High Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About High Falls
High Falls tumbles into a scenic, forested gorge within the Five Ponds Wilderness in New York, on land owned and managed by SDC (land unit: Five Ponds Wilderness; designation: SW). The falls are a compact but photogenic highlight for hikers and nature photographers, offering a peaceful backcountry atmosphere framed by mature northern hardwoods. Because the site sits on SDC-managed wilderness land, expect a relatively undeveloped, natural setting rather than heavy infrastructure. Access to High Falls is straightforward and rewarding: a short out-and-back route leads you to the viewpoint without demanding technical scrambling. The fall’s combination of easy approach and classic wilderness surroundings makes it a great half-day outing for families and casual hikers looking to experience the quieter side of the Five Ponds Wilderness.
The Setting
High Falls sits at 1,601 feet within Five Ponds Wilderness, in the hills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail: 1.5 miles out-and-back; elevation gain: 200 ft; difficulty: easy. The route is a short, well-defined forest trail that gains modest elevation en route to the falls, making it suitable for most visitors. Managed as part of SDC’s Five Ponds Wilderness unit, the trail’s natural tread and gentle grades keep the approach straightforward—expect an uncomplicated hike on a primary footpath rather than a heavily developed walkway.
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 strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique frozen waterfall view.
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. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or encountering hazardous areas.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Oswegatchie River, 13.4 miles away, not on High Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
299 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 83 years of record
2.56 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge OSWEGATCHIE RIVER NEAR OSWEGATCHIE NY (22 km away).
Today
Roaring
311 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
313 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
297 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
326 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
337 cfs
8/10Tue
Strong
323 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
325 cfs
10/10Best window: Tue — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
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 Cranberry Lake hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is High Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
High Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°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
- 265 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 37 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of High Falls. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,612 feet above sea level.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,612 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 37 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
High Falls is located in the Catskill Mountains region of New York. It can be accessed via local roads, with parking available near the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the trailhead, but availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,601 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.068674° N, -74.910186° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy footwear as the trail and areas near the falls can be uneven or slippery. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This easy 1.5 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
Adirondack Luxury Getaway
Waterfront Harrisville Home with Outdoor Fireplace!
HARRISVILLE Love Shack
Oswegatchie River Cabin with Kayaks and Fire Pit!
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 other waterfalls in the Catskill region, such as Kaaterskill Falls, as well as hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes during warmer months.
Cities near High Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named High Falls
30 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
11
Bridgeville
Current flow 98 ft³/s -
12
Copenhagen
Current flow 559 ft³/s -
13
Grahamsville
Current flow 7 ft³/s -
14
Lake Placid
Current flow 4 ft³/s -
15
Lyon Mountain
Current flow 56 ft³/s -
16
Lyon Mountain
-
17
Philmont
Current flow 179 ft³/s -
18
Rochester
Current flow 485 ft³/s -
19
St. Regis Falls
Current flow 255 ft³/s
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