Are there fees or permits required for Mine Lot Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Mine Lot Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Mine Lot Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Mine Lot Falls.

Nearby gauge (Normans Kill) · 365 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Mine Lot Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Mine Lot Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Mine Lot Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

John Boyd Thacher State Park SP · SPR

Photo Credits (1)

andyarthur CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Mine Lot Falls

Mine Lot Falls is a tucked-away cascade nestled within John Boyd Thacher State Park, managed by New York State Parks (SPR). Set along the Helderberg Escarpment, the falls offer a peaceful woodland setting that complements the park’s well-known panoramic overlooks of the Hudson–Mohawk valleys and its notable geology and fossil-bearing strata. The combination of rocky outcrops and quiet forest makes Mine Lot Falls a rewarding stop for hikers and photographers exploring the park. The approach feels like a short escape from the more popular vista points: seasonal foliage frames the falls and the small pool below, creating attractive compositions in spring runoff and autumn color. Because the site is on park-managed land, trails are maintained by park staff—perfect for a half-day outing that pairs well with other short hikes in John Boyd Thacher State Park.

The Setting

Mine Lot Falls sits at 774 feet within John Boyd Thacher State Park, in the foothills of New York.

Trail & Hike Details

1.5 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Out-and-back, 1.5 miles (approx. 2.4 km) round-trip with about 300 feet of cumulative elevation gain. Rated moderate, the trail follows natural tread with rocky and uneven sections; expect exposed roots, stone steps, and a generally moderate grade (roughly a 4% average incline over the route). There is no USFS trail number for this park-managed route; the path is maintained as a state park trail. Sturdy footwear and attention on footing are recommended, and trekking poles can help on the steeper or rockier stretches.

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 Mine Lot Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Mine Lot Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

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

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and along the trail, especially after rain. Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Normans Kill, 10.7 miles away, not on Mine Lot Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

365 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

23 29 112 426

Based on 17 years of record

3.95 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

NORMANS KILL AT ALBANY NY

USGS 01359528

10.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 168 sq mi

Altitude: 86 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NORMANS KILL AT ALBANY NY (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

365 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

365 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Strong

264 cfs

10/10

Tue

Strong

336 cfs

10/10

Wed

Strong

327 cfs

10/10

Thu

Strong

418 cfs

10/10

Fri

Strong

394 cfs

10/10

Sat

Strong

365 cfs

10/10

Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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 Voorheesville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Mine Lot Falls Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing

Mine Lot Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 36°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: 565 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 310 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 794 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 299 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 190 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Mine Lot Falls near Voorheesville, New York, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Mine Lot Falls near Voorheesville, New York, showing about 310 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 794 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 310 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Mine Lot Falls is located near the town of Hunter, New York, within the Catskill Forest Preserve. Access is typically via local roads, and the trailhead may be reached by car.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should check for any parking restrictions or fees.

Elevation

774 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.653411° N, -74.013183° W

Land Management

John Boyd Thacher State Park SP

Managed by SPR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends or peak seasons. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall.

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With 1.5 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.