Auger Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Auger Falls
Auger Falls is a picturesque series of cascades on the Sacandaga River tucked into the Adirondack Mountains. The falls sit within the Siamese Ponds Wilderness (land unit designation: SW) and are managed and owned by SDC, so visiting feels like stepping into a quiet, protected patch of northern hardwood forest. Towering trees and mossy ledges frame several drop points, offering a variety of vantage points for photographers and anyone craving an easy taste of Adirondack river scenery. The site is popular with day hikers and nature lovers seeking a relatively short outing into wilderness surroundings without committing to a long trek. Because the falls are inside the Siamese Ponds Wilderness, expect a peaceful, undeveloped setting that rewards visitors with seasonal flow and recreational solitude rather than developed facilities.
The Setting
Auger Falls sits at 1,273 feet within Siamese Ponds Wilderness, fed by the Sacandaga River, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Auger Falls is an out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The path threads through mixed hardwood forest, generally following the Sacandaga River toward a designated viewing area at the cascades. The route is well-marked and suitable for hikers comfortable with moderate grades and uneven wooded footing; plan for a steady but not overly steep climb on the return.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Auger Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Auger Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Auger Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen cascades.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as the rocks can be slippery and the currents strong. Be prepared for muddy or wet conditions on the trail, especially after rain.
Current Water Conditions
126 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 115 years of record
1.61 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual 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 SACANDAGA RIVER NEAR HOPE NY (13 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
126 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
143 cfs
4/10Thu
Barely Flowing
143 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
155 cfs
3/10Sat
Low
161 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
167 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
165 cfs
5/10Best window: Thu — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late May, peaking in April.
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 Speculator 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 116 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,319 feet.
The ground changes about 28 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 54 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,319 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 116 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Auger Falls is located off Route 30 near Wells, New York. The trailhead is accessible via a small parking area along the road. Look for signs indicating the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it may fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,273 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.467289° N, -74.246526° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during warmer months.
Where to Stay
Rustic North Creek Getaway ~ 4 Mi to Gore Mtn!
Adirondack Waterfront Cabin Upper Hudson Tributary
River House
North Creek Chalet w/ Fire Pit Near Gore Mountain!
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 the town of Wells, NY, and other hiking trails in the Adirondack Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Auger Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Auger Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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