Plattekill Falls

Plattekill Falls

Looking down stream

Amazing how these things freeze over

Must be interesting watching these things break apart.  I could hear quite a bit of cracking sounds.

This is the start/end of the trail to the base of the falls

A frozen brook just off Platte Clove Road

Lots of ice formations

No driving down Platte Clove Road today

After the real cold spell we had, I thought it'd be a great day to check out some of the waterfalls in the area.  I first stopped at Kaaterskill Falls (quite naturally) but my camera batteries died and I only carried the one in.  This was quite disappointing, since the waterfall was almost fully frozen.  It was just an amazing sight.  The walk to the falls, usually quite easy, was quite tricky.  I wore stabilicers, but I wish I had brought some poles.

Disappointed my camera died, I headed to the top of Platte Clove Road to check out Plattekill Falls.  I have been back to Plattekill Clove many times, but I have not been to Plattekill Falls since the first time I ventured all the way up the clove.  These falls are the highest major waterfall in the clove.  Arguably the most visually appealing waterfall in the Plattekill, it plunges 70 feet in one of the narrowest sections of the gorge.

Surprisingly, the trail down was not too difficult.  Also to my surprise, I could not walk out to the bottom of the falls.  Apparently enough sunlight comes in to have kept the Plattekill from fully freezing.  I could walk to the bottom of the lower falls of Kaaterskill.  Although I prefer my waterfalls flowing with water, there is something quite special about them when they are frozen.  I couldn't help but be impressed with the massive build up of ice at the bottom of the falls.  Along the sided of the waterfalls, there are large icicles formed from the rocks.  It's a beautiful winter wonderland!!!