Childs Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Childs Falls
Childs Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Catskill Mountains of New York. It is part of the scenic Platte Clove Preserve, an area known for its rugged beauty and numerous waterfalls. The falls are surrounded by dense forest and rocky terrain, offering a serene and natural setting.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 1.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Childs Falls is relatively short but can be challenging due to uneven terrain and rocky sections. It winds through a dense forest, offering scenic views of the surrounding area. The trail may be slippery, especially after rain, so proper footwear is recommended.
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 Childs Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Childs Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers stunning foliage, 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
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution near the waterfall, as the rocks can be wet and unstable. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or encountering hazardous areas.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Black River, 15 miles away, not on Childs 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BLACK RIVER AT WATERTOWN NY (24 km away).
Today
Strong
4169 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
4080 cfs
9/10Sat
Strong
4203 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
4523 cfs
8/10Mon
Strong
4396 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 Great Bend hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Childs Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Childs Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 48°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 27 feet of drop through Childs Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 496 feet above sea level.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 496 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 27 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Childs Falls is located within the Platte Clove Preserve, which is managed by the Catskill Center. The preserve is accessible via Platte Clove Road, though the road may be closed during winter months due to hazardous conditions. Visitors should check local conditions before planning their trip.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Limited parking is available near the preserve. Visitors should park in designated areas to avoid fines or towing.
Elevation
489 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.136124° N, -75.705234° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky and uneven. Bring water and snacks, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
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With 1.0 miles and 200 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.
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.
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.
Where to Stay
Quality Inn & Suites Watertown Fort Drum
Comfort Inn & Suites Watertown - 1000 Islands
Whiskey River Cottages formerly Seaway Slips
Chateau Country Inn and Captain's Cottage
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
Other waterfalls in the Platte Clove Preserve, such as Plattekill Falls, and hiking trails in the Catskill Mountains.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Cities near Childs Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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