Jamestown Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Jamestown Falls
Jamestown Falls is a small but scenic waterfall located in the Adirondack region of New York. It is part of the Raquette River and is known for its tranquil surroundings and natural beauty.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Jamestown Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It winds through a wooded area and leads to a viewing area near the falls.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Jamestown Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Jamestown Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically higher during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water's edge, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing water levels, especially after heavy rain.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Raquette River, 9.6 miles away, not on Jamestown Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
734 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 118 years of record
4.76 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
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 RAQUETTE RIVER AT PIERCEFIELD NY (15 km away).
Today
Roaring
793 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
777 cfs
8/10Tue
Roaring
807 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
774 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
827 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
841 cfs
8/10Sat
Roaring
841 cfs
9/10Best window: Tue — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early June, 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 Cranberry Lake hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Jamestown Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Jamestown Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 33°F to 31°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 722 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 33 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Jamestown Falls. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,387 feet above sea level.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,387 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 33 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Jamestown Falls is located near the town of Piercefield, New York, along the Raquette River. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors may need to park near the trailhead or roadside.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is limited and may be roadside. Visitors should ensure they are not blocking traffic or private property.
Elevation
1,385 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.325340° N, -74.716572° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in places. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, as bugs can be prevalent. Visit during spring or after rainfall for the best water flow.
Where to Stay
Trailhead by Weekender
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Canton
White Pine Camp
Camp Lake Bear
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 other waterfalls along the Raquette River and hiking trails in the Adirondack region.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Jamestown Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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