Aerial view · USGS
Plumb Brook Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
3D terrainAbout Plumb Brook Falls
Plumb Brook Falls is a tucked-away cascade in the Adirondack region where Plumb Brook tumbles toward the Raquette River, framed by classic northern hardwood forest and rocky ledges. The falls lie within Whippoorwill Corners State Forest — a State Conservation Area (SCA) — and are managed by SDC, offering a peaceful photo-worthy setting for hikers who seek a quieter slice of the Adirondacks. Access is along a 2.4-mile out-and-back route that gains roughly 350 feet and is generally rated moderate, so it’s a good half-day outing for most walkers who are comfortable with some uphill sections. Because the site sits on state-managed land, check with SDC for current access details, parking, and any seasonal advisories before you go.
The Setting
Plumb Brook Falls sits at 640 feet within Whippoorwill Corners State Forest, fed by the Oswegatchie River, in the foothills of New York.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Length: 2.4 miles round trip. Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. The trail leads into Whippoorwill Corners State Forest (SCA) and is managed by SDC; there is no USFS trail number associated with this route. Surface, grade, and official trail class data from USFS are not provided for this location — contact SDC for maps, route markings, and condition reports before hiking.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by natural forested areas. However, due to its location on private property, access may be restricted, and the area may not have developed amenities or marked trails.
Accessibility
The falls are not known to be wheelchair accessible, and the terrain may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Plumb Brook Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
Permit required
The falls are located on private property, so visitors should obtain permission from the landowner before accessing the area.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Plumb Brook Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit when water flow is typically at its peak due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution as the area may have slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and limited cell service. Always inform someone of your plans before visiting remote locations.
Current Water Conditions
139 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 83 years of record
2.02 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
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 OSWEGATCHIE RIVER NEAR OSWEGATCHIE NY (20 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
150 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
153 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
141 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
146 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
165 cfs
3/10Sat
Barely Flowing
168 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
162 cfs
3/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to mid 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 Richville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain Around Plumb Brook 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
Plumb Brook Falls is located near the town of Colton, New York. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or maps to navigate to the area. The falls are situated on private property, so permission may be required to visit.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is limited and may require finding a safe spot along nearby roads. Visitors should be cautious and avoid blocking driveways or private access points.
Elevation
640 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.397792° N, -75.149611° W
Land Management
Managed by SDC
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check with local authorities or property owners for access permissions before visiting. Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain may be uneven or slippery. Bring a map or GPS device as the area may lack clear signage.
Where to Stay
Camp Lake Bear
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Canton
Best Western University Inn
Holiday Inn Express - Canton 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
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Adirondack region offers numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby waterfalls such as Lampson Falls and Rainbow Falls.
Wildlife
The area may feature typical Adirondack wildlife such as deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Plumb Brook Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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