Platte Clove Preserve
Discover stunning waterfalls and panoramic Hudson Valley views at Platte Clove Preserve, a steep but rewarding natural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery, flowing falls
Platte Clove Preserve
Best Time
Lush greenery, flowing falls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover stunning waterfalls and panoramic Hudson Valley views at Platte Clove Preserve, a steep but rewarding natural escape.
"Beautiful hidden gem with amazing waterfalls and overlooks, worth the steep drive and parking hunt. "
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is scarce! Aim for early morning to snag a spot and avoid tickets. :car:
💰 Donation for Maintenance
A $5 donation at the trailhead helps maintain this beautiful spot. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Platte Clove Falls
Main trail
Majestic waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs, especially impressive after rain or when frozen in winter.
Hudson River Valley Overlooks
Overlook trail
Panoramic vistas of the expansive Hudson River Valley, offering breathtaking views.
Frozen Winter Wonderland
Throughout the preserve
Experience the magic of frozen waterfalls and ice flows, attracting ice climbers in winter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Seasonal Beauty & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is scarce! Aim for early morning to snag a spot and avoid tickets. :car:
💰 Donation for Maintenance
A $5 donation at the trailhead helps maintain this beautiful spot. :moneybag:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially to the falls. Wear good hiking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning waterfall shots and panoramic valley overlooks. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is scarce! Aim for early morning to snag a spot and avoid tickets. :car:
💰 Donation for Maintenance
A $5 donation at the trailhead helps maintain this beautiful spot. :moneybag:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially to the falls. Wear good hiking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning waterfall shots and panoramic valley overlooks. :camerawithflash:
⚠️ Seasonal Road Access
The access road is typically open May-November due to steepness. Check local advisories. :road:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Platte Clove Preserve is lauded as a beautiful hidden gem with stunning waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Visitors appreciate the relatively short hike to the falls, though the steepness and limited, strictly enforced parking are significant drawbacks. The seasonal road access and the request for donations are also key points for planning a visit.
"Beautiful hidden gem. Just a few minutes walk from the road."
MK
"Great little jaunt in the forest, there is a $5 donation at the trailhead & very little parking to be had. The waterfalls are amazing & so are some of the outlooks onto the Hudson River valley. The road getting there to or from West Saugerties is narrow & very steep, so it is only open from May until November, I believe."
Nathan June
"Went to the waterfall with my 3-year-old. It's pretty easy, took us less than 20 min.
The parking is tricky.
We had to wait for a car to leave and it took about 15 minutes.
The park ranger drives up and down the street issuing $100 tickets. I even saw a car get towed.
Upon walking to the entry, we found a easy to use map along with spectacular views. One of the best after Katerskill.
The hiking path to waterfall was fair..a little steep but acceptable...I will be back"
Isaac K.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Platte Clove Preserve is accessible via a narrow and very steep road, typically open from May to November. The closest towns are Saugerties and Woodstock. Be prepared for a challenging drive.
No, the road is usually only open seasonally, from May until November, due to its steep and narrow nature.
The road is described as very narrow and steep, requiring careful driving.
While specific GPS coordinates are best, be aware that the road from West Saugerties is particularly steep.
Use a reliable GPS and drive cautiously, especially on the steep sections of the access road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a formal entrance fee, a $5 donation at the trailhead is requested to help with maintenance.
No advance booking is required. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, especially for parking.
The preserve is generally open during daylight hours, but access is dependent on the seasonal road opening (May-November).
You can visit in winter, but the access road may be closed or difficult to navigate. The waterfalls are spectacular when frozen.
The primary restriction is the seasonal road access and limited parking. Be mindful of parking regulations to avoid tickets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the stunning Platte Clove Falls and the panoramic overlooks of the Hudson River Valley.
The hike to the waterfall is described as pretty easy and short, taking less than 20 minutes for some visitors.
The trail to the falls is described as fair and a little steep, but acceptable. Some sections can be challenging, especially in winter conditions.
Expect spectacular views of waterfalls, ice flows in winter, and expansive vistas of the Hudson River Valley from the overlooks.
Yes, it's considered pretty easy and short enough for a 3-year-old, though supervision is always recommended on steep trails.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The base of the waterfalls offers dramatic shots, and the overlook trails provide stunning panoramic landscape photography opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the beauty of the falls and valley, minimizing harsh shadows.
Steep trails, potential slippery conditions, and limited parking can be challenges. Winter photography requires extra preparation for the cold and ice.
A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive valley views, while a telephoto can capture details of the waterfalls. Sturdy tripods are helpful for long exposures. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Parking can be a challenge, so consider visiting on a weekday or very early in the morning to avoid crowds and potential ticketing. The seasonal road access (May-November) is also important to note for planning family trips.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The overlook trails provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley, perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes.
❄️ Winter Adventurers
However, winter visits come with significant considerations. The access road may be closed or very difficult to navigate due to snow and ice. Trails can be deeply covered in snow and extremely slippery, requiring appropriate winter hiking gear, including microspikes or snowshoes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Steep Access Road
Many visitors mention the steepness as a key characteristic of the drive. It's advisable to have a vehicle in good condition and to be comfortable with driving on winding, elevated terrain. The seasonal closure is a crucial piece of information for planning your visit, ensuring you don't arrive to find the road inaccessible.
Beyond the drive itself, the steepness of the trails once you arrive is also a notable feature. While the hike to the main waterfall is relatively short, it is steep. This means that while accessible for many, it might require a bit more effort than a flat walk.
The Allure of Platte Clove Falls
During winter, the falls transform into a breathtaking spectacle of frozen ice. These frozen waterfalls and ice flows on the canyon walls attract ice climbers, showcasing a different, yet equally stunning, side of the preserve.
The accessibility of the falls, being a short walk from the road, makes them a popular and rewarding stop for many visitors, including families with young children.
Parking Pains and Preservation Donations
Adding to the parking concerns, there's a strict enforcement of parking regulations, with reports of park rangers issuing $100 tickets and even towing vehicles. This underscores the importance of finding a legal parking spot or arriving very early.
Despite the parking challenges, the beauty of the waterfalls and the scenic overlooks make the effort worthwhile for most visitors. Planning ahead and arriving early are key strategies to mitigate the parking issues and fully enjoy the preserve.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit