Are there fees or permits required for Pelkys Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Pelkys Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Pelkys Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Pelkys Falls.

Aerial view of the ground around Pelkys Falls near Hannawa Falls, New York

Aerial view · USGS

Nearby gauge (Raquette River) · 978 ft³/s · About average

Pelkys Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Pelkys Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Pelkys Falls.

New York

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

3D terrain

Rayonier UNKE · PVT

About Pelkys Falls

Pelkys Falls is a small, scenic waterfall in New York set within privately owned woodland. The parcel is listed as private (PVT) and administered under the Rayonier land unit (designation UNKE) with on-the-ground management noted as SDC. Because the falls lie on private property, visitors should watch for posted access information and respect any restrictions or seasonal closures. The setting around the falls is quiet and forested, offering a peaceful reward for hikers who prefer less-developed spots. Bring sturdy footwear and plan ahead, as facilities and maintained access may be limited on this privately managed land.

The Setting

Pelkys Falls sits at 896 feet within Rayonier, in the foothills of New York.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Lampsons Falls (40 ft) lies 3.0 miles to the southwest.

Lampsons Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

USFS trail name/number and specific USFS surface, grade, or class data are not available for this route. Much of the approach may follow natural forest tread and unmarked sections; expect variable footing and limited infrastructure. Confirm access before you go, follow posted rules on the Rayonier-managed (UNKE) parcel, and use Leave No Trace practices.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a serene and relatively secluded waterfall surrounded by natural forest. The falls are part of the Raquette River, and the area may be slippery or uneven near the water.

Accessibility

The falls may not be easily accessible for individuals with mobility challenges due to uneven terrain and lack of formal trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pelkys Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Pelkys Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Pelkys Falls, as water flow is typically higher during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery, and currents may be strong. Wear appropriate footwear and avoid visiting during heavy rain or flooding conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Raquette River, 8.7 miles away, not on Pelkys Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

978 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

478 809 2.2k 3.3k

Based on 65 years of record

3.78 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.

RAQUETTE RIVER AT SOUTH COLTON NY

USGS 04267500

8.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 937 sq mi

Altitude: 882 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge RAQUETTE RIVER AT SOUTH COLTON NY (14 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

978 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

1056 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

1010 cfs

8/10

Sat

Moderate

1028 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

1110 cfs

6/10

Mon

Moderate

955 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

1004 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

859 cfs

9/10

Best window: Mon — moderate flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).

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

Is Pelkys Falls Frozen?

Updated about 6 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

Pelkys Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 33°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 978 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 Around Pelkys Falls

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

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

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Pelkys Falls is located near Colton, New York, along the Raquette River. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or maps to navigate to the area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking may be available in small pull-off areas near the falls, but it is limited. Visitors should plan accordingly and avoid blocking roadways.

Elevation

896 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.428951° N, -75.020199° W

Land Management

Rayonier UNKE

Managed by SDC

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for potentially unmarked or uneven terrain. Check local conditions before visiting, especially after heavy rains, as the area may become muddy or slippery.