Oak Tree Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
There is no public trail or park at Oak Tree Falls, and the land along Groves Creek is not public. Get landowner permission before walking the creek.
Photo Credits (2)
About Oak Tree Falls
Oak Tree Falls is a roughly 60-foot plunge on Groves Creek, on the west side of Cayuga Lake near Wyers Point Road in the town of Ovid, Seneca County. There is no trail; visitors who have reached it walked up or down the creek bed. The falls can be glimpsed from the road through the trees.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Taughannock Falls (215 ft) lies 11.5 miles to the southeast.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no maintained trail. The falls are reached only by walking in the Groves Creek bed, which means wet, slippery rock.
Accessibility
Not accessible; the only route is through the creek bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Oak Tree Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Oak Tree Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, adding to the scenic experience.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Creek walking means slippery rock and fast-rising water after rain.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Keuka Lake Outlet, 11.4 miles away, not on Oak Tree Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
19 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 61 years of record
2.09 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge KEUKA LAKE OUTLET AT DRESDEN NY (18 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
33 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
25 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
30 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March 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 Interlaken 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 121 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 461 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 69 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 95 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 461 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 121 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are on Groves Creek near Wyers Point Road, east of NY 89, a few miles north of Interlaken.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Only a very small roadside pull-off is reported near the falls.
Elevation
469 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.676737° N, -76.729395° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Where to Stay
Heron Cottage on Cayuga Lake
Savannah House Wine Country Inn & Cottages
41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3BR/2BA Lakehouse 10 min to town
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.
Nearby Campground
POTOMAC GROUP CAMPGROUND
13.1 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Potomac Group Campground and Day Use Area provides a primitive camping experience for groups of 8-40 people. It is an excellent site for family events and youth group activities. The facility is situated in a scenic area of New York, which makes for an exciting place to explore. A variety of recreational activities are available. Parking for the campground is located approximately 500 feet from the campground itself and all gear must be carried in and out. Recycling cans are available on
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Wildlife
The area may be home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings.
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