Are there fees or permits required for Hardenburgh Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Hardenburgh Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Hardenburgh Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Hardenburgh Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Hardenburgh Falls near North Blenheim, New York, showing about 113 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northeast

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 44 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Hardenburgh Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hardenburgh Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Hardenburgh Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Hardenburgh Falls

Hardenburgh Falls is a small, picturesque waterfall on Bear Kill in Delaware County, New York. Tucked west of Grand Gorge along NY‑23, the falls sit in a quietly wooded stretch of the Catskills and offer a peaceful spot for photographers and hikers looking for a short natural outing. The stream-carved ravine and cascading water make for classic upstate scenery without the crowds of larger park attractions. The hike to the falls is a compact, moderately rated outing: an out-and-back totaling about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain. That manageable distance and gain make Hardenburgh Falls a rewarding half-day trip for those exploring the western Catskills — bring sturdy footwear and a camera to enjoy the best views along Bear Kill.

The Setting

Hardenburgh Falls sits at 1,145 feet along the Bear Kill, in the foothills of New York.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Mine Kill Falls (80 ft) lies 6.4 miles to the north.

Mine Kill Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Out-and-back trail (2.4 miles round-trip) with approximately 350 ft of elevation gain; rated moderate. The route leads from a roadside access point along NY‑23 west of Grand Gorge and follows a forested approach down to Bear Kill and the falls. Footing can be uneven in places—roots, rocks, and some steeper sections are common—so wear appropriate footwear and plan for a steady but relatively short hike.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with a small waterfall surrounded by forested areas. The falls may be more impressive during the spring or after heavy rains.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hardenburgh Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Hardenburgh Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is higher during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks and uneven terrain near the falls. Always stay on marked paths if available and avoid venturing too close to the water's edge.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 42 minutes ago Strong

44 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1 2 27 83

Based on 27 years of record

3.69 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

BEAR KILL NEAR PRATTSVILLE NY

USGS 01350035

0 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 26 sq mi

Altitude: 1,157 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BEAR KILL NEAR PRATTSVILLE NY (0 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

45 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

45 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

26 cfs

8/10

Wed

Roaring

45 cfs

8/10

Thu

Roaring

38 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

33 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

30 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

30 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, areas of fog then mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early May, peaking in April.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near North Blenheim hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 113 feet of drop through Hardenburgh Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,166 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 21 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 27 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Hardenburgh Falls near North Blenheim, New York, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,166 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 113 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Hardenburgh Falls is located near the town of Hardenburgh in Ulster County, New York. The falls can be accessed via local roads, but specific directions may vary depending on your starting point. It is recommended to use a GPS or map for navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability near Hardenburgh Falls is limited and may consist of roadside parking. Visitors should ensure they are parked legally and not obstructing traffic.