Beaver Meadows Falls
New York • 60 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Beaver Meadows Falls
Beaver Meadows Falls is a picturesque 60-foot cascade tucked into the Adirondack High Peaks region of New York, part of the Ausable River system and a favorite stop for hikers exploring the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). The falls spill over a rocky cliff into a forested gorge, offering classic Adirondack scenery and seasonal flow that makes it especially striking in spring and after heavy rains. The falls and approach lie within the Adirondack Mountain Reserve Easement on private land (designation: FORE) and are managed by SDC. Access is straightforward from the AMR parking area, making Beaver Meadows Falls an accessible outing for day hikers who want a moderate, rewarding walk into classic High Peaks woods.
The Setting
Beaver Meadows Falls sits at 1,896 feet within Adirondack Mountain Reserve Easement, fed by the Vanderwhacker Brook Trib, in the hills of New York. The falls drop 60 feet.
Height: 60 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 3.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Beaver Meadows Falls begins at the AMR parking lot and follows the Lake Road for most of the 3.5-mile out-and-back route. The well-maintained route gains about 500 feet overall and is rated moderate; it features a generally gradual incline with a short, slightly steeper final approach to the falls. Expect forested singletrack and road sections, scenic views of the surrounding woods and occasional glimpses of the Ausable River as you near the 60-foot cascade.
What to Expect
The falls drop 60 feet. 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 Beaver Meadows Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
Permit required
A reservation is required to access the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) trail system. Reservations can be made online through the AMR website.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Beaver Meadows Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Beaver Meadows Falls is in the spring when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt, or in the fall when the surrounding foliage is vibrant with autumn colors.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 15.1 miles away
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
0.54 ft
Water depth at gauge
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge VANDERWHACKER BROOK TRIB 1 NEAR BOREAS RIVER NY (24 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
3/10Sat
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
3/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly 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 Mineville 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 65 feet of drop through Beaver Meadows Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. That agrees with the listed height of 60 feet. The brink sits at about 1,898 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 26 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 168 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, 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
- 1,898 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 65 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- 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 north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Beaver Meadows Falls is accessed via the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) property. Visitors must park at the designated lot near the Ausable Club in St. Huberts, New York, and follow the Lake Road trail to reach the falls. Note that a reservation is required to access the AMR trail system.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the AMR lot near the Ausable Club. Parking is limited, and reservations are required during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,896 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.129219° N, -73.815694° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Make a reservation in advance to secure access to the AMR trail system. Arrive early to ensure parking availability. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven in places. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Bug spray is recommended during the summer months.
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With 3.5 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Lake Placid Inn Boutique Hotel
Lake Placid Inn: Main Street
Grandview Lake Placid
Lake Placid Inn: Residences
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 Rainbow Falls, Lower Ausable Lake, and the many hiking trails in the Adirondack High Peaks region.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for birds such as woodpeckers and warblers.
Cities near Beaver Meadows Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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