Two More Accidents at Kaaterskill Falls Over the Weekend

Last fall, right around Thanksgiving I think, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation announced the completion of $750,000 of safety improvements at Kaaterskill Falls including a 115-foot hiking bridge, a new foot trail from the end of Kaaterskill Falls Trail, and a fully accessible trail leading to an overlook platform at the top of the falls.

While we know that not everyone reads signs and obeys them, the DEC strongly urged all visitors to obey the signs and stay on designated trails. Something went wrong this weekend, however, as two accidents within an hour had DEC agents coming to the rescue of 2 individuals.

According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, around 1 pm on Sunday, DEC officers received a call about a 26-year-old woman who had fallen about 80 feet, suffering head trauma as well as other injuries. She reportedly was hiking along the base of Katerskill Falls on, what was later determined to be, an undesignated trail. She was airlifted to Albany Med. where she was listed in fair condition.

About an hour later, DEC officers received another call involving a 27-year-old man who had been ice climbing in Platte Cove and fell approximately 50 feet, suffering head and back injuries. Some of the rangers who had been on the first call, also responded to this accident. He was walked out with assistance and transported to Albany Med. as well.

These accidents occurred within 5 miles of each other and are both being investigated by the DEC.