peter's Kill Area parking lot, Red Loop Footpath down to the Peter's Kill, then off trail upstream along the stream to the power house ruins and Peter's Kill Falls

Scenes From The Trail gives approximately 3.5 miles for the full Lower Peter's Kill loop, which also passes Saw Mill Falls, Sheldon Falls and Upper Peter's Kill Falls. No separate distance is published for Peter's Kill Falls alone.

Off-trail walking on slanted rock slabs and faint paths, several stream crossings, and a steep hillside. Difficulty depends on water level.

Where to start

Peter's Kill Area lot at 5080 Route 44-55, Gardiner (about 120 spaces).

Timing & water

Park Preserve hours change by season; NY State Parks lists 9 am to 5 pm from November 1. Stream crossings are harder in high water.

Before you go

NY State Parks lists a $10 per vehicle entry fee (under 15-person capacity). Empire Pass accepted.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore New York

Waterfall location

Ulster County, New York.

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