LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Ord Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Ord Falls
Ord Falls is a stretch of rapids on the Hudson River in Essex County, New York (43.943477, -74.144390), sitting southeast of the hamlet of Newcomb. Rather than a single drop, Ord Falls reads as a lively run of Class II rapids that threads the river through a wooded corridor, making it a rewarding spot for both hikers who want a scenic riverside stop and paddlers looking for runnable whitewater. The falls and its access lie within the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest and are managed by SDC under an SCA designation, so you’ll be stepping into protected Forest Preserve lands as you explore. In higher water conditions Ord Falls is also a draw for canoeists and kayakers: the Wikipedia-sourced record notes the river corridor can be paddled when the U.S. Geological Survey gage at Newcomb registers three feet or higher. For land-based visitors the setting is peaceful and verdant, with the river’s rush framed by mixed northern hardwoods and spruce. Whether you come to listen to the rapids or to scout a paddle line, Ord Falls rewards a modest effort with a sense of remoteness close to Newcomb.
The Setting
Ord Falls sits at 1,555 feet within Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest, in the hills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
USFS/land-unit trail name or number is not reported for this route; surface, grade, and official trail class are not specified in the available USFS data. Hikers should plan for a moderate-length walk on unmarked forest trails and riverbank terrain, wear sturdy footwear, and exercise caution near slick rock and swift water. Paddlers should check the USGS gage at Newcomb (runable at 3 feet or higher) before attempting the Class II rapids.
What to Expect
Ord Falls is a quiet and natural area, ideal for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature. The surrounding area may feature dense vegetation and a tranquil atmosphere.
Accessibility
Accessibility information for Ord Falls is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ord Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ord Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow due to seasonal rains.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and unmarked trails. Always inform someone of your plans before visiting remote areas.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Hudson River, 1.7 miles away, not on Ord Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
238 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 85 years of record
2.34 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge HUDSON RIVER NEAR NEWCOMB NY (3 km away).
Today
Moderate
240 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
270 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
256 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
251 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
256 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
273 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
276 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 North Creek hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Ord Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Ord Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 35°F to 31°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 255 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 129 feet of descent through Ord Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,571 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 67 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 59 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,571 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 129 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Specific directions to Ord Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for the most accurate route.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability near Ord Falls is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options.
Elevation
1,555 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.943396° N, -74.144038° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as the location may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for varying trail conditions.
Where to Stay
Silver Bay YMCA Inn and Conference Center
Lodge at Schroon Lake
Sandy Point Motel
Rustic North Creek Getaway ~ 4 Mi to Gore Mtn!
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
Nearby attractions are not well-documented, but visitors may explore other natural areas in New York.
Wildlife
The area around Ord Falls may feature typical New York wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Ord Falls
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