Nevele Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
About Nevele Falls
Nevele Falls sits in the western Catskill Mountains near Ellenville, New York, on the grounds of the former Nevele Grande Hotel in Wawarsing. The cascade tumbles through a wooded ravine in a series of scenic steps, offering a peaceful, secluded setting that feels like a hidden remnant of the region’s resort-era past. The falls are closely tied to the Nevele resort — a once-famous Borscht Belt hotel that opened in 1901 and ultimately closed in 2009 — which gives the site a strong sense of history alongside its natural charm. Local lore adds to the place’s character: “Nevele” is reportedly “Eleven” spelled backward, honoring the eleven nineteenth-century schoolteachers who discovered a waterfall on the estate. Because the falls lie on private resort property rather than within a managed public land unit, access can be restricted; visitors should respect property boundaries, seek permission when appropriate, and practice Leave No Trace while enjoying the setting.
The Setting
Nevele Falls sits at 538 feet along the Gumaer Brook, in the foothills of New York.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Verkeerder Kill Falls (187 ft) lies 3.5 miles to the east. Also nearby: Stony Kill Falls (87 ft, 5.3 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The approach to Nevele Falls is an out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles round-trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate in difficulty. Expect uneven footing and short ups-and-downs that make the hike feel short but engaging; the stated trail type is out-and-back and most hikers find it a moderate effort. There is no USFS trail name or number associated with this route and no official federal surface/grade/class data available for the approach. The falls and its trail lie on former private resort grounds, so access may be limited or subject to permission—verify access before heading out, wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared for unmarked or informal paths.
What to Expect
Expect a scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, typical of the Catskill region. However, access may be restricted, and the condition of the trail or area is unknown.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available due to the private property status.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Nevele Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Nevele Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit waterfalls in the Catskills due to higher water flow from snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of restricted access and avoid trespassing. The condition of trails and surrounding areas is unknown, so proceed with care.
Current Water Conditions
13 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 6 years of record
5.17 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 GUMAER BROOK NEAR WURTSBORO NY (13 km away).
Today
Roaring
13 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
13 cfs
8/10Wed
Roaring
13 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
13 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
14 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
14 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
14 cfs
6/10Best window: Thu — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 Cragsmoor 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 176 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 543 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 124 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 45 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls 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
- 543 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 176 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
Nevele Falls is located near Ellenville, New York, within the former Nevele Resort property. Access may be restricted due to the private ownership of the land. Visitors should confirm access permissions before planning a trip.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is uncertain due to the private nature of the property. Visitors may need to park off-site and confirm access with local authorities or property owners.
Elevation
538 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.694538° N, -74.394043° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check with local authorities or property owners for access permissions. Be prepared for potential restrictions and avoid trespassing.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn Monticello, Ny
Americas Best Value Inn New Paltz
Moondance Ridge Suites
Mid-Century DJs Dream near Rhinebeck
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
The town of Ellenville offers dining and shopping options. Nearby, the Shawangunk Ridge provides hiking and outdoor activities.
Wildlife
The area may feature typical Catskill wildlife such as deer, birds, and small mammals.
Cities near Nevele Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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