Perryville Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Perryville Falls
Perryville Falls is a privately owned, dramatic waterfall on Canaseraga Creek near Perryville, New York, plunging roughly 120–150 feet into a narrow, wooded gorge. The vertical drop and the surrounding forest create striking photo opportunities and a feeling of remote wilderness despite the falls’ private status. The setting rewards visitors with powerful cascades and steep-walled views that change with the seasons. The falls sit within the Oneida Indian Nation Reservation and are managed by the tribe (land owner: DESG; manager: TRIB). Because the land is privately held, visitors should respect property boundaries and check access with the Oneida Nation before planning a trip. When open, the area is popular with hikers and photographers seeking a dramatic waterfall experience in central New York.
The Setting
Perryville Falls sits at 997 feet within Oneida Indian Nation Reservation, fed by the Chittenango Creek, in the foothills of New York.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Chittenango Falls (167 ft) lies 2.8 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Pratts Falls (137 ft, 10.9 mi) and Buttermilk Falls (30 ft, 5.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The route to Perryville Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The trail leads through forested terrain to one or more viewing spots overlooking the falls on Canaseraga Creek; proper footwear is recommended as sections can be slippery or muddy after rain. There is no USFS trail number or surface/grade/class data provided for this route, and access is across privately owned land on the Oneida Indian Nation Reservation (DESG, managed by TRIB). Visitors should confirm current access rules and any seasonal closures with the Oneida Nation before hiking and always respect posted signs and facilities.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Perryville Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Perryville Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest 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 creek and waterfall edge, as rocks can be slippery. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or icy conditions.
Current Water Conditions
19 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 29 years of record
1.00 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 CHITTENANGO CREEK NEAR CHITTENANGO NY (5 km away).
Today
Roaring
19 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
21 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
21 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
23 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
22 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
22 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
26 cfs
6/10Best window: Thu — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early May, 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 Chittenango 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 158 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,008 feet.
The ground changes about 31 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 73 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,008 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 158 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Perryville Falls is located near the small hamlet of Perryville in Madison County, New York. It can be accessed via Perryville Road, and the falls are situated near the Chittenango Creek.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited roadside parking available near the falls. Visitors should exercise caution when parking and ensure they are not obstructing traffic.
Elevation
997 feet above sea level
Coordinates
43.009789° N, -75.806022° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit after a period of rainfall for the most impressive water flow. Bring sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy. Be cautious near the edge of the creek and avoid venturing too close to the falls for safety.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Syracuse-Carrier Circle
Hampton Inn & Suites Cazenovia, NY
Westcott Suite Apartments
Holiday Inn Express Syracuse-Fairgrounds by IHG
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
Chittenango Falls State Park is located nearby and offers additional hiking trails and a larger waterfall to explore.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, small mammals, and aquatic life in the creek.
Cities near Perryville Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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