High Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
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.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to High Falls may vary depending on the specific location. Some areas may have well-maintained trails, while others may require more rugged hiking. Visitors should research the specific High Falls they plan to visit for detailed trail information.
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 impressive water flow.
Accessibility
Accessibility may vary depending on the specific location of High Falls. Some areas may have accessible viewpoints, 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 typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful 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 waterfall and avoid getting too close to the edge. Always stay on marked trails.
Current Water Conditions
10 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 3 years of record
0.72 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CINCINNATI CREEK AT BARNEVELD NY (3 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
10 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
11 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
10 cfs
6/10Wed
Barely Flowing
14 cfs
5/10Thu
Low
30 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
20 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
36 cfs
6/10Best window: Tue — low flow, widespread frost then sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to mid April, peaking in March.
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 Prospect 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 186 feet of descent through High Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 885 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 136 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 146 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 885 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 186 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
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 Ulster County. It is accessible via local roads, and the exact location may vary depending on which High Falls you are visiting, 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.
Hours
Elevation
0 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.281463° N, -75.153341° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear and bring water, as trail conditions may vary. Check local weather conditions before visiting, as trails can become slippery after rain. Arrive early to secure parking, especially during peak seasons.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn Rome
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Utica
Burrstone Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel
TownePlace Suites by Marriott New Hartford
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 may include local hiking trails, small towns, and other natural landmarks in Ulster County, New York.
Wildlife
The area around High Falls may feature common 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
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
01
Bridgeville
Current flow 243 ft³/s -
02
Copenhagen
-
03
Cranberry Lake
-
04
Grahamsville
Current flow 12 ft³/s -
05
Lake Placid
Current flow 0 ft³/s -
06
Lyon Mountain
Current flow 35 ft³/s -
07
Lyon Mountain
-
08
Philmont
Current flow 156 ft³/s -
09
Rochester
Current flow 657 ft³/s -
10
St. Regis Falls
Current flow 84 ft³/s
Writing about High Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.