Are there fees or permits required for Dickinson Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Dickinson Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Dickinson Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Dickinson Falls near Ravena, New York, showing about 101 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (Normans Kill) · 365 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Dickinson Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Dickinson Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Dickinson Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Albany Water Board Land LOTH · RWD

About Dickinson Falls

Dickinson Falls is a tucked-away cascade on Albany Water Board Land in New York, managed by RWD and designated LOTH. The falls sit in a quiet, wooded setting that rewards hikers with a peaceful spot for photography, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the sound of falling water—a nice alternative to busier state parks for those seeking solitude. Because the site is on land managed by the RWD, visitors should follow posted guidance, stay on the established trail, and practice Leave No Trace to help preserve this low-key natural gem.

The Setting

Dickinson Falls sits at 659 feet within Albany Water Board Land, in the foothills of New York.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Difficulty: Moderate. The trail to Dickinson Falls is an out-and-back route of moderate grade; hikers should expect natural tread and some uneven sections—roots and rocks may be present—so sturdy footwear is recommended. No USFS trail name/number or formal surface/grade/class data is available for this route; the path lies on Albany Water Board Land managed by RWD, so check for any local access notes before you go.

What to Expect

Expect a tranquil and scenic environment with the sound of cascading water. The area may be surrounded by forested landscapes, offering opportunities for photography and relaxation.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Dickinson Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Dickinson Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow due to snowmelt and rainfall.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and uneven terrain. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain may make trails more hazardous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Normans Kill, 12.9 miles away, not on Dickinson Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

365 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

23 29 112 426

Based on 17 years of record

3.95 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher 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.

NORMANS KILL AT ALBANY NY

USGS 01359528

12.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 168 sq mi

Altitude: 86 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NORMANS KILL AT ALBANY NY (21 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

365 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

365 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Strong

264 cfs

10/10

Tue

Strong

336 cfs

10/10

Wed

Strong

327 cfs

10/10

Thu

Strong

418 cfs

10/10

Fri

Strong

394 cfs

10/10

Sat

Strong

365 cfs

10/10

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

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

Is Dickinson Falls Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

Dickinson Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 36°F to 32°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 565 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 101 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 650 feet.

The ground changes about 44 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 35 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

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

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 650 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 101 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location of Dickinson Falls may require local guidance or GPS navigation, as it is not widely documented. It is recommended to research nearby landmarks or trails for accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated areas if available.

Elevation

659 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.496191° N, -73.975408° W

Land Management

Albany Water Board Land LOTH

Managed by RWD

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check local resources or visitor centers for updated information about access and trail conditions. Bring a map or GPS device as the area may not be well-marked.