LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Jerden Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Jerden Falls
Jerden Falls is a tucked-away cascade in Lewis County’s Tug Hill region, where a sequence of rocky ledges sends the stream tumbling into a photogenic pool surrounded by quiet forest. The falls are set within the Frank E. Jadwin Memorial State Forest (designated SCA) and are managed by SDC, giving the site a protected, backcountry feel that draws hikers and nature photographers who appreciate remote, off-the-beaten-path scenery. The approach rewards a short outing with classic Tug Hill woodland and the steady rush of water at the falls’ base. The route is popular with day hikers looking for a moderate, manageable trip and offers good opportunities for seasonal color and rock-hopping views without requiring a long drive into deeper wilderness areas.
The Setting
Jerden Falls sits at 928 feet within Frank E. Jadwin Memorial State Forest, fed by the Beaver River, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Jerden Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The path runs through mixed hardwood forest and leads steadily downhill toward the cascade; footing can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The trail’s moderate grade and short length make it a solid half-day hike for most hikers, though sections of root and rock require careful footing.
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 Jerden Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Jerden Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall, as the rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for limited cell service in the area. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make the trail muddy and more difficult to navigate.
Current Water Conditions
539 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 96 years of record
2.78 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 BEAVER RIVER AT CROGHAN NY (14 km away).
Today
Roaring
582 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
570 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
543 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
541 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
585 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
534 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
581 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March 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 Natural Bridge 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 79 feet of drop through Jerden Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 924 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 45 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 30 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast 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
- 924 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 79 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- 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 northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Jerden Falls is located off Jerden Falls Road in Lewis County, New York. The area is remote, and access may require driving on unpaved roads. Visitors should use GPS coordinates or a detailed map to locate the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited roadside parking available near the falls. Visitors should ensure they park safely without blocking the road.
Elevation
928 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.010667° N, -75.319874° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail may be uneven or slippery. Bring insect repellent during the summer months. Cell service may be limited in this remote area, so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay
Days Inn by Wyndham Watertown Fort Drum
Quality Inn & Suites Watertown Fort Drum
HARRISVILLE Love Shack
Candlewood Suites Watertown Fort Drum by IHG
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
The Tug Hill State Forest and other waterfalls in the region, such as Lyons Falls and Whitaker Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Cities near Jerden Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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