Are there fees or permits required for Flat Rock Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Flat Rock Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Flat Rock Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Flat Rock Falls.

Live Conditions · 139 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Flat Rock Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Flat Rock Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Flat Rock Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Grass River Wild Forest SCA · SDC

Photo Credits (5)

Bill Badzo CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

denisbin CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Tim Evanson CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

wallyg CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Flat Rock Falls

Flat Rock Falls is a tucked-away cascade set within New York’s Grass River Wild Forest, offering a peaceful stop for hikers who appreciate layered ledges and the soft roar of falling water. The site is on land owned and managed by SDC and carries the area’s SCA designation, which helps protect the natural character of the falls and surrounding forest. The falls’ broad, flat rock formations create several low cascades and shallow pools that invite photography and quiet observation rather than swimming or heavy use. Access to Flat Rock Falls feels suitably wild without being remote: the approach threads through mixed woods and opens onto a scenic rock apron above the water. Seasonal color and spring run-off are especially striking; because the site is managed by SDC within the Grass River Wild Forest, visitors should follow leave-no-trace practices and any posted rules that protect fragile habitats and the stream corridor.

The Setting

Flat Rock Falls sits at 1,040 feet within Grass River Wild Forest, fed by the Oswegatchie River, in the foothills of New York.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The hike follows forested terrain with a steady but manageable grade—expect a moderately strenuous walk rather than technical scrambling. Suitable for most hikers comfortable with a moderate uphill effort, the route typically requires good footing in places; there are no formal USFS trail number or surface/class details provided for this route, so pack appropriate footwear and plan for changing trail conditions.

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 Flat Rock Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Flat Rock Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Flat Rock Falls is during the spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak. Fall is also a great time to visit for the vibrant foliage.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the waterfall as rocks may be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid the area during heavy rain or storms.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

139 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

148 225 462 633

Based on 83 years of record

2.02 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

OSWEGATCHIE RIVER NEAR OSWEGATCHIE NY

USGS 04262000

7.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 259 sq mi

Altitude: 1,016 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge OSWEGATCHIE RIVER NEAR OSWEGATCHIE NY (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

139 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

139 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

133 cfs

4/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

149 cfs

3/10

Fri

Low

161 cfs

4/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

159 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

153 cfs

3/10

Mon

Low

154 cfs

4/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early 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 Star Lake 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.

The bare-earth surface loses about 53 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,060 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 10 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 24 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Flat Rock Falls near Star Lake, New York, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Flat Rock Falls near Star Lake, New York, showing about 53 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,060 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 53 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

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

Flat Rock Falls is located near the town of Willsboro in the Adirondack region of New York. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or local maps to navigate to the trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

1,040 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.318395° N, -75.007697° W

Land Management

Grass River Wild Forest SCA

Managed by SDC

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking.