Adirondack Waterfall Hikes

Waterfall Hikes

Hike to secret waterfalls in the woods

Go with the flow

Adirondack beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and our waterfalls are no exception. As the winter snowpack melts, the ice sculptures unlock to reveal crashing torrents at the height of their beauty. Sure, waterfalls are stunning year-round, but you haven't seen anything until you've seen them at their springtime peak.

In the Adirondacks you'll find a water-lover's buffet of sites to behold, ranging from easily accessible to a difficult hike, gently tumbling falls to steep plunges. The intimidating sounding Death Falls in Raquette Lake is actually nothing to be afraid of! The walk to the falls only takes about five minutes and the falls themselves are 70 feet high, tumbling down a stair-like series of rock ledges. In Wells, a visit to the West Branch of the Sacandaga River and Cold Brook Falls is achieved by a 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. The reward is two separate falls in a gorge that is incredibly beautiful and well worth the effort.

Take the Waterfall Challenge

The best way to see all of our waterfalls is to knock them out one by one. Start by downloading the Waterfall Challenge guide, which will tell you all about some of the best falls in the area. You'll find easy-to-reach roadside cascades and out-of-the-way backcountry tumblers, each assigned with a points rating. If you visit enough to earn 12 points, send in the form to receive a commemorative Hamilton County waterfall patch as a token of your accomplishment.

Leave No Trace

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Learn the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

This falls is located on the south end of Indian Lake, best reached by canoe from the Indian Lake Islands DEC boat launch. It's a...
State Route 30
Indian Lake Islands DEC boat launch
Sabael
12864
  
Not to be confused with the waterfall in Ithaca, New York by the same name, this Buttermilk Falls is a highly popular short hike...
North Point Road
Long Lake
12847
  
Also known as Hope Falls, Tenant Creek Falls is a series of falls along a creek. This hike is part of the Waterfall Challenge. Key...
Hope Falls Road
Wells
12190
  
Don't be afraid of the name. This short hike is an excellent destination hike for the entire family. This hike is part of the...
Route 28
Raquette Lake
13436
  
If you want adventure off the main, beaten path, this may be the hike for you! But please be cautious: this narrow and obscure herd...
Twitchell Road
Inlet
13360
  
There is a small cascading waterfall formed from a small stream that begins at the outlet of Buckhorn Lake. The hike in to the...
Route 8
Arietta
‎12139
  
The scenic trail to secluded Jockeybush Lake in Ferris Lake Wild Forest follows a stream and passes by several small cascades and a...
Route 10
Arietta
‎12139
  
This is a rugged hike over uneven terrain to the West Branch Gorge, and is recommended in mid-summer when the water levels are low...
West River Road
Wells
12190
  
Enjoy an 8 foot cascading waterfall on the East Branch of the Sacandaga River. This scenic spot features several drops and many...
Route 8
Wells
12190
  
OK Slip Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the Adirondacks. In the summer of 2014, a new trail to the falls opened, making...
Route 28
Indian Lake
12842
  
Jimmy Creek contains 2 lovely, small waterfalls and both are a short walk in from Route 8. This falls is very picturesque for its...
Route 8
Wells
12190
  
This very small and easily accessible Adirondack hiking gem sits right along the eastern (right) side of the road if traveling from...
Route 30
Speculator
12164
  
So close the falls can be heard from the parking area. From Route 30, just east of the village of Speculator, these falls are...
Route 30
Speculator
12164
  
On this walk you'll find a series of falls flowing along the trail, which is surrounded by a white cedar and hemlock forest. The...
Limekiln Lake Road
Inlet
13360
  
This wonderful hike has it all: beautiful scenery, a spectacular waterfall, and tons of history. A visit to Cascade Falls will take...
Big Moose Road
Inlet
13360
  
Squaw Brook Falls is a small roadside waterfall located in a rocky gorge formed on the Squaw Brook. Land surrounding the falls is...
State Route 30 South
Indian Lake
12842
  
This fairly level walk takes you along an old dirt road to a small 4-foot cascade on a medium size stream along the Northville-...
Benson Road
Benson
12134
  
Also known as Potholers, the area surrounding Bray House Falls is a beautiful spot for a picnic and is easily accessed via a short...
Powley Road
Arietta
‎12139
  
This area is ripe with hiking opportunities, especially ones that take you along the scenic Sacandaga River! Auger Flats is the...
Route8/30
Wells
12190
  
This short hike is perfect, especially during the splendor of fall. The Falls Pond and West Canada Wilderness Area trailhead has a...
Otter Brook Road
Inlet
13360
  
These falls are unique and not often visited. Here, you’ll only find the peaceful sound of water rushing the falls. The views...
Route 56
Cranberry Lake
12927
  
Austin Falls is a long, sliding waterfall, that's surrounded by beautiful rock formations and does not require a long hike to reach...
Wells
12190
  
There are a series of 3 waterfalls along the Groff Creek, all of which take some extra effort to see. The first 2 are more...
768-812 River Rd
Hope
12134
  

Dead Vly

Route 8
Lake Pleasant
12108
(518) 548-3076
  

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