High Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About High Falls
High Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in New York, known for its scenic beauty and accessibility. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers, offering a serene environment surrounded by lush greenery.
The Setting
High Falls sits at 1,073 feet along the Beaver River, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to High Falls is relatively short and easy, making it suitable for most visitors, including families with children. The path is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the surrounding forest and the falls themselves.
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 High Falls?
✅ Dogs are 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 visiting High Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery. Stay on marked trails to avoid accidents and respect local guidelines.
Current Water Conditions
544 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 96 years of record
2.79 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 BEAVER RIVER AT CROGHAN NY (21 km away).
Today
Roaring
588 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
564 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
551 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
546 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
588 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
566 cfs
9/10Sat
Roaring
558 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early 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 Copenhagen 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 189 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,134 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 46 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 67 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,134 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 189 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
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
High Falls is located in the town of High Falls, New York, within the Catskill region. It is accessible via local roads, and signage in the area typically directs visitors to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the falls, though the size and availability of parking spaces may vary depending on the specific access point.
Elevation
1,073 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.897290° N, -75.663526° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and enjoy the falls with fewer crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be uneven in some areas. Check local weather conditions before visiting.
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This easy 1.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Days Inn by Wyndham Watertown Fort Drum
Quality Inn & Suites Watertown Fort Drum
Comfort Inn & Suites Watertown - 1000 Islands
Candlewood Suites Watertown Fort Drum by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park, and the charming town of New Paltz.
Wildlife
The area around High Falls is home to various bird species, deer, and other small wildlife. Visitors may also encounter native plants and wildflowers.
Cities near High Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named High Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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