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 located in New York, known for its scenic beauty and accessibility. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering a serene environment surrounded by lush greenery.
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
The trail to High Falls is generally well-maintained and suitable for most visitors. It features a gentle incline with some rocky sections, leading to a stunning view of the waterfall. The surrounding forest adds to the tranquil atmosphere.
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 early summer are ideal for visiting High Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather for hiking.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Stay on marked trails and avoid venturing too close to the edge. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make the trail more challenging.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Genesee River, 1.4 miles away, not on High Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
861 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 75 years of record
12.41 ft
Water depth at gauge
48°F
Very coldExpect 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 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect slightly cloudy visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.8 and mineral content is moderate.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
pH
NormalWithin healthy range (6.5-8.5)
Water Clarity
Slightly cloudyMinor sediment present
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge GENESEE RIVER AT FORD STREET BRIDGE, ROCHESTER NY (2 km away).
Today
Moderate
930 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
885 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
892 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
887 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
954 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
892 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
840 cfs
9/10Best window: Tue — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early 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 Rochester 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 north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing
High Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 38°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 837 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 124 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 390 feet.
Most of the action is upstream: the ground drops about 88 feet in the 500 feet above the pin and flattens beneath the falls. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 390 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 124 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
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 region of New York. The exact location may vary as there are multiple waterfalls named High Falls in the state. Visitors should confirm the specific location they wish to visit and use GPS or local maps for guidance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability depends on the specific High Falls location. Some areas may have designated parking lots, while others may require roadside parking.
Elevation
390 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.161380° N, -77.613360° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven or rocky sections. Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking and avoid crowds. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months.
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
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rochester-Pittsford-Brighton, NY
Hampton Inn Rochester - Irondequoit
Inn on Broadway
Spark By Hilton Rochester University Area
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 other waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints in the Catskill region.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should respect the natural habitat and avoid feeding animals.
Cities near High Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
CC
Other waterfalls named High Falls
30 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
-
11
Bridgeville
Current flow 98 ft³/s -
12
Copenhagen
Current flow 559 ft³/s -
13
Cranberry Lake
Current flow 286 ft³/s -
14
Grahamsville
Current flow 7 ft³/s -
15
Lake Placid
Current flow 4 ft³/s -
16
Lyon Mountain
Current flow 56 ft³/s -
17
Lyon Mountain
-
18
Philmont
Current flow 167 ft³/s -
19
St. Regis Falls
Current flow 255 ft³/s
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