Kaaterskill Falls, NY

A hike along the water, through the moss covered rocky NY forest, leads to Kaaterskill Falls, a two tiered waterfall once painted by Hudson River School artists such as Thomas Cole.  The trail feels like it has been frozen in time, with the only real sign of human impact are two wooden staircases through the forest, and a few yellow markers that indicate the footpath.  Walking the trail involves climbing the slippery rock steps, navigating a web of moss covered roots, and looking around for the giant rock structures that masquerade as old abandoned ships.  The surprise at the end of the trail, is well worth the climb, as two towering waterfalls create what seems like a magical oasis in the middle of the modern world.