Are there fees or permits required for Bakers Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Bakers Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Bakers Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Bakers Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,900 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Bakers Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bakers Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Bakers Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Bakers Falls

Bakers Falls is a compact, scenic cascade on the Hudson River tucked into the Village of Hudson Falls in Washington County, New York. Located right in the village, the falls are framed by riverside trees and nearby streets, making them an easy-access destination that draws photographers and locals alike. The drop provides classic Hudson River views that are especially striking during spring runoff and autumn color, offering the feel of a short urban-natural escape rather than a backcountry trek. Reaching the falls works well as a half-day outing: the commonly used route is a moderate out-and-back of about 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, so most hikers comfortable with a bit of climb will find it accessible. Because the site sits on village-managed land rather than in a national forest, there is no USFS trail number; Bakers Falls pairs nicely with a stroll through nearby historic areas and riverfront viewpoints for a compact hike-and-photo loop.

The Setting

Bakers Falls sits at 207 feet along the Hudson River, in the coastal lowlands of New York.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Buttermilk Falls (60 ft) lies 8.7 miles to the north.

Buttermilk Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back. Distance: 2.4 miles (round trip). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. Surface/grade/class: no USFS surface, grade, or classification data available — the falls are accessed via village land in Hudson Falls rather than a Forest Service trail system. Common use: short village-access hike for viewing the falls and combining with nearby riverfront walks and historic-district strolls.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a scenic view of cascading waterfalls surrounded by natural beauty. The area may be quiet and peaceful, but it is not a heavily developed tourist site.

Accessibility

The area around Bakers Falls may not be fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges, as the terrain can be uneven.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bakers Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bakers Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt and rainfall.

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 may be strong. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or icy conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

1,900 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2.0k 2.2k 3.5k 6.4k

Based on 49 years of record

20.79 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

HUDSON RIVER AT FORT EDWARD NY

USGS 01327750

1.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 2,810 sq mi

Altitude: 99 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge HUDSON RIVER AT FORT EDWARD NY (3 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

1900 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

1900 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

2066 cfs

4/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

1963 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

1952 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

2042 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

2029 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

2003 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 Hudson Falls 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.

The bare-earth surface loses about 28 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 205 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 5 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 49 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.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Bakers Falls near Hudson Falls, New York, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Bakers Falls near Hudson Falls, New York, showing about 28 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 205 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 28 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.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Bakers Falls is located in Hudson Falls, New York, near the Feeder Canal Heritage Trail. It is accessible via local roads, and the falls are visible from nearby areas.

Get Directions on Google Maps