Monument Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
About Monument Falls
Monument Falls is a charming, small cascade on the Ausable River tucked into the Adirondack landscape. Easily enjoyed by casual visitors, the falls offer a peaceful riverside viewpoint framed by the surrounding forest. The site sits within the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest land unit—designated SCA—and is managed by SDC, making it a pleasant stop for photographers, day-trippers, and anyone exploring the region's waterways. While the falls are visible from the roadside and can be appreciated from the nearby parking area or a short stroll along the riverbank, you can also extend the outing with a fuller hike.
The Setting
Monument Falls sits at 1,617 feet within Saranac Lakes Wild Forest, in the hills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Monument Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Monument Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Monument Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious near the riverbank, as rocks may be slippery. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or flooding conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on White Brook, 6.2 miles away, not on Monument Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
4 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 4 years of record
4.85 ft
Water depth at gauge
42°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 WHITE BROOK NEAR WILMINGTON NY (10 km away).
Today
Strong
4 cfs
7/10Tomorrow
Strong
3 cfs
7/10Sat
Strong
3 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
3 cfs
8/10Mon
Strong
5 cfs
9/10Tue
Strong
5 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
5 cfs
10/10Best window: Tue — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to late 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 Lake Placid hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Monument Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded 1 more freezing day forecast
Monument Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 42°F to 36°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 1 of the next 7
- Flow
- 4 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 47 feet of drop through Monument Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,618 feet above sea level.
The ground is already steep on the way in, falling about 60 feet in the 500 feet above the pin, and levels out below the falls. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,618 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 47 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
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
Monument Falls is located along Route 86, near Lake Placid, New York. The falls are visible from the roadside, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small pull-off area along Route 86 where visitors can park to view the falls.
Elevation
1,617 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.311714° N, -73.915146° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after heavy rainfall for the best water flow. Be cautious when walking near the riverbank, as it may be slippery.
Where to Stay
Lake Placid Inn Boutique Hotel
Grandview Lake Placid
Hungry Trout Resort
Grand Adirondack Hotel, Lake Placid, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
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
Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain, High Falls Gorge, and the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge are all located nearby.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and other bird species along the river.
Cities near Monument Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Monument Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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