Arkwright Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
About Arkwright Falls
Arkwright Falls is a tucked-away cascade set in a quiet hardwood forest in Chautauqua County, New York. The falls sit just outside the small town of Arkwright (2020 population: about 1,000), which was named for spinning-machine inventor Richard Arkwright; the area lies in the northeastern quadrant of Chautauqua County, southeast of the city of Dunkirk. After heavy rain or spring runoff the creek swells and the multi-tiered drop becomes especially photogenic, while drier spells leave a gentler, more intimate woodland scene.
The Setting
Arkwright Falls sits at 1,191 feet along the Canadaway Creek, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Distance: ~2.4 miles round-trip. Elevation gain: ~350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. There is no documented USFS trail name, number, surface, or class for this route, so expect natural, unpaved footing—roots, rocks, and some short steep sections are common. The path can be rustic and partially unmarked in places; wear sturdy footwear, allow extra time for route-finding, and carry a map or GPS device.
What to Expect
Expect a quiet, natural setting with a small waterfall that may vary in flow. The area is not heavily trafficked, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. However, the lack of formal trails or signage may make access challenging.
Accessibility
The site is not known to have any accessibility features. The terrain may be uneven and challenging for those with mobility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Arkwright Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Arkwright Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and after heavy rains are the best times to visit, as the waterfall's flow is likely to be stronger.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution due to the lack of formal trails and signage. Slippery rocks and uneven terrain may pose hazards. Always let someone know your plans before visiting remote areas.
Current Water Conditions
7 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 9 years of record
1.87 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CANADAWAY CREEK AT FREDONIA NY (9 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
3/10Mon
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
3/10Fri
Low
10 cfs
4/10Best window: Tue — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late March, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Cassadaga hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 149 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,191 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 202 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 132 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,191 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 149 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Arkwright Falls is located near the town of Arkwright in Chautauqua County, New York. Access is typically via local roads, but specific directions may vary. Visitors should consult local maps or GPS for the most accurate route.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is limited and may be informal. Visitors should look for safe pull-off areas along nearby roads.
Hours
Elevation
1,191 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.392216° N, -79.268713° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check weather conditions before visiting, as the flow of the waterfall depends on recent rainfall. Wear sturdy footwear and bring a map or GPS device, as trails may not be clearly marked.
Where to Stay
The White Inn
Quality Inn Dunkirk
Cattaraugus, Home sweet home!
Cattaraugus, Small town get-away!
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Lake Erie and other natural areas in Chautauqua County, such as Canadaway Creek and the Chautauqua Gorge.
Wildlife
The area may host a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings.
Cities near Arkwright Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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