Are there fees or permits required for Delphi Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Delphi Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Delphi Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Delphi Falls.

Live Conditions · 19 ft³/s · About average

Delphi Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Delphi Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Delphi Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

Dougtone CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Delphi Falls

Delphi Falls is a striking two-tiered waterfall tucked inside the 66-acre Delphi Falls County Park. Fed by the East Branch of Limestone Creek, the cascade drops in two dramatic stages — the upper fall is about 54 feet and the lower plunge about 62 feet — carving a scenic gorge and offering photographers and casual visitors memorable water-and-forest views. The park sits southeast of the hamlet of Delphi Falls and west-southwest of Union, making it an accessible natural stop in the area. A short, family-friendly hike delivers you to close viewing spots near the base of the falls, where tree-shaded pools and mossy ledges create a tranquil setting for picnics and nature breaks. Managed as part of Delphi Falls County Park, the site’s compact trails and easy access make it a popular day-hike destination for locals and visitors alike.

The Setting

Delphi Falls sits at 978 feet along the Chittenango Creek, in the foothills of New York.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Chittenango Falls (167 ft) lies 8.4 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Pratts Falls (137 ft, 6.7 mi).

Chittenango Falls Pratts Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.6 mi distance 100 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

This is an out-and-back route of approximately 0.6 miles with about 100 feet of elevation gain and is rated easy. The well-marked, short trail leads directly to viewing areas near the base of the lower fall and provides close-up perspectives of both tiers. Surface, grade, and technical trail class were not specified in the available park data; there is no USFS trail number associated with this county park route.

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 Delphi Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Delphi Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit when the water flow is at its peak. Fall offers stunning foliage, adding to the beauty of the area.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Visitors should stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls, as they can be slippery. Be cautious during wet weather as the trail may become muddy.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

19 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

14 17 40 58

Based on 29 years of record

1.00 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.

CHITTENANGO CREEK NEAR CHITTENANGO NY

USGS 04244000

11.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 66 sq mi

Altitude: 489 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CHITTENANGO CREEK NEAR CHITTENANGO NY (18 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

19 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

19 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

21 cfs

8/10

Thu

Roaring

21 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

23 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

23 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

23 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

26 cfs

6/10

Best window: Thu — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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 Chittenango 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 Delphi Falls dropping about 165 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 977 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 192 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 59 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Delphi Falls near Chittenango, New York, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Delphi Falls near Chittenango, New York, showing about 165 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 977 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 165 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Delphi Falls is located in Delphi Falls County Park, Madison County, New York. The park is accessible by car, and the entrance is off Delphi Falls Road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking lot available near the entrance of the park, providing easy access to the falls.

Elevation

978 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.864234° N, -75.899361° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear comfortable shoes as the trail may be slightly uneven in some areas. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty of the falls. Visiting early in the day or during weekdays may help avoid crowds.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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.