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 is a picturesque waterfall tucked into Titusville Mountain State Forest in New York. Owned and managed by SDC and designated as an SCA, the site offers a peaceful, scenic stop for photographers and nature lovers. The cascade sits amid forested slopes and is an attainable reward for a short hike, making it a popular half-day destination for visitors seeking an easy outdoor outing. The approach is a compact 1.5-mile out-and-back with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain, so most hikers can reach the viewing area without a full day’s commitment. Because the falls and trail are within the Titusville Mountain State Forest land unit managed by SDC, check with SDC for current access details or seasonal advisories before you go.
The Setting
High Falls sits at 1,427 feet within Titusville Mountain State Forest, fed by the Little Salmon River, in the foothills 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 type: out-and-back — total distance 1.5 miles. Elevation gain: approximately 200 feet. Difficulty: easy. The trail approaches the waterfall and terminates at a viewing area where visitors can enjoy the falls up close. This route lies within Titusville Mountain State Forest (managed by SDC); surface, grade, and official trail class information were not provided in the available data.
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 fall are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger during these seasons. Fall also offers stunning foliage views.
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 accidents.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 24.7 miles away
32 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 62 years of record
2.12 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LITTLE SALMON RIVER AT BOMBAY NY (40 km away).
Today
Low
34 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
35 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
32 cfs
6/10Wed
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
34 cfs
5/10Fri
Low
40 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
39 cfs
6/10Best window: Tue — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
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 Lyon Mountain 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 84 feet of drop through High Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,434 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 38 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 56 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,434 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 84 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 be easily found using GPS or local signage.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is parking available near the trailhead or viewing area, but availability may vary depending on the season and time of day.
Elevation
1,427 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.709771° N, -74.172100° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends or peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery after rain. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
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
Foothills Lodge & Cafe
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ & Suites Malone
Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort and Players Inn Hotel
Upstate Hideaway w/ Hot Tub, 13 Mi to Malone!
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
Nearby attractions include the Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park, and the charming town of New Paltz.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter local wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Be respectful of the natural habitat.
Cities near High Falls
Other waterfalls named High Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
01
Bridgeville
-
02
Copenhagen
Current flow 304 ft³/s -
03
Cranberry Lake
Current flow 167 ft³/s -
04
Grahamsville
Current flow 3 ft³/s -
05
Lake Placid
-
06
Lyon Mountain
-
07
Philmont
Current flow 161 ft³/s -
08
Prospect
Current flow 17 ft³/s -
09
Rochester
Current flow 802 ft³/s -
10
St. Regis Falls
Current flow 102 ft³/s
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