LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Bushnell Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
6.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
700 ft
About Bushnell Falls
Bushnell Falls tumbles along Johns Brook in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks, offering a classic mountain cascade set among mossy ledges and dense spruce-fir forest. Nestled within the High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondack Park, the falls sit on land owned and managed by SDC (Designation: SW), and the setting has the secluded, rugged character that draws hikers exploring the Johns Brook Valley. Most visitors reach the falls via the Johns Brook Trail; the cascade is reached after roughly 3.4 miles from the standard trailhead and makes for a tranquil turnaround point to rest, photograph the pools and enjoy the sound of rushing water. The approach is moderate and popular with both day hikers and backpackers exploring the High Peaks region, with enough rocky ledges and shaded benches to make it a rewarding stop on a longer outing.
The Setting
Bushnell Falls sits at 2,703 feet within High Peaks Wilderness, fed by the Vanderwhacker Brook Trib, in the hills of New York.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Beaver Meadows Falls (60 ft) lies 3.5 miles to the east.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 6.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 700 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail name: Johns Brook Trail. Route type: Out-and-back. Distance: 6.8 miles round-trip (about 3.4 miles one-way to Bushnell Falls). Elevation gain: approximately 700 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. Surface and character: natural footpath through forest with occasional rocky and rooty sections; the grade is generally gentle to moderate in places. Class: non-technical hiking suitable for hikers with moderate experience.
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 Bushnell Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bushnell Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Bushnell Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the waterfall flow is strong. Fall offers stunning foliage views, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in the Adirondacks. The trail can be muddy or icy depending on the season. Carry a map, and let someone know your hiking plans. Watch for slippery rocks near the falls.
Current Water Conditions
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 9 years of record
0.54 ft
Water depth at gauge
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 VANDERWHACKER BROOK TRIB 1 NEAR BOREAS RIVER NY (24 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
0 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
3/10Sat
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Best window: Wed — 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 Lake Placid 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 117 feet through Bushnell Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 2,704 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 125 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 119 feet in the 500 feet below it. 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
- 2,704 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 117 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
Bushnell Falls is accessed via the Johns Brook Trail, which begins at the Garden Trailhead in Keene Valley, New York. The trailhead is located off Adirondack Street, and parking is available at the Garden Parking Lot.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Garden Parking Lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak hiking seasons. A shuttle service may be available during busy times.
Elevation
2,703 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.145607° N, -73.882087° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking at the Garden Trailhead. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky and muddy in places. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 6.8 miles and 700 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.
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.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the High Peaks Wilderness Area, Johns Brook Lodge, and other hiking trails leading to peaks such as Mount Marcy and Gothics.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of black bears and store food properly.
Cities near Bushnell Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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