Lower Falls
New York • 70 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Lower Falls
Lower Falls sits in Letchworth State Park along the Genesee River, one of three major cascades in the park that give the area its nickname, the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The falls themselves plunge roughly 70 feet into the gorge, delivering dramatic spray and photogenic viewpoints reached from several stone overlooks and a nearby footbridge. The setting combines raw, rocky scenery with accessible vistas that reward day hikers and photographers alike. The walk to the falls is a manageable outing for most visitors: the main approach is an approximately 1.5-mile out-and-back route with about 200 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. Conservation records attached to nearby parcels note NGO stewardship (land unit: Follensby Pond, designation PCON), and the route’s combination of carved stone steps, rugged trail tread, and scenic river views make Lower Falls a quintessential Letchworth destination for an outdoor half-day trip.
The Setting
Lower Falls sits at 1,562 feet within Follensby Pond, fed by the Raquette River, in the hills of New York. The falls drop 70 feet.
Height: 70 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail length: ~1.5 miles round-trip (out-and-back); elevation gain: ~200 ft; difficulty: moderate. The route follows established park paths and includes sections of stone steps, uneven rocky tread, and short stair climbs that descend into the gorge. Expect a mixed surface of packed dirt, exposed rock, and constructed stone steps; grade is generally moderate with a few steeper stair segments approaching the main viewpoint and footbridge. The trail’s highlight is the viewpoint at the base of the Lower Falls (≈70 ft), where a stone footbridge and multiple overlooks provide varied angles for watching the cascade and the Genesee River below. The path is suitable for most hikers wearing sturdy shoes; allow time for crowds at peak season and for stopping at the overlooks.
What to Expect
The falls drop 70 feet. 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 Lower Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to the vibrant foliage and higher water flow. Summer is also popular, but the trail may be busier.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the edge of the gorge and on slippery sections of the trail. Stay on marked paths and avoid venturing too close to the water. During winter, icy conditions may make the trail hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
194 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
2.93 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 RAQUETTE RIVER AT PIERCEFIELD NY (22 km away).
Today
Low
210 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
213 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
198 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
183 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
189 cfs
5/10Fri
Low
214 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
206 cfs
5/10Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Saranac Lake 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 100 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 70 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,583 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 80 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 63 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,583 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 100 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
Lower Falls is located within Letchworth State Park, which is accessible via multiple entrances. The closest entrance to Lower Falls is the Portageville Entrance. Follow park signage to the Lower Falls area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the Lower Falls trailhead within Letchworth State Park. Parking is typically ample but may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,562 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.146800° N, -74.322300° W
Land Management
Managed by NGO
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as the trail can be uneven and slippery. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities near the trailhead.
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With 1.5 miles and 200 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Trailhead by Weekender
Sandy Point Motel
The Lazy Bear Cabin
Lake Placid Inn: Main Street
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
Middle Falls and Upper Falls are also located within Letchworth State Park and are worth visiting. The park also offers scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and a visitor center.
Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, which are often spotted in the area.
Cities near Lower Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Lower Falls
19 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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