Leatherstocking Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Leatherstocking Falls
Leatherstocking Falls — also called Deowongo Falls, Panthers Leap, and Bear Cliff Falls — is a charming cascade on Leatherstocking Creek just north of Cooperstown, New York. The name Deowongo comes from the Oneida (Iroquois) word meaning “place of hearing,” and the falls figure in James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales as the spot where Leatherstocking saves the life of an Indian maiden. Framed by woodland, the drop and its mossy rock ledges make for an intimate spot popular with photographers and history-minded hikers alike. The falls sit on private land within Leatherstocking Farm and are visited under an access agreement; the site is managed by a nonprofit organization (NGO). Visitors should respect posted rules and stay on the established route. The hike to the falls is an out-and-back route of moderate difficulty, offering a short but rewarding outing for day hikers who appreciate a mix of natural beauty and literary history.
The Setting
Leatherstocking Falls sits at 1,335 feet within Leatherstocking Farm, fed by the Fulmer Creek, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Out-and-back 2.4 miles total with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The route follows a natural, wooded footpath and winds through forested terrain to the creek and falls. Expect uneven footing, exposed roots and modest grades in places — sturdy shoes are recommended. There is no USFS trail number associated with this route; access is managed via the landowner’s agreement and signage on site should be followed.
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 Leatherstocking Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Leatherstocking Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution on the trail, as it may be slippery after rain. Stay on marked paths to avoid damaging the environment or getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 17.8 miles away
3 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 11 years of record
2.18 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge FULMER CREEK NEAR MOHAWK NY (29 km away).
Today
Moderate
3 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
4 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
4 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
4 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
4 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
3 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
3 cfs
6/10Best window: Wed — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to mid 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 Cooperstown 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 measures about 110 feet of descent through Leatherstocking Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,336 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 36 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 30 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and 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
- 1,336 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 110 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- 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 south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Leatherstocking Falls is located near the Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown, New York. Visitors can access the falls by following a short trail from the nearby parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the Leatherstocking Golf Course, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,335 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.732922° N, -74.922266° W
Land Management
Managed by NGO
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during the summer months. Bring sturdy shoes for the trail and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Where to Stay
The Tunnicliff Inn
Lake Front Hotel
Mohican Motel
Hampton Inn Cooperstown
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
The nearby town of Cooperstown offers attractions such as the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Farmers' Museum.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter birds, squirrels, and other small woodland creatures along the trail.
Cities near Leatherstocking Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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