Bucktail Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Bucktail Falls
Bucktail Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Catskill region of New York. It is a lesser-known gem, offering visitors a serene and natural setting to enjoy the beauty of cascading water. The falls are surrounded by lush forest, making it a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Bucktail Falls sits at 889 feet along the Grout Brook, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Bucktail Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It winds through a wooded area and leads directly to the base of the falls. The path may be uneven in some spots, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bucktail Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bucktail Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Bucktail Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution near the water and avoid climbing on wet rocks. Cell phone service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
7 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 7 years of record
2.05 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
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 GROUT BROOK NEAR FAIR HAVEN NY (9 km away).
Today
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
7 cfs
8/10Wed
Roaring
7 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
6 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
7 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
7 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
7 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 March.
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 Fairmount 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 143 feet through Bucktail Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 929 feet.
The ground changes about 30 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 49 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 929 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 143 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bucktail Falls is located near the town of Andes, New York, in the Catskill Mountains. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or maps to navigate to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is limited and may be located along the roadside or at a small pull-off near the trailhead. Visitors should ensure they are not blocking traffic or private property.
Elevation
889 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.822290° N, -76.241318° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit after a period of rain for the best water flow. Bring sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or uneven. Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces are limited.
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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. 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
Benn Conger Inn
3BR/2BA Lakehouse 10 min to town
Quality Inn Tully I-81
Holiday Inn Express - Cortland 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
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The town of Andes offers charming shops and cafes. Other nearby attractions include hiking trails in the Catskill Mountains and scenic drives through the region.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Bucktail Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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