Kaaterskill Lower Falls – Rip Van Winkle Lake loop from Lot H

The Kaaterskill Lower Falls – Rip Van Winkle Lake loop from Lot H is a challenging touring cycling route that, at 49.6 miles (79.8 km) with 3039 feet (926 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 5 hours and 4 minutes. However, it's crucial to understand that this isn't a single, officially designated touring cycling route, but rather a challenging combination of bike-friendly paths and potentially dangerous public roads. This route is best suited for experienced touring cyclists who are comfortable navigating busy roads and understand the limitations of accessing certain scenic points by bike.

What to expect on Kaaterskill Lower Falls – Rip Van Winkle Lake loop from Lot H

This route attempts to connect two distinct cycling experiences: the Kaaterskill Rail Trail and the Tannersville Bike Path, with the added ambition of reaching Kaaterskill Lower Falls. You'll find the Kaaterskill Rail Trail offers a relatively flat, scenic ride along a former railroad corridor, leading to the top of Kaaterskill Falls, New York's tallest two-tiered waterfall. The Tannersville Bike Path, on the other hand, is an easy, graded dirt path that passes directly by the tranquil Rip Van Winkle Lake. The significant challenge and effort come from connecting these segments via public roads, particularly Route 23A, which is known to be busy and lacks a safe shoulder for cyclists. Accessing the actual Kaaterskill Lower Falls involves steep, rocky hiking trails entirely unsuitable for touring bikes, so you'll need to park and walk if you wish to see the base of the falls.

Planning your visit

Given the nature of this route, careful planning is essential. While the tour name suggests a start from "Lot H," there's no consistent mention of such a central parking lot for this combined cycling loop. For the Kaaterskill Rail Trail, parking is typically available at the Mountain Top Historical Society. For the Tannersville Bike Path, you can park conveniently at Rip Van Winkle Lake. Be aware that connecting these areas will require riding on public roads, some of which are not bike-friendly. Always check local road conditions and traffic advisories, especially for Route 23A, before attempting this ride. The best time to cycle in the Catskills is generally during spring or fall for cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery, but always prioritize safety on shared roads.

Trail details

• Distance: 49.6 miles (79.8 km)
• Elevation gain: 3039 feet (926 metres)
• Difficulty: difficult
• Estimated time: 5 hours and 4 minutes