Are there fees or permits required for Harts Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Harts Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Harts Falls.

Nearby gauge (Oswegatchie River) · 794 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Harts Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Harts Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Harts Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Harts Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

New York National Guard CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

The Wandering Angel CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

New York National Guard CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Acabashi CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

pecooper98362 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Harts Falls

Harts Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in New York, known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty. It is a lesser-known destination, making it a peaceful spot for visitors seeking tranquility.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Plumb Brook Falls (15 ft) lies 7.3 miles to the south.

Plumb Brook Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Harts Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It passes through a wooded area and leads to a scenic view of the waterfall. The path may be uneven in some sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

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 Harts Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Harts Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Harts Falls, as the water flow is usually strongest during these seasons.

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 can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid visiting during heavy rain or icy conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Oswegatchie River, 12.3 miles away, not on Harts Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

794 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

701 915 2.3k 3.4k

Based on 110 years of record

1.69 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower 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.

OSWEGATCHIE RIVER NEAR HEUVELTON NY

USGS 04263000

12.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 986 sq mi

Altitude: 288 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge OSWEGATCHIE RIVER NEAR HEUVELTON NY (20 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

794 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

794 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

816 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

821 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

876 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

882 cfs

9/10

Fri

Moderate

915 cfs

9/10

Sat

Moderate

893 cfs

9/10

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

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 Rensselaer Falls hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Harts Falls Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing

Harts Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 37°F to 33°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 855 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 33 feet of drop through Harts Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 486 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 24 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 2 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Harts Falls near Rensselaer Falls, New York, showing about 33 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 486 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 33 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; 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 north).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Harts Falls is located near the town of Black Brook in Clinton County, New York. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or local maps for navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may consist of roadside pull-offs or small parking areas near the trailhead.

Elevation

489 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.502582° N, -75.168853° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during the spring or after rainfall for the best water flow. Bring bug spray during the summer months, as insects may be present. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall.