Hanging Spear Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Hard
Trail Length
10.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Hanging Spear Falls
Hanging Spear Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains in New York. It is known for its cascading flow and remote, serene setting, making it a popular destination for experienced hikers.
The Setting
Hanging Spear Falls sits at 2,464 feet within High Peaks Wilderness, in the hills of New York.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Fairy Ladder Falls (90 ft) lies 8.4 miles to the east.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Hanging Spear Falls is a challenging hike through the High Peaks Wilderness. It begins at the Upper Works Trailhead and follows a well-marked path through dense forest, passing by scenic views of the Flowed Lands and Lake Colden. The final approach to the falls involves some steep and rocky sections.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a remote and rugged hiking experience with beautiful views of the Adirondack wilderness. The falls themselves are a picturesque cascade surrounded by forest, offering a peaceful and rewarding destination.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hanging Spear Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hanging Spear Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow, while fall offers stunning foliage. Winter visits are possible but require proper gear and experience with snow and ice conditions.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and changing weather conditions. Carry a map and compass, as cell service may be unreliable. Black bears are present in the area, so store food properly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Vanderwhacker Brook Tributary 1, 10.6 miles away, not on Hanging Spear Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 10 years of record
1.21 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge VANDERWHACKER BROOK TRIB 1 NEAR BOREAS RIVER NY (17 km away).
Today
Strong
0 cfs
7/10Tomorrow
Strong
0 cfs
7/10Sat
Strong
0 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
0 cfs
8/10Mon
Strong
0 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
0 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
0 cfs
10/10Best window: Mon — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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 Lake Placid hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Hanging Spear Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 3 more freezing days forecast
Hanging Spear Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 38°F to 33°F. 3 freezing days are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 3 of the next 7
- Flow
- 0 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 213 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 2,428 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 268 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 68 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,428 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 213 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Hanging Spear Falls is accessed via the Upper Works Trailhead near Newcomb, New York. The trail to the falls is part of the longer trail system leading to the Flowed Lands and Lake Colden.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Upper Works Trailhead. The lot is relatively small, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak hiking seasons.
Elevation
2,464 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.101722° N, -73.990701° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water and snacks. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the Adirondacks can be unpredictable. Start early to ensure you have enough daylight for the hike.
Where to Stay
Grandview Lake Placid
Lake Placid Inn Boutique Hotel
Eastwind Hotel Lake Placid
Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Flowed Lands, Lake Colden, Mount Marcy, and other High Peaks trails.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. Always practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment.
Cities near Hanging Spear Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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