LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Catfish Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Catfish Falls
Catfish Falls is a small, scenic waterfall located in New York, known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty. It is a lesser-known destination, making it a peaceful spot for visitors seeking solitude.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Details about the trail leading to Catfish Falls are not well-documented. The area may feature natural terrain and could require some navigation skills.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a quiet and picturesque waterfall surrounded by natural landscapes. The area may be less developed, offering a more rustic experience.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Catfish Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Catfish Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to be higher due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be unmarked or poorly maintained. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain, bring navigation tools, and avoid visiting during inclement weather.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Black River, 12.8 miles away, not on Catfish Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
3,860 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 106 years of record
4.53 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 BLACK RIVER AT WATERTOWN NY (21 km away).
Today
Strong
4169 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
4080 cfs
9/10Sat
Strong
4203 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
4200 cfs
9/10Mon
Strong
4227 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
4206 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
4269 cfs
10/10Best window: Mon — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Depauville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Catfish Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded big river, rarely freezes solid
Catfish Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 49°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 3940 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 33 feet of drop through Catfish Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 265 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 32 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 24 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and 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
- 265 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 33 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
The exact location of Catfish Falls is not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for directions. It may be located in a remote or less-traveled area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options near the trailhead.
Elevation
269 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.139389° N, -76.067588° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the location may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and prepare for uneven terrain.
Where to Stay
All Suites Whitney Manor
Fair Wind Motel and Cottages
West Winds Motel & Cottages
1000 Islands Harbor Hotel
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 are not well-documented. Visitors may explore other natural areas in New York for additional activities.
Wildlife
The area may host typical wildlife found in New York, such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Catfish Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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