Fawns Leap

Please be respectful if visiting this local swimming hole. Pack out what you pack in, carry out others' trash, and familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles. 

Hidden in the Catskill Mountains is one of the coolest cliff jumping locations I have ever been to. The first time I went was a failed attempt on finding the legendary cliff called Fawns Leap. On my second trip, I didn't want it to be another failed attempt so I decided to just hike and wade all the way up the stream.

From Palenville, NY drive up scenic rt23A until you cross a bridge. Shortly after the bridge there is street parking on the right. Walk down hill back toward the bridge. When approaching the first small bend, look over the guardrail and down the hill and you should see it. You can't see it from driving on the street because of the drop off.

Looking straight ahead from the bottom of the waterfall there is a path that leads up to the left that has a rope to help walk up the steep hill. You can jump from the sides or from right over the waterfall into the clear mountain water.

I always recommend bringing a pair of goggles to any cliff jumping spot so you can swim in and check the water before you jump. Make sure its deep enough and there is no debris (logs, rocks, etc.) in the water. Fawns Leap is probably about 12-15 deep and is suitable for its cliff height.

A little up the road is Kaaterskill Falls - a massive double waterfall that you can swim in as well. I recommend checking that out while you're there!

Have fun and be safe! Bring an extra trash bag to pack out what others may have left.