|
Information about Five Cascades Waterfalls: |
| Name: Five Cascades Falls |
| County: Greene |
| Region: Kaaterskill Clove |
| Location: West side Kaaterskill Creek |
| Order within ravine: 1-8 of 10drops (1=highest elevation) |
| Drops within waterfall: 5 |
| Total Height: 369' (estimates from the 1800's place it at 475' to 500', but topo maps show otherwise) |
| Top Elevation: 1,809' (GPS in 2011) |
| Bottom Elevation: 1,440' (GPS in 2012) |
| Type of Waterfall: plunge & cascades |
| Number of Drops: 8 |
| GPS location: N 42 11.520, W 74 05.328 |
| WGS84 location: 42.192, -74.0888 |
| Deg, Min, Sec: N42 11 31, W74 05 19 |
| UTM location: 18N 575236, 4671496 |
| Previous or Alternate Names: none |
| Description: The Five Cascades gets it's name from the 5 cascades you can see from the base. But, the Five Cascades includes Haines Falls at the top, followed by two higher waterfalls, and finally 5 cascades at the bottom. These waterfalls are VERY dangerous to climb, and the owner of the falls forbids people from climbing, and will not grant permission to visit or climb it. This waterfall is located on Private Land. |
| Hiking Distance: 1-2 miles (one-way) from Rip's Lookout (Molly Smith). This is the parking lot just above Bastion Falls. Hike down the steep bank. There is a small trail on the south side. Then follow old Rt 23a (Rip Van Winke Turnpike). Then leave the trail and hike towards the Kaaterskill Creek. Then climb above Delmura Falls. |
| Best time to Visit: You cannot climb this waterfall - It is on PRIVATE LAND - But, you can visit the base of the Falls. |
| Map No: USGS: Kaaterskill Quad |
| Digital Mapper:
Topo
Terrain
Satellite |
|
Maps, Profile, and GPS files |
 |
|
|
Comments about this Hike |
The Five Cascades gets it's name from the 5 cascades you can see from the base of the falls. In reality, the Five Cascades includes the 5 cascades you can see from the base plus the two drops above the 5 cascades at the base plus Haines Falls. In all, there are about 8 drops that make up the falls. In all, the 8 drops make up about 400' high.
Back in the 1800's during the Romantic Period, artist used to climb the Five Cascades the dangerous way. They had ropes, ladders, and steps cut in the rock. Later in the 1800's, during the Hotel Period, they had a complete set of stair all the way down the Five Cascades. Today, there are NO stairways, ladders, ropes, or steps cut into the rock. Most of the critical steps in the rocks have broken away. Today it is extremely dangerous to go up into the Five Cascades. The spray of the water coats the rocks, and the rocks are extremely slippery and dangerous. We cannot over emphasize the dangers of these waterfalls. A couple of years ago, an experienced rock climber fell in the Five Cascades and was killed. The owners of the Five Cascades absolute forbid anyone from climbing in or near the Five Cascades, and you cannot get permission under any circumstances. But, you can get near the base of the Five Cascades and view the cascades from NYS land.
Back 100 years ago there was a trail on the north side of Haines Falls. This trail would take you from the base of Haines Falls to the top of the falls. This trail was steep and dangerous. But, over the years, the terrain has changed dramatically. This trail is now gone. Towards the base of Haines Falls, the rocks have been washed away leaving a 50' cliff with an extremely steep access to the cliff. Do NOT attempt to take this trail. It will result in your death. Additionally, Twilight Park has an employee near the top of the falls. If caught accessing their property, expect to be arrested.
It should be noted that Artist and hikers of the 1800's sensationalized the Five Cascades and the Kaaterskill Clove to attract more visitors to the region. Because of paintings and descriptions like Thomas Cole and Rusk, the Kaaterskill Clove was one of the premier spots for vacations in the 1800's and early 1900's. Visitors in the 1800's had nice stairways to walk down safely. Today, none of the conveniences still exist. In our opinion, the Five Cascades are not as spectacular as described in the past.
NOTICE: You cannot get permission to access the Five Cascades, Haines Falls, Santa Cruz Falls, or anywhere on Twilight Park property. You will be arrested if you are caught trespassing. |
|
Pictures of Five Cascades Waterfalls |
 |
View of the Five Cascades Waterfall from the base
Historic Photo by Detroit Photograp Co |
 |
Post Card of the Five Cascades.
Historic Photo Post Card |
 |
Drawing of the Five Cascades.
Historic Drawing |
 |
Photo of the Five Cascades at Low Water.
This is the easy section, which isn't very easy to climb |
 |
Photo of the Five Cascades.
This is the easy section - Very slippery |
|
|
S E C T I O N S
|
W E A T H E R
|
O T H E R
|
|
