Denton Falls waterfall
Nearby gauge (Neversink River) · 103 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Denton Falls

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Neversink River Unique Area SOTH · OTHS
Photo Credits (1)
1.
FeldBum CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

About Denton Falls

Denton Falls is a quietly scenic cascade tucked inside the Neversink River Unique Area in New York. Owned and managed by OTHS, the falls are a lesser-known gem set among riparian forest and shaded banks, making it a peaceful destination for photographers, birders, and hikers who prefer a more secluded outdoor experience. Official USFS trail surface, grade, and class data are not available for this access route, so come prepared with sturdy footwear, basic navigation aids, and a leave-no-trace mindset when exploring this pleasant, tucked-away spot.

The Setting

Denton Falls sits at 935 feet within Neversink River Unique Area, in the foothills of New York.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Detailed USFS trail surface, grade, and trail class information is not available for this route; the hike is best treated as a natural-surface forest path with potentially uneven sections. Hikers should plan for steady climbs on the outbound leg, bring proper footwear and navigation, and expect some informal or lightly marked stretches along the way.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area is relatively quiet and less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls. However, access may be challenging due to the lack of formal trails.

Accessibility

The falls are not wheelchair accessible due to the lack of formal trails and uneven terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Denton Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Denton Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit Denton Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt and rainfall.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 46°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Exercise caution near the water, as rocks may be slippery and the river currents can be strong. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Neversink River, 5 miles away, not on Denton Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

103 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 34 years of record

4.84 ft

Water depth at gauge

46°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 46 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

USGS 01436690
5 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 171 sq mi
Altitude: 1,056 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NEVERSINK RIVER AT BRIDGEVILLE NY (8 km away).

High confidence
Barely Flowing right now
103 cfs
→ Holding steady
08128200TodayTomorrowFriSatSunMonTue

Today

Barely Flowing

103 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

116 cfs

3/10

Fri

Low

119 cfs

4/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

114 cfs

2/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

112 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

106 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

109 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

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

Is Denton Falls Frozen?

Updated about 4 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Denton Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 59°F to 43°F.

Days below freezing
0 of the last 14
Current cold streak
0 days
Freezing days ahead
0 of the next 7
Flow
106 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 81 feet of drop through Denton Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 940 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 135 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 79 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Denton Falls near Bridgeville, New York, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Denton Falls near Bridgeville, New York, showing about 81 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing west
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation
940 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 81 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
West
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 west).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Denton Falls is located near the town of Hancock, New York. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or maps to navigate to the area. The falls are situated along the Delaware River, and access may require walking along unmarked paths or riverbanks.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may be informal, such as roadside pull-offs. Visitors should plan accordingly and ensure they are not blocking traffic or private property.

Elevation

935 feet above sea level

Coordinates

41.566481° N, -74.632383° W

Land Management

Neversink River Unique Area SOTH

Managed by OTHS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain may be uneven. Bring a map or GPS device as the area is not well-marked. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the water.

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

The town of Hancock offers small-town charm and access to the Delaware River for fishing and kayaking.

Wildlife

The area around Denton Falls is home to various bird species, deer, and other wildlife typical of the region.

Cities near Denton Falls

Nearby Waterfalls

1.3 miles away
New York
Unknown
Unknown Unknown
2.6 miles away
New York
Unknown
Unknown Unknown

Writing about Denton Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.

← → walk · Esc to stop