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

Live Conditions · 1,540 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 Sep 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. The most commonly referenced approach is an out-and-back hike of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating — ideal for hikers looking for a short, satisfying outing. 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, fed by the Raquette River, 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

Trail type: out-and-back; length: ~2.4 miles; elevation gain: ~350 ft; difficulty: moderate. 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 Strong

1,540 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

410 618 1.6k 1.7k

Based on 65 years of record

4.39 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

Strong right now

1540 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

1663 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

1630 cfs

9/10

Wed

Strong

1418 cfs

10/10

Thu

Strong

1567 cfs

10/10

Fri

Roaring

1751 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

1686 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

1692 cfs

6/10

Best window: Wed — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).

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.

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.