Cascade Falls waterfall
Nearby gauge (Oatka Creek) · 8 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Cascade Falls

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
1.
@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr
3.
@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr
4.
@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr
5.
@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. It is part of the Cascade Mountain area and is a popular stop for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The falls are known for their scenic beauty and are often visited in conjunction with hikes to Cascade Mountain or nearby trails.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Cascade Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It winds through a wooded area and leads to a viewing point near the falls. The trail may be muddy or icy depending on the season, so proper 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 Cascade Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Cascade Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Cascade 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 can be slippery, especially after rain or during winter. Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks may be wet and unstable. Always stay on marked trails.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Oatka Creek, 5.9 miles away, not on Cascade Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

8 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 62 years of record

3.30 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 04230380
5.9 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 40 sq mi
Altitude: 987 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge OATKA CREEK AT WARSAW NY (9 km away).

High confidence
Moderate right now
8 cfs
→ Holding steady
38465050504238TodayTomorrowFriSatSunMonTue

Today

Moderate

8 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

10 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

9 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

8 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

10 cfs

6/10

Mon

Moderate

10 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

11 cfs

8/10

Best window: Mon — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to early 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 Wyoming hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Cascade Falls Frozen?

Updated about 9 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded

Cascade Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°F to 40°F.

Days below freezing
0 of the last 14
Current cold streak
0 days
Freezing days ahead
0 of the next 7
Flow
8 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in New York.

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 72 feet through Cascade Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,152 feet.

The ground changes about 29 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 28 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Cascade Falls near Wyoming, New York, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Cascade Falls near Wyoming, New York, showing about 72 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northeast
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation
1,152 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 72 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
Northeast
Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Cascade Falls is located near Route 73 in the Adirondack Park, close to the trailhead for Cascade Mountain. The falls can be accessed via a short hike from the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available along Route 73, but it can be limited, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

1,125 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.822839° N, -78.099733° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, especially in wet or icy conditions. Bring water and a camera to capture the scenery.

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Cascade Mountain, Pitchoff Mountain, and other Adirondack hiking trails are located nearby.

Wildlife

The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.

Cities near Cascade Falls

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