How to Get to Artist Falls and Covered Bridge in the Catskills

Two of my favorite things to visit are waterfalls and covered bridges. So, I was excited to have the chance to finally visit Artist Falls in the Catskills.

Artist Falls is located in Greene County a few miles outside of Cairo, NY. It can be found on the property of Winter Clover Inn, though visitors are allowed to take the short hike to check it out.

Above the waterfall, you’ll find the Alfred Clark Covered Bridge, a modern covered bridge without an authentic truss, though it’s still quite beautiful to see nevertheless.

Here’s everything you need to know to check out this incredible spot.

Parking for Artist Falls

Parking for Artist Falls can be found at the Winter Clove Inn in the mountains south of Cairo, New York. It’s also not far from the Abandoned Catskill Game Farm if you’re visiting this site.

Winter Clove Inn got its start in 1813, making it one of the oldest family-run hotels in the country. The inn looks like a lovely place to stay, but it also welcomes respectful visitors to hike its trails, including the short one to Artist Falls.

While the parking area closest to the hiking trail has a sign that it’s for registered guests only, the other parking areas here don’t seem to have that same restriction. I personally parked near the inn and walked the 100 yards down to the hiking trails.

The Winter Clove Inn can be found at the following address: 557 Winter Clove Road, Round Top, New York 12473.

The hiking trails start next to The Oaks Lodge, across the street from the outdoor swimming pool at the following coordinates: 42.241561, -74.032286.

Hiking to Artist Falls and the Alfred Clark Covered Bridge

The trails to Artist Falls and Alfred Clark Covered Bridge are quite short. In fact, you could probably hike to both in less than 5 minutes from the parking area. However, it’s worth noting that the footing is a bit tricky in places, so keep that in mind if you have trouble on uneven terrain.

I was also surprised that getting to the covered bridge was actually slightly more challenging than getting to the base of the waterfall.

At the trailhead, there is a sign that points you in two different directions depending on which spot you want to visit. I headed to the right to start my visit at the waterfall.

The trail to the base of Artist Falls is only a couple hundred feet long and shouldn’t pose a challenge to most (though, as I noted, the trail isn’t flat, so care should be taken with footing). Along the way, the trail passes an old wood mill, though that wasn’t overly interesting from the outside.

The trail ends on the left side of the stream with a side view of Artist Falls and the Alfred Clark Covered Bridge. While this isn’t the best view that can be had from near the base, it is quite striking, and the only one you’ll get without getting your feet wet (unless water levels are quite low).

If you can, carefully cross the stream to the opposite bank for the best view of Artist Falls. From this spot, you can see the chute that the water tumbles through before shooting out into the pool below the covered bridge. Note that there are signs that say “No swimming” unfortunately.

All told, Artist Falls is probably about 15 feet in total height. Despite not being the tallest waterfall in the area, the surrounding cliffs and the covered bridge make this possibly the most beautiful waterfall in Greene County not named Kaaterskill Falls.

Once you’ve finished enjoying the waterfall from its base, follow your steps back to the trailhead and take the trail to the left for the short hike to the covered bridge atop the waterfall.

This trail is also quite short, though there is a bit of a steep section to get down to the covered bridge. Fortunately, there is a railing to help along the way.

The Alfred Clark Covered Bridge was built in 1976 and is quite beautiful. However, for covered bridge enthusiasts, it’s worth noting that it does not use any of the truss systems found in authentic covered bridges.

Walking across the bridge, it’s neat to look down at the chute that the waters of Kiskatom Brook slide through before falling into the pool below.

Trails continue beyond the bridge for those looking to hike further, and there may be some tiny waterfalls further upstream, though nothing of any significant height.

Once you’re ready, simply trace your steps back to your car or hotel room at the inn.

Overall, Artist Falls is, in my mind, a must visit spot when exploring the Catskills. It is both easy to reach and stunningly beautiful, making it one of my favorite spots that I’ve uncovered in the region.

Looking for more places to visit nearby? Check out Olana State Historic Site, the Hannacroix Creek Preserve, and Woodstock Waterfall Park.