Carpenter Falls
New York • 90 ft
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 Carpenter Falls
Carpenter Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, near Skaneateles Lake. It is part of the Bahar Nature Preserve and features a dramatic plunge of approximately 90 feet into a gorge surrounded by lush forest.
The Setting
Carpenter Falls sits at 1,273 feet along the Grout Brook, in the foothills of New York. The falls drop 90 feet.
Height: 90 feet
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 Carpenter Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It leads to a viewing area where you can see the waterfall plunging into the gorge. The trail may be muddy or slippery after rain, so proper footwear is recommended.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 90 feet. 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 Carpenter Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Carpenter Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides lush greenery.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the edge of the gorge, as the terrain can be slippery and unstable. Stay on marked trails to avoid accidents. Be aware of ticks and other insects in the area.
Current Water Conditions
6 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 7 years of record
2.03 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 (10 km away).
Today
Low
6 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
6 cfs
5/10Thu
Low
6 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
7 cfs
4/10Sat
Moderate
7 cfs
5/10Sun
Moderate
7 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
7 cfs
5/10Best window: Thu — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
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 Melrose Park 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 160 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 90 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,284 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 68 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 103 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
- 1,284 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 160 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
Carpenter Falls is located off of Appletree Point Road in the town of Niles, New York. The trailhead is accessible via a short drive from Skaneateles or Auburn.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Parking is free.
Elevation
1,273 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.811735° N, -76.343266° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, especially if visiting after rain, as the trail can be muddy. Bring water and a camera to capture the stunning views.
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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
Savannah House Wine Country Inn & Cottages
Serenity On The Lake
41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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
Skaneateles Lake, Bahar Nature Preserve, and the town of Skaneateles with its shops and restaurants.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see wildflowers and other native plants.
Cities near Carpenter Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
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