High Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
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.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Bash Bish Falls (60 ft) lies 12.1 miles to the southeast.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to High Falls may vary depending on the specific site. Some locations may have short, easy trails, while others may require moderate hiking. Visitors should research the specific High Falls they plan to visit for accurate trail details.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a beautiful waterfall surrounded by natural scenery. The flow of the waterfall may vary depending on the season, with spring and early summer typically offering the most robust water flow.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies depending on the specific location of High Falls. Some areas may have paved paths or viewing platforms, 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 visiting High Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers stunning foliage, making it another popular time to visit.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Trails may be slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution near the edge of the waterfall and avoid climbing on wet rocks. Always stay on marked trails.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Kinderhook Creek, 7.6 miles away, not on High Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
463 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 55 years of record
2.98 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher 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 KINDERHOOK CREEK AT ROSSMAN NY (12 km away).
Today
Strong
463 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
449 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
429 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
446 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
441 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
451 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
451 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, partly 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 Philmont hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is High Falls Frozen?
Updated about 16 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
High Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 37°F to 32°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 538 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 107 feet of descent through High Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 483 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 39 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 162 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southwest, 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
- 483 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 107 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
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 directions can vary depending on the specific waterfall site referred to as 'High Falls,' as there are multiple waterfalls with this name in New York.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability depends on the specific location of the waterfall. Some areas may have designated parking lots, while others may require roadside parking.
Elevation
466 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.246199° N, -73.649287° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear, as trails may be uneven or slippery. Check local conditions before visiting, especially after heavy rain, as trails may become muddy or hazardous.
Where to Stay
Pondfront Gem Minutes from Hudson’s Best Shops Cafes The Stillwater House
Wilder House Berkshires
The Perch Hotel
Catskill Cabin with Firepit & Indoor Jacuzzi Tub
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.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other waterfalls, hiking trails, and small towns in the Catskill region, such as Rosendale and New Paltz.
Wildlife
The area around High Falls may feature local wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious and respectful of wildlife.
Cities near High Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named High Falls
30 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
11
Bridgeville
Current flow 182 ft³/s -
12
Copenhagen
Current flow 294 ft³/s -
13
Cranberry Lake
Current flow 277 ft³/s -
14
Grahamsville
Current flow 9 ft³/s -
15
Lake Placid
Current flow 4 ft³/s -
16
Lyon Mountain
Current flow 49 ft³/s -
17
Lyon Mountain
-
18
Rochester
Current flow 973 ft³/s -
19
St. Regis Falls
Current flow 195 ft³/s
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