Kings Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Kings Falls
Kings Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Adirondack region of New York. It is part of the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area and is known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty. The waterfall is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Kings Falls is a relatively short and easy hike through the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. It features a well-marked path with gentle terrain, making it suitable for most visitors. The trail passes through a forested area and leads to the waterfall, which cascades over rocks into a small pool.
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 Kings Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Kings Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Kings Falls, as the waterfall tends to have the most water flow during these seasons. Fall is also a great time to visit for the colorful foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. During winter, the trail may be icy and require additional gear such as microspikes. Always check weather conditions before visiting.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Beaver River, 11.5 miles away, not on Kings Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
559 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 96 years of record
2.82 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 (18 km away).
Today
Roaring
604 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
583 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
565 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
609 cfs
6/10Mon
Strong
572 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
558 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
552 cfs
10/10Best window: Mon — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
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 Copenhagen hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Kings Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Kings Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 48°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 575 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 ground through the falls loses about 71 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 845 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 101 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 82 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 845 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 71 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Kings Falls can be accessed via the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness trail system. The trailhead is located off Pharaoh Road, near the town of Schroon Lake, New York. Visitors should follow signs for the Pharaoh Lake Trail and then take the spur trail leading to Kings Falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Pharaoh Lake Trailhead. The lot is relatively small, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Elevation
846 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.917013° N, -75.632970° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during the warmer months, as bugs can be prevalent. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the trail with fewer crowds.
Where to Stay
Days Inn by Wyndham Watertown Fort Drum
Quality Inn & Suites Watertown Fort Drum
Comfort Inn & Suites Watertown - 1000 Islands
Pleasant Night Inn Carthage Near Fort Drum
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
Pharaoh Lake, Schroon Lake, and other trails within the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Kings Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Kings Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.