Bear 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
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Bear Falls
Bear Falls is a small, photogenic cascade tucked into a quiet, forested pocket of upstate New York. Framed by mature woodland, the falls offer a peaceful, intimate setting where leaf-canopied banks and the sound of plunging water reward a short walk—an ideal stop for photographers, families, and anyone after a quick nature escape. Access is straightforward: a brief, well-marked route leads to close-up views without a strenuous climb. The hike to the falls is an easy 1.0-mile out-and-back with about 200 feet of elevation gain, making it a convenient outing for casual hikers and those looking for a short, restorative forest stroll.
The Setting
Bear Falls sits at 1,112 feet along the Tuscarora Creek, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail length: 1.0 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 200 feet. Difficulty: Easy. The approach follows a forested tread that maintains a generally gentle grade, suitable for most hikers and families. Some sections may be uneven or narrow, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Trail type: out-and-back.
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 Bear Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bear Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain or during wet conditions. Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slick. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
18 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 25 years of record
2.65 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge TUSCARORA CREEK ABOVE SOUTH ADDISON NY (3 km away).
Today
Roaring
20 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
17 cfs
8/10Wed
Roaring
25 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
25 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
22 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
19 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
17 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late April, 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 Elkland 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 162 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,112 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 104 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 67 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls 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
- 1,112 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 162 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
Bear Falls is located within a forested area in New York. Specific directions may vary depending on the trailhead used, so it is recommended to consult local maps or AllTrails for precise navigation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability may vary depending on the trailhead. Some areas may have small parking lots or roadside parking.
Elevation
1,112 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.073407° N, -77.267478° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be uneven in places. Bug spray is recommended during warmer months.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This easy 1.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn Corning/Painted Post
Quality Inn Corning
Fairfield Inn Corning Riverside
Staybridge Suites Corning by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
SOUTH SHORE RECREATION AREA
7.5 miles away · 3 sites
Overview South Shore Recreation Area is located on the south side of the Cowanesque Lake along State Route 49, just five miles west of Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. The area is easily accessible from Route 15 and offers a great location for boating, picnicking and fishing.Recreation Cowanesque Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities including boating and fishing. A variety of native fish inhabits the area's streams and lakes. The North and South Tailrace areas provide access for fishing below
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and small towns with local shops and restaurants.
Wildlife
The area around Bear Falls is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.
Cities near Bear Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Bear Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
Writing about Bear Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.