Are there fees or permits required for High Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at High Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at High Falls.

Live Conditions · 0 ft³/s · About average

High Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at High Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at High Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 31 other waterfalls also named High Falls, see below

Mckenzie Mountain Wilderness SW · SDC

Photo Credits (5)

Bill Badzo CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

found_drama CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About High Falls

High Falls is a picturesque cascade tucked into the Mckenzie Mountain Wilderness, owned and managed by SDC (Designation: SW). The falls offer a compact, scenic destination that rewards a short hike with forest-framed viewpoints perfect for photographers and hikers looking for a nature-focused outing. Its setting inside the designated wilderness gives the area a quiet, unspoiled character that many visitors appreciate. The most common approach is a moderate out-and-back route of about 2.0 miles with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain, making the falls accessible to most day hikers who are comfortable on uneven terrain. As the landowner and manager, SDC maintains the corridor to preserve that wilderness feel—expect a natural, occasionally rugged trail and plan accordingly (sturdy footwear, water, and Leave No Trace practices).

The Setting

High Falls sits at 1,339 feet within Mckenzie Mountain Wilderness, fed by the White Brook, in the foothills of New York.

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 500 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail type: out-and-back; length: 2.0 miles; elevation gain: ~500 ft; difficulty: moderate. The route follows forested paths with rocky sections and occasional steeper pitches, offering a mix of steady climbs and level walking. Surface and official USFS trail class/grade data are not provided; expect natural tread with roots and rocks in places, and brief steeper segments that require careful footing. No USFS trail number/name is listed for this route; treat the trail as a maintained wilderness approach managed by SDC.

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 summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the waterfall at its fullest flow, while fall offers stunning foliage. Winter visits may provide unique views of frozen cascades.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 49°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Exercise caution on wet or slippery rocks near the waterfall. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or encountering hazardous conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

0 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 3 years of record

4.43 ft

Water depth at gauge

49°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 49 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

WHITE BROOK NEAR WILMINGTON NY

USGS 04274185

3.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1 sq mi

Altitude: 1,867 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge WHITE BROOK NEAR WILMINGTON NY (5 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

0 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

0 cfs

4/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

4/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

3/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to late 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.

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 126 feet of drop through High Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,342 feet above sea level.

The ground is already steep on the way in, falling about 98 feet in the 500 feet above the pin, and levels out below the falls. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around High Falls near Lake Placid, New York, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around High Falls near Lake Placid, New York, showing about 126 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,342 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 126 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; 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 northeast).

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. The exact location and access points may vary depending on which High Falls you are visiting, as there are multiple waterfalls with this name in the state. Commonly, it is accessible via local roads and trailheads.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability depends on the specific High Falls location. Typically, there are designated parking areas near trailheads or roadside pull-offs.

Elevation

1,339 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.348936° N, -73.874033° W

Land Management

Mckenzie Mountain Wilderness SW

Managed by SDC

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially if visiting after rain, as trails can be muddy or slippery. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Bring water and snacks, and check trail conditions before heading out.

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With 2.0 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.