High Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About High Falls
High Falls is a picturesque cascade tucked into the Neversink River Unique Area (designation SOTH), a protected parcel managed by OTHS. The falls offer a photogenic riverside setting that rewards a short hike with peaceful views and great opportunities for nature photography. Being on land overseen by OTHS gives the site a tucked-away feel while remaining accessible to day visitors. That moderate climb makes High Falls a satisfying half-day outing for hikers who enjoy a short, scenic hike — check with OTHS for any access notes or seasonal conditions before you go.
The Setting
High Falls sits at 860 feet within Neversink River Unique Area, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Difficulty: moderate. The trail provides a steady, moderate ascent to the falls; surface, grade and official trail class are not specified in the provided land-unit records. Managed land unit: Neversink River Unique Area (manager/land owner: OTHS).
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, especially during the spring and summer months. Fall offers stunning foliage, while winter may provide frozen waterfall views.
Accessibility
Accessibility may vary depending on the specific High Falls location. Some areas may have paved paths, while others may require hiking.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at High Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at High Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the waterfall at its fullest flow, while fall offers vibrant foliage.
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.
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. During winter, trails may be icy and require additional care. Always stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Neversink River, 6 miles away, not on High 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 coldExpect 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
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 NEVERSINK RIVER AT BRIDGEVILLE NY (10 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
103 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
116 cfs
3/10Fri
Low
119 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
114 cfs
2/10Sun
Barely Flowing
112 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
106 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
109 cfs
5/10Best 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 High Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
High Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 60°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.
The ground through the falls loses about 104 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 864 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 110 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 69 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 864 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 104 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
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
High Falls is located in the town of High Falls, New York, within the Catskill region. It is accessible by car, and directions can vary depending on the specific waterfall referred to as 'High Falls,' as there are multiple waterfalls with this name in the state.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is typically available near the trailhead or viewing area, but availability may vary depending on the specific location.
Elevation
860 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.553425° N, -74.647661° W
Land Management
Managed by OTHS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check the weather before visiting, as trail conditions can vary. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water. If visiting in winter, be cautious of icy conditions.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn Monticello, Ny
Days Inn by Wyndham Wurtsboro
Best Western Monticello
Sleep Inn & Suites Middletown - Goshen
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
The Catskill region offers numerous hiking trails, scenic views, and other waterfalls to explore.
Wildlife
The area may feature wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious and respect wildlife habitats.
Cities near High Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named High Falls
30 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
11
Copenhagen
Current flow 382 ft³/s -
12
Cranberry Lake
Current flow 202 ft³/s -
13
Grahamsville
Current flow 4 ft³/s -
14
Lake Placid
Current flow 2 ft³/s -
15
Lyon Mountain
Current flow 68 ft³/s -
16
Lyon Mountain
-
17
Philmont
Current flow 105 ft³/s -
18
Rochester
Current flow 663 ft³/s -
19
St. Regis Falls
Current flow 125 ft³/s
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