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 · 133 ft³/s · About average

High Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at High Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at High Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

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

Photo Credits (5)

vynsane CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 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 466 feet along the Kinderhook Creek, in the coastal lowlands of New York.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Buttermilk Falls (165 ft) lies 3.4 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Bash Bish Falls (60 ft, 12.1 mi).

Buttermilk Falls Bash Bish Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

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

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 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 summer fall

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

Updated 4 days ago Moderate

133 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

59 93 270 497

Based on 54 years of record

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.

KINDERHOOK CREEK AT ROSSMAN NY

USGS 01361000

7.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 329 sq mi

Altitude: 24 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge KINDERHOOK CREEK AT ROSSMAN NY (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

123 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

140 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

137 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

114 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

129 cfs

4/10

Sat

Moderate

115 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

111 cfs

6/10

Mon

Moderate

108 cfs

6/10

Best window: Thu — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

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.

Weather Forecast

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 Maps

Parking

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.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 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.