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
About High Falls
High Falls is a scenic waterfall on the Deer River, just outside the town of St. Regis Falls in New York’s Adirondack region. The cascade threads through forested slopes, creating a peaceful, photogenic setting that draws hikers and nature lovers seeking a quiet waterside escape. The site sits within the Lyme Easement B - Five Mile Parcel and is managed by SDC (land owner listed as UNK, designation UNKE), so visitors should be mindful that the parcel is under easement management rather than standard park administration. A short walk from the trailhead leads to a comfortable viewing area where the river drops and spreads among rocks and trees. The falls’ forested surroundings lend themselves to seasonal color and birdwatching; pack layers and leave no trace to keep the area serene for other visitors.
The Setting
High Falls sits at 1,460 feet within Lyme Easement B - Five Mile Parcel, fed by the West Branch St. Regis River, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
This is an out-and-back route of 2.4 miles with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain, typically rated moderate in difficulty. The path travels through mixed forest with modest climbs as it approaches the river and the falls; the trail leads directly to a defined viewing area at the waterfall. Surface details, grade percentages, and an official USFS trail class or trail number are not provided in the available data, so expect natural tread and variable footing in places.
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 strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen waterfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery and the currents strong. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and carry a map or GPS device if unfamiliar with the area.
Current Water Conditions
81 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 45 years of record
1.11 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
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 WEST BRANCH ST. REGIS RIVER NEAR PARISHVILLE NY (17 km away).
Today
Low
87 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
83 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
82 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
87 cfs
5/10Thu
Low
93 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
112 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
107 cfs
4/10Best window: Fri — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late 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 St. Regis Falls 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 shows the creek losing roughly 38 feet through High Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,474 feet.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. The falls face northwest and 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
- 1,474 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 38 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- 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 northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
High Falls is located approximately 14.1 miles from St. Regis Falls, 17.2 miles from Paul Smiths, and 21.4 miles from Hannawa Falls. The coordinates for the waterfall are 44.467, -74.6227. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should follow signage or GPS directions to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead, though the size and condition of the parking area may vary. Visitors are advised to arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,460 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.467007° N, -74.622678° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during warmer months. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may be icy in winter.
Where to Stay
Camp Lake Bear
Best Western University Inn
Best Western Potsdam University Park Inn
Scottish Inns Potsdam
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include St. Regis Falls Scenic Area, Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center, and the Adirondack Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Cities near High Falls
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Other waterfalls named High Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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