LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Basford Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Basford Falls
Basford Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in the Adirondack region of New York. It is part of the Sacandaga River and is known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is limited information about a formal trail to Basford Falls. Visitors may need to navigate through unmarked paths or along the riverbank to reach the falls. The terrain may be uneven and require caution.
What to Expect
Expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by forested areas. The falls are part of the Sacandaga River and may vary in flow depending on the season and recent rainfall.
Accessibility
The falls are not known to be wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and lack of formal trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Basford Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Basford Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, 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
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks and fast-moving water. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Oswegatchie River, 8.2 miles away, not on Basford Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
299 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 83 years of record
2.56 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 OSWEGATCHIE RIVER NEAR OSWEGATCHIE NY (13 km away).
Today
Roaring
323 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
307 cfs
8/10Sat
Roaring
292 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
326 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
337 cfs
9/10Tue
Strong
323 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
325 cfs
10/10Best window: Tue — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early 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 Star Lake hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Basford Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Basford Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 45°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 265 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in New York.
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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 58 feet through Basford Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 878 feet.
The ground changes about 23 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 9 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 878 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 58 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Basford Falls is located near the town of Wells, New York, along the Sacandaga River. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or maps to navigate to the area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking may be available in small pull-off areas near the falls, but there is no designated parking lot. Visitors should ensure they are not blocking roads or private property.
Elevation
860 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.340340° N, -75.057977° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain may be uneven or slippery. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, and be cautious of wet rocks near the falls.
Where to Stay
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Canton
Camp Lake Bear
Best Western University Inn
Windjammer Lodge
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
The town of Wells and the surrounding Adirondack region offer additional hiking trails, lakes, and scenic spots.
Wildlife
The area may feature common Adirondack wildlife such as deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Basford Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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