Johnson Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Johnson Falls
Johnson Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near Strykersville, New York. It is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene natural setting. The waterfall is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Details about the trail leading to Johnson Falls are not well-documented. Visitors should prepare for potentially uneven terrain and check local resources for updated trail conditions.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with a scenic waterfall surrounded by forested areas. The falls may be more impressive during spring or after heavy rainfall.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Johnson Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Johnson Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is higher due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and uneven terrain on the trail. Always stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Tonawanda Creek, 12.8 miles away, not on Johnson Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
20 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 49 years of record
3.35 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 TONAWANDA CREEK AT ATTICA NY (21 km away).
Today
Roaring
22 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
22 cfs
8/10Tue
Strong
22 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
21 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
18 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
18 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
18 cfs
10/10Best window: Tue — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, 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 Strykersville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Johnson Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Johnson Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 35°F to 32°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 20 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.
The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 201 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 1,212 feet.
The ground changes about 48 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 172 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,212 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 201 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning 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
Johnson Falls is located approximately 1.5 miles from Strykersville, 8.8 miles from East Aurora, and 10.1 miles from Billington Heights. The coordinates for the falls are 42.7273, -78.4542. Access may require navigating local roads, and visitors should check for signage or trail markers leading to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors may need to park along nearby roads or at designated areas if available. Confirm parking options before visiting.
Elevation
1,152 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.727283° N, -78.454187° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear and bring a map or GPS device as trail information is limited. Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails may become slippery or muddy.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn East Aurora
THE YORK HOUSE BOUTIQUE Stay
Sandy Cove Cottage
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Buffalo South I-90, NY
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 the village of East Aurora, known for its charming shops and restaurants, and local parks in the surrounding area.
Wildlife
The area around Johnson Falls may feature common wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should respect wildlife and avoid feeding animals.
Cities near Johnson Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Johnson Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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