Viola Falls

Greene County, New York

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 30 ft (9 m)
Location: Greene County, New York
Access status: Forest Preserve trail past Poet's Ledge; about 3.7 miles one way
The walk: About 3.7 miles one way
Ground & access: Steady climb of about 1,600 feet on rocky trail. Mossy, slippery rocks at the falls; the way down to the base on the east side is steep. A 30-foot drop opens between rocks at Poet's Ledge. Bears are active here.

Viola Falls is a plunge of about 36 feet in Hillyer Ravine on the south rim of Kaaterskill Clove. From the Harding Road Parking Area, walk west on NY 23A to Malden Avenue and follow the trail past the barriers. Look for the Long Path marker and walk up the dirt driveway past a metal gate; the first part of the route crosses private land on the marked trail before reaching state land. Climb the escarpment past views to the junction at mile 2.63, go right on the yellow trail to Poet's Ledge at mile 3.07, and continue to the top of Viola Falls at mile 3.74. The trail runs across the top of the falls. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

DEC Harding Road Parking Area off NY 23A in Palenville, Malden Avenue, Long Path up the escarpment, yellow trail past Poet's Ledge to the top of Viola Falls

Catskill Mountaineer gives Viola Falls at mile 3.74 and the return to NY 23A at mile 7.48. DEC gives the Poet's Ledge trail as 3.6 miles with 1,661 feet of climb.

Steady climb of about 1,600 feet on rocky trail. Mossy, slippery rocks at the falls; the way down to the base on the east side is steep. A 30-foot drop opens between rocks at Poet's Ledge. Bears are active here.

Where to start

DEC Harding Road Parking Area off NY 23A in Palenville, coordinates 42.176236, -74.030495. Do not park at the trailhead, on Malden Avenue or by the red building next to the bridge, and do not drive up the private dirt road.

Timing & water

Catskill Mountaineer names the falls for violets that bloom in late October and early November. Flow is low.

Before you go

No fee is mentioned.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore New York

Waterfall location

Greene County, New York.

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